ISY Day 2025 鈥� sustainability in academia, industry, and society

Two women standing in front of two computer monitors.

The making of future security experts

The cybersecurity lab on Campus Valla is a specially designed environment where students can practise ethical hacking as well as protection against attackers.

En man med skalligt huvud och svart skjorta.

Space psychologist 鈥� no room for delay

He began studying for a master鈥檚 degree in engineering but dropped out.Then he enrolled on the psychology programme. Yet something still felt wrong. Now he is studying both at the same time and feels he has finally found his place.

En kvinna st氓r i sn枚n framf枚r ett batterilager.

The battle for power 鈥� who has the right to our electricity?

Wind farms rising like the Eiffel Tower, data centres consuming as much power as entire regions and municipalities feeling like pawns in a global game. The large-scale investments are creating conflict: who has priority access to our electricity?

A man and a woman shaking hands in front of a statue.

New AI partnership strengthens the region

The AI Academy Partnership Program at 福利姬 will support companies and organisations in developing the skills needed to use AI effectively. The first partner in this new form of collaboration is Länsförsäkringar Östgöta.

Molecular medicine research secures long-term funding

The Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at LiU has been granted extended funding until 2039 by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. This makes it possible to build on ten years of success and to recruit new physician-scientists.

From painter to PhD student

Family life came early for PhD student Petter Alsén. Shortly after finishing upper secondary school, he became a father, and he began working as an apprentice painter in the construction industry. Nine years later, he called his boss.

Asteroid named after Anders Ynnerman for his contributions to space

LiU professor Anders Ynnerman is one of ten Swedes to have had an asteroid named after them. His visualisation research takes us out into space through the software OpenSpace, which opens up the entire known universe to the public.

Parents' housing choices can sustain segregation across generations

Where parents live influences housing choices and segregation for their adult children. This is shown by new research from 福利姬. Early decisions about housing and municipal services can affect long-term patterns of segregation.

Training educators requires research

Teachers face challenges when it comes to sparking students鈥� curiosity and getting them to understand science and technology. This is something the Graduate School FontD has addressed over the past two decades.

En kvinna i labbrock h氓ller i en pipett.

Existing medication can restore HIV-affected immune cells

HIV exhausts the body鈥檚 immune system by overactivating it, despite effective antiviral treatment. Researchers from 福利姬 have conducted cell studies showing that an existing medication restores immune cell function.

Infrar枚d data visar en delvis bild av en person t盲ckt av ett metallskynke.

Sensors could be new witnesses in criminal investigations

Sensors in connected buildings record temperatures, movement and air quality to regulate indoor environments. However, the same data can also help reconstruct what has happened at a crime scene.

Lawyer Johan Höök appointed guest professor in Moa Martinson鈥檚 name

The Centre for Municipal Strategic Studies will be strengthened with expertise in municipal law and legislative work. From autumn 2026, Johan Höök will serve as a guest professor for two years, contributing expertise from his professional work.

A piece of crystal sitting on top of black cloth.

Qubits created using unexpected materials

For the first time, researchers have demonstrated that the properties of the perovskite family of materials can be used to create so-called quantum bits. The findings pave the way for more affordable materials in future quantum computers.

En man som sitter vid ett bord framf枚r ett f枚nster.

Three more years as Vice-Chancellor

The Government has announced that Jan-Ingvar Jönsson has been reappointed as Vice-Chancellor of 福利姬 for a further three years, until 30 June 2029.

A close up photo in black and white of a man.

David Livingstone Smith will be guest professor at LiU

David Livingstone Smith is a professor of philosophy, he focuses on dehumanisation, race and genocide. He regards the guest professorship in the name of Tage Danielsson as a great honour and a respite from a strained academic climate in the US.

A man sitting on a chair reading a paper.

Brave Magnus has no beard

With hard rock as a constant companion, Professor Magnus Dahlstedt goes his own way in academia. He wants research to be shared, understood and used 鈥� knowledge has no value if not disseminated.

A woman sleeping on a bed with a pillow.

New insights aided recovery from persistent fatigue

Researchers have identified common steps and turning points in stories of patients who have recovered from diagnoses characterised by persistent fatigue. The findings can contribute to new ways of understanding and rehabilitating these conditions.

