Research networks supported by CIRCUS

Computational Social Science

Traditionally, the social sciences have relied on two pillars: qualitative and quantitative methods. With recent advances in AI, a third pillar has emerged: computational approaches, that enable new ways for researchers and machines to collaborate. AI can act as an artificial research assistant, capable of executing complex tasks specified in natural language, it can simulate social processes, and it can generate synthetic yet realistic data. The Research Network aims to create a platform for multi- and interdisciplinary collaboration around the use of contemporary computational methods, such as generative AI, in the social sciences. Planned activities include matchmaking, networking, and training workshops, seminars, and retreats.

Support from CIRCUS 2026-2027.

Network leader: Matteo Magnani, Department of Information Technology, matteo.magnani@it.uu.se

Eating Disorders and Body Image Among Young Women

Mental ill-health is one of the most concerned societal challenges of our time, both in Sweden and globally. Women, especially young women, are particularly vulnerable, and despite the fact that women are overrepresented in several mental disorders, evidence-based knowledge about underlying causes and effective interventions is still lacking. Mental ill-health is linked to structural factors such as gender equality, working life, family, migration, and violence, where power relations, norms, and living conditions influence both the experience of health and the access to care and support.
The aim of the network is to establish a thematic research network with a particular focus on young women’s mental health, with an emphasis on eating disorders and body image. The network plans to bring together researchers from different departments and scientific fields to jointly identify knowledge gaps, formulate new research questions, and develop collaborative initiatives, thereby creating a platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange within the university. Planned activities include an annual open seminar and a seminar series.

Support from CIRCUS 2026-2027.

Network leader: Emma Hovén, Department of Women's and Children's Health, emma.hoven@uu.se

Existential health and Young people

Over the last decades, health and well-being has been on decline among young people in Sweden. At the same time, researchers have taken an interest in the concept of existential health to understand and promote the situation for young people. The network gathers researchers from Psychology, Religious Studies, Law, Palliative Care, Social Medicine, Literature, Gender Studies, Informatics and Media, and Sociology of Education to take a concerted approach to the research on youth health. In addition, a group of young people will be connected to the network as active participants in the research process.

Support from CIRCUS 2025-2026.

Network leader: Katarina Westerlund, Department of Theology, katarina.westerlund@teol.uu.se

Interdisciplinary research using Stan and Bayesian inference

Many research projects in the social and natural sciences use Bayesian modelling to make sense of real-world data. Stan is a language for programming that helps researchers make those types of models. The network Interdisciplinary research using Stan and Bayesian inference gathers researchers from Statistics, