Sustainable development at Uppsala University

A world in which future generations can be assured a good environment, sustainable energy supply, economic prosperity, a safe, secure society, and peace and justice, requires new knowledge. The universities have great expectations to fulfil.

Uppsala University is well equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Our research provides new perspectives on the basic questions that science seeks to answer, as well as knowledge that can help enhance the sustainability of our environment, improve human health and secure societal development. Through our education, people can acquire the skills and tools needed to help create a better world.

The above paragraphs are from the foreword of Uppsala University’s Mission & Core Values. The University’s work for sustainable development is further detailed in the documents Programme for Sustainable Development and Action Plan for Sustainable Development 2016–2018 which can be found below.

Student parking her bike in the bike stands by the River Fyris.

Uppsala University Sustainability Initiative – UUSI

Uppsala University Sustainability Initiative (UUSI) has been launched to strengthen research at the University that can further society’s transition towards sustainability. Currently, the work is focused on two thematic areas or initiatives:

  • Climate change leadership
  • Sustainable urban development

Another two or three initiatives may be launched in 2019.

The goals of UUSI:

  • Develop tools for effective multi- and interdisciplinary research collaboration.
  • Communicate and give visibility to the activities and results of the research initiatives, within Uppsala University and to the external community.
  • Initiate and develop multi- and interdisciplinary research initiatives in the area of sustainability.
  • Support collaboration between the disciplinary domains and external actors within the initiatives.

NEEDS 2019

UUSI acknowledges the upcoming Northern European Conference on Emergency and Disaster Studies (NEEDS 2019), hosted by Uppsala University June 10-12, 2019. The interdisciplinary conference addresses several important themes in the nexus of disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. For more information about NEEDS 2019, see: www.needs2019.com

Four researchers in sustainable development

Ulrika Persson-FischierUlrika Persson-Fischier

Ulrika Persson-Fischier works at the Department of Engineering Sciences and conducts research into sustainability, tourism and visitor trade, entrepreneurship and culture. She is part of ‘Sustainable Visits’ at Uppsala University’s campus on the island of Gotland where she researches visitor trade and sustainability in the Case Gotland project.

Read the full interview with Ulrika Persson-Fischier

Mats MålqvistMats Målqvist

Mats Målqvist is Professor of Global Health at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health and focuses his research on health systems, implementation research and health equity.

Read the full interview with Mats Målqvist

Marika EdoffMarika Edoff

Marika Edoff is Professor of Solid State Electronics at the Department of Engineering Sciences, where she heads a research group working with thin film solar cells.

Read the full interview with Marika Edoff

Terry Hartig.Terry Hartig

Terry Hartig is Professor of Environmental Psychology at the Department of Psychology and at the Institute for Housing and Urban Research.

Read the full interview with Terry Hartig

Programme for Sustainable Development

In Uppsala University’s Programme for Sustainable Development, the University Board has outlined how Uppsala University is to further sustainable development in both research, education and collaboration with the surrounding society.

The Programme for Sustainable Development aims to encourage engagement, initiatives and innovation in the field of sustainability within the University as well as in external partnerships. The Programme for Sustainable Development will also help increase knowledge and awareness of the challenges in the field of sustainability and encourage accountability at all levels within the University.

Download the Programme for Sustainable Development

Action plan for Sustainable Development, 2016–2018

Uppsala University’s Action Plan for Sustainable Development has been approved by the Vice-Chancellor and specifies the strategic priorities in the Programme for Sustainable Development through a number of initiatives to be implemented in 2016–2018. Just like Programme for Sustainable Development, it is divided into sections for research, education and collaboration with the surrounding society.

Download the Action Plan for Sustainable Development, 2016–2018

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