En man som sitter i en stol p氓 ett kontor.

Increased risk of bullying in open-plan offices

Open-plan offices entail a clearly increased risk of workplace bullying compared with employees having their own office or sharing with just a few colleagues. This is shown in research from 福利姬.

Prestigious chemistry award to Simone Fabiano

This year鈥檚 Göran Gustafsson Prize in Chemistry is awarded to LiU Professor Simone Fabiano. His research focuses on organic semiconductors and how so鈥慶alled doping can improve conductivity and yield new properties.

En person i labbrock som h氓ller i en flaska.

AI provides a more precise time of death

Artificial intelligence can be used to provide a more precise time of death, which can be crucial in e.g. murder investigations. The AI model is trained on so-called metabolites in thousands of blood samples from real deaths.

AI-boosted electronic nose detects ovarian cancer

Using machine learning, an electronic nose can 鈥渟mell鈥� early signs of ovarian cancer in the blood. The method is precise and, according to the LiU researchers behind the study, it could eventually be used to find many different cancers.

A woman in a white lab coat holding up a toothbrush.

Treatment can protect extremely premature babies from lung disease

Early hydrocortisone treatment of extremely premature babies increases their chances of survival without lung disease, according to a study led by LiU. The study also shows that the treatment is safe to give.

A couple of people that are standing in the grass.

The war in Ukraine has serious effects on children鈥檚 health

Children鈥檚 access to healthcare in Ukraine has seen a sharp decline since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. A Swedish study shows how children鈥檚 physical, mental and social health is being seriously affected by the war.

No association between COVID-vaccine and decrease in childbirth

COVID-19 vaccination is not the cause behind a decrease in childbirth, according to a study from 福利姬. The results speak against rumours about vaccination and reduced fertility.

A group of people sitting around a wooden table.

Ukrainian researchers and students visited LiU

Ukrainian society must continue to function during the war. Other European countries can contribute. LiU is part in the Swedish-Ukrainian project STREAM-U and recently welcomed a group of researchers, public officials and students.

AI and simulation lab equips teachers

Teachers and students are given tools to use AI wisely in education. In simulations with avatars, they practise dealing with teaching challenges. This and much more is going on in the AIST Lab, a new interdisciplinary initiative at LiU.

Young woman measures blood sugar level. Diabetes using lancet.

Foundations for type 1 diabetes may already be laid during pregnancy

Researchers have identified a protein pattern that, already at birth, looks markedly different in those who later go on to develop type 1 diabetes. The findings show that a combination of several factors during pregnancy affects disease risk.

Cutting鈥慹dge IT and mobile communications research grows

Efficient 6G, advanced robotics and human-machine interaction are some of the themes of the 25 new research projects that have been awarded funding within the ELLIIT initiative. The projects share a total of SEK 255 million over five years.

A truck driving down a highway next to a lush green field.

Higher costs for green hydrogen transport in the Nordics

Green hydrogen produced using solar and wind power would be cheaper to produce at more southerly latitudes than in the Nordic region. This is shown in a study from 福利姬.

Customer confidence is crucial to how new technology is received

As customers, we can become both satisfied and more interested when a company offers digital, innovative services, such as an AI-based solution. At the same time, this can make us reject those services.

En kvinna sitter vid ett skrivbord och l盲ser en bok.

American poets society

Literary scholar Elin Käck is probably the only person who has done her work experience programme with a poet. She enjoys spending her summers in various archives and has recently presented her research on American poets鈥� travels in Europe.

En kvinna sitter i sn枚n med en handv盲ska.

Political polarisation blocks more sustainable transport

Trains and planes have become part of our polarised social climate and one is often set against the other. This political gridlock hinders progress towards a more sustainable transport system. This is the conclusion of a doctoral thesis at LiU.

Digital services can increase exclusion

When public agencies introduce digital services, one goal is to improve accessibility for citizens. But for residents in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, this may create new barriers to integration. This is shown in a doctoral thesis from LiU.

Electric motors are transforming hydraulics

Electrifying hydraulics on, for example, an excavator can significantly improve efficiency. However, it requires major technical changes. Electric machines have different characteristics compared to combustion engines.

A man is standing outdoors on a bridge, speaking to several people.

Tomorrow鈥檚 urban planners solve real challenges

Students on master鈥檚 programme in Strategic Urban and Regional Planning do more than study how cities develop. They step straight into reality. By working on real cases in Norrköping, their ideas could help shape the city鈥檚 future.

Roadmap to strengthen LiU:s role in Europe

LiU is increasing international presence by launching the Roadmap to Europe initiative. The aim is to deepen the university鈥檚 collaboration within Europe so as to strengthen education, research and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Portr盲tt av Fredrik Heintz som sitter i en trappa

National initiative to protect AI systems from cyberattacks

LiU will host a new national centre aimed at developing resilient AI systems. The funding of SEK 60 million comes from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research and its director will be LiU Professor Fredrik Heintz.

A snowy path with a building in the background.

SEK 40 million from the Swedish Research Council for clinical therapy research

A reduction in infection risks during hip replacement surgery and improved care for people with opioid dependence can lead to safer surgery and more effective addiction therapy.

A person walking down a sidewalk in the rain.

Persecuted scholars gain protection at LiU

Researchers are being targeted in many countries around the world. Through the organisation Scholars at Risk (SAR), LiU is helping to protect some of these researchers.

A man in a lab coat holding a tube of blue liquid.

Electrodes created using light

Visible light can be used to create electrodes from conductive plastics completely without hazardous chemicals. This is shown in a new study carried out by researchers at Linköping and Lund universities.

Greater risk that the political right falls for conspiracy theories

People who lean politically to the right are more likely to fall for conspiracy theories. But regardless of ideology, we tend to accept political claims that align with our own beliefs. This is shown in a doctoral thesis from LiU.

A man kneeling down on a field holding a grass mat.

Artificial turf in the Nordic climate 鈥� a question of sustainability

Artificial turf football pitches are better than natural turf from a sustainability perspective 鈥� with some reservations. This is demonstrated by researchers at LiU in a new study using life cycle analyses.

The future of healthcare starts in your mobile

Imagine your smartphone becoming a diagnostic tool that helps you detect early signs of illness or monitor your health between doctor鈥檚 visits. That is the vision behind the ECIU University course 鈥淗ealth in Your Hands鈥�.

25 years with Language and Culture 鈥� Nigel Musk was there from the start

The research environment Language and Culture was established in 2000. Nigel Musk, who left London for Sweden in his youth, has been a part of it from the beginning. Here, he reflects on the development of the environment and the challenges ahead.

Better care of expectant mothers in focus for new research centre

It should not matter where in the country a woman gives birth. Nor should her background. A new research centre is therefore being set up, to make the entire care chain for expectant and new mothers more equal and based on their individual needs.

Sociologist by chance

Sociologist Maria Brandén studies society from a bird鈥檚 eye perspective. As head of the Institute for Analytical Sociology at 福利姬, she wants to create research that influences important political decisions.

New Wallenberg Academy Fellows researching 6G and AI

LiU researchers Jendrik Seipp and Zheng Chen have been appointed as new Wallenberg Academy Fellows. The funding gives promising researchers the opportunity to tackle challenging research questions that require a long-term approach.

Woman looking up from working at her computer.

New research centre meets challenge of longer working lives

More and more people are working later into their lives 鈥� but what happens when health fails and this leads to sick leave? A new research centre at LiU is to find solutions for returning to work later in life and for a sustainable working life.

Inside Wadstr枚ms Exploranation Laboratory

LiU takes a big leap in global sustainability ranking

福利姬 climbs almost 200 places to reach position 156 in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability2026. The ranking measures how higher education institutions around the world contribute to sustainability.

The shape of the cell nucleus influences cancer treatment

Cancer cells with a cell nucleus that is easily deformed are more sensitive to drugs that damage DNA, shows a new study. The results may also explain why combining certain cancer drugs can produce the opposite of the intended effect.

LiU researchers are looking for solutions for climate transition in agriculture

Changing agriculture to reduce climate and environmental impact can cost money. But farmers wanting to invest and banks who want to lend them money share a problem. In a new project, researchers at LiU want to find solutions.

A miniature model of a brain made by gel.

Large donations for innovative treatment for Parkinson鈥檚 disease

The Promobilia Foundation has donated SEK 30 million to LiU for a research project where organic electronics will be used to treat Parkinson鈥檚 disease symptoms. Stiftelsen för Parkinsonsforskning at LiU has also donated SEK 5 million to the purpose.

Jungle fowl and modern chicken side by side.

Research on chickens can help endangered species

LiU researchers will try to find out whether it is possible to use genetic engineering to 鈥渦ndomesticate鈥� domesticated chickens. This could be a tool for conserving endangered species 鈥� and perhaps recreating extinct animals.

People in a tunnel, a lot of them use mask.

Solidarity under pressure 鈥� lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

FuturISE is an international research project that explores solidarity across generations in times of crisis. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can guide responses to future challenges, such as the climate crisis.

Maryam Ramzi leads with her heart

Before coming to Sweden at the age of 16, Maryam Ramzi could barely locate it on the map. Today she鈥檚 a medical student, research assistant and youth leader 鈥� honored by the King for her commitment to research, clinical work and leadership.

SEK 50 million from the Swedish Research Council to LiU

The Swedish Research Council has awarded SEK 50 million to LiU. This is the outcome of six calls for proposals where the allocation of grants was recently decided. The research covers areas such as segregation, youth crime and opioid dependence.

Protection against winter vomiting bug spread with arrival of agriculture

A genetic variant that protects against stomach virus infections appeared when humans began farming. This is shown by researchers at LiU and Karolinska Institutet, after analysing the genomes of 4,300 ancient individuals and cultivated 鈥渕ini-guts鈥�.

Four LiU researchers recieve funding from the Swedish Cancer Society

Researchers at LiU share SEK 12 million for new projects to improve treatment and quality of life for cancer patients. One of them is Henrik Green, who studies how genetic differences between patients can affect how they react to cancer treatment.

Physician measures a young man's blood pressure.

High blood pressure in adolescence a silent risk

A blood pressure as low as 120/80 mm Hg in adolescence is linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis in middle age. These findings indicate that high blood pressure early in life plays an important role in the development of coronary artery disease.

Young researchers receive millions in scholarships

Nine young researchers will share almost SEK 18 million from Catharina Högbom鈥檚 and Michael Cocozza鈥檚 Foundation for research and culture. The money is to fund research at 福利姬.

Boosting Europe's semiconductor manufacturing

LiU has deepened its research collaboration with the German graphite manufacturer SGL Carbon, with the long-term aim of strengthening European semiconductor manufacturing. Together, they have developed a purpose-built CVD tool on Campus Valla.

Man wearing a lab coat holds a test tube containing two green pills.

From lab to legislation 鈥� the fight against new online drugs

A new drug on the European market 鈥� every week. Professor Henrik Green is using research to help government agencies stop the most dangerous online drugs more quickly.

Strong ties between LiU and Japan

High-quality education and outstanding research unite 福利姬 with universities in Japan 鈥� but there are also shared challenges. For example, the timing of semester starts should be synchronised, according to Japan鈥檚 ambassador...

LiU researchers on the list of the world鈥檚 most cited

Researchers from LiU among the world鈥檚 most influential. Clarivate has once again listed those who rank within the top one per cent most cited in their research fields.

A man on stage is addressing the audience

Strengths and challenges in research revealed

For the first time, LiU has conducted an evaluation of all research 鈥� its quality, the culture, and the conditions for further development. The evaluation has been carried out through self-evaluation and external review by experts.

Higher methane emissions from warmer lakes and reservoirs may exacerbate worst-case climate scenario

Emissions of methane from lakes and reservoirs risk doubling by the end of the century due to climate change according to a new study from LiU and NASA. This in turn could raise Earth鈥檚 temperature more than suggested by current worst-case scenario.

Sperm molecules can predict IVF success

The sperm is not a passive supplier of genetic material to the egg. A study shows that certain molecules that come with the sperm, so-called micro-RNA, contribute to the development of the embryo several days after conception.

Space is not just technology, also a place for culture and ethics

In the shadow of rockets, satellites and billionaires鈥� space projects, a new field of research is emerging. It is about understanding space also as an arena for culture, politics and ethics.

Ahead of the COP30 climate summit: 鈥淚t鈥檚 looking really bad.鈥�

Not enough is being done, and not fast enough. That is the harsh assessment made by LiU researchers Mathias Fridahl and Maria Jernnäs ahead of this year鈥檚 major international climate summit in Brazil.

Research on exoskeletons and cleaners receives SEK 16.7 million

LiU receives SEK 16.7 million from AFA Försäkring for research in the field of work environment and health. The projects concern exoskeletons, cleaning staff, part-time managers and digital work environments in health and social care.

Increased quantum collaboration between LiU and Singapore

Researchers at 福利姬 and the National Quantum Office in Singapore are now deepening their collaboration in quantum technology. The aim is to jointly achieve both scientific and industrial breakthroughs.

National research infrastructure secures continued funding

The Swedish Research Infrastructure for Advanced Electron Microscopy, ARTEMI, has secured funding from the Swedish Research Council for another two years. It is crucial for advanced research in materials science, inorganic chemistry and physics.

Unexpectedly high emissions from wastewater treatment plants

Greenhouse gas emissions from many wastewater treatment plants may be more than twice as large as previously thought. This is shown in a new study from LiU, where the researchers used drones with specially manufactured sensors to measure emissions.

SEK23 million for research in humanities and the social sciences

Riksbankens Jubileumsfond grants over SEK 23 million to research projects in the humanities and social sciences at 福利姬. These include the significance of names, the consequences of uranium mining, political polarisation, and robots.

Close-up of a hand putting a ballot into a box

How local democracy can be strengthened

At a time when the values of democracy are under threat, municipalities need to resist authoritarian tendencies. Certain reforms can contribute to a more resilient local democracy. The introduction of municipal parliamentarism is an example.

LiU in collaboration with NASA

A collaboration between 福利姬 and NASA has led to a new three-day workshop about managing the unexpected. The aim is to provide knowledge, and some experience, of decision-making in tough situations.

AI method for determining time of death is awarded prize

Jenny Arpe鈥檚 master鈥檚 thesis at LiU presents a new method for determining the time of death using AI. For this she has now been awarded a master of science in engineering thesis prize awarded in memory of Christopher Polhem.

福利姬 to AI-proof its study programmes and courses

LiU is introducing a new action plan to AI-proof all its programmes and courses.鈥淎I is already changing the way we learn. We need to ensure high quality and remain relevant in an AI-driven future,鈥� says Deputy Vice-Chancellor Karin Axelsson.

Research on next-generation AI planning receives SEK 15 million

LiU researcher Jendrik Seipp has been awarded SEK 15 million to develop an AI planning system that uses multi-core processors for parallel computation. This could lead to more efficient logistics and large-scale energy optimisation, among much else.

Woman by a tree looking into the camera.

The paper industry can become more energy-efficient with a new measurement method

The pulp and paper industry consumes large amounts of energy. But despite stricter EU requirements for efficiency improvements, there has been no way to compare energy consumption between different companies. Now there may be a solution.

New master鈥檚 programmes in world-leading materials science

福利姬 is one of the world鈥檚 leading universities in materials science. The autumn of 2026 will see the launch of two new master鈥檚 programmes in this field. The students can look forward to an excellent labour market.

LiU establishes new infrastructure for materials research

A new Swedish research infrastructure for additive manufacturing (3D printing) and the finishing and qualification of components in tungsten for future nuclear power is being launched. LiU has been appointed coordinator for the MJOLNIR project.

New centre drives sustainability transition

With a mission to catalyse research and collaboration on sustainable societal transformation, a new centre, LiU Sustainability Transformations, LiUST, will be a new meeting place for innovation and collaboration 鈥� both within and outside of LiU.

The first machine used to analyse drying with dry air.

Nobel Prize-winning technology dries grain 鈥� without heat

Nobel Prize-winning technology is now applied in Swedish agriculture. At Hasta Gård, grain is dried without heat using far less energy. The research is part of an innovation project involving Agtech Sweden at LiU.

Older man and small child laughing to each other.

Men鈥檚 lifestyles may impact their grandchildren鈥檚 health

Habits and health issues can contribute to a kind of biological memory that can be passed on to future children. A review paper by LiU researchers presents a theory about the father鈥檚 contribution to protecting his descendants from infections.

Professors and award winners get their own Academic Ceremony

New professors will be inaugurated and award winners and Alumni of the Year will be celebrated at the Academic Ceremony on 10 October. 福利姬 is growing, and as of this year two Academic Ceremonies will be held.

From inside the body to the future of healthcare 鈥� 25 years of CMIV

25 years ago, an idea was born in Linköping: to unite research, healthcare, and industry in developing the medical tools of the future. Two years later, that vision became reality when CMIV was founded and its operations began.

Smart logistics can set the circular economy in motion

Many companies want to invest more in recycling and reuse as part of their business strategy 鈥� but the challenge is making it profitable. One important, yet often overlooked, factor is logistics. That is the view of researcher Erik Sandberg at LiU.

Johanna Rosén elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Linköping professor Johanna Rosén has been elected as a new member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, KVA, in the class for engineering sciences. She is one of five new members.

Person (Twan Bakker) standing infront of an MRI-machine.

Visualisation of blood flow sharpens artificial heart

Using magnetic cameras, researchers at LiU have examined blood flow in an artificial heart in real time. The results make it possible to design the heart in a way to reduce the risk of blood clots and red blood cells breakdown.

Carrying the torch of not burning plastic

He is the navy officer who chose to do a Master of Science in Engineering. More than 20 years later, Mattias Philipsson is leading the way for plastic in Sweden to become more circular. This Alumnus of the Year 2025 is not done yet.

This year鈥檚 alumni create sustainability with plastic recycling and heat technology

Mattias Philipsson has made major contributions towards strengthening Sweden鈥檚 position in plastic recycling. Lisa Lundström is involved in the development of innovative heating solutions. They are 福利姬鈥檚 Alumni of the Year 2025.

Person (Lisa Lundstr枚m) peeks out between two welding curtains.

Inspiring others to dare choose a career in engineering

Lisa Lundström always dreamed of being an engineer. Today, she owns and leads a heating technology company with customers all over the world. The Alumna of the Year is committed to inspiring more young people to dare dream of a career in engineering.

Here Karolina Muhrman is in Germany, discussing the new ethanol engine with representatives from John Deere.

How technology can strengthen Sweden鈥檚 food preparedness

Should Sweden be hit by a crisis, there is only enough food to feed half of our population. Could new technology be the solution easing our concerns at the dining table?

How Ukraine keeps society going despite the war

Despite being the war, Ukraine has maintained public services. A new study from LiU points to the collaboration between citizens and public authorities as a key factor. There are lessons to be learned for other countries in this, the researchers say.

LiU turns 50 - the second act

Did you think that LiU鈥檚 50-year birthday celebrations were already over? Then think again. The Kalas event kicked off the autumn term, and the next few months will see concerts, conferences and another academic ceremony, to name but a few events.

Researcher with blue gloves by microscope.

Plastic nerve cells become more advanced 鈥� and simpler

An artificial neuron made of conductive plastics that can perform advanced functions similar to those of biological nerve cells has been demonstrated by researchers at LiU.

Ancient lentils shed light over Canary Islands history

The very first genetic study of archaeological lentils show that lentils grown in the Canary Islands have a history that stretches back almost 2,000 years. These lentils may become valuable for plant breeding in the light of ongoing climate change.

Biogas solutions fuel innovation

Policymakers may find it difficult to understand and be able to weigh in all sustainability effects of biogas systems. A new report highlights 53 different effects, most of which have a positive impact on society.

LiU activates crisis management following bus accident on the E4

LiU has activated its crisis management team due to a bus accident on the E4 motorway. It involves a campus bus between LiU鈥檚 three campuses in Norrköping and Linköping. "Important to take care of one another", says vice-chancellor Jan-Ingvar Jönsson

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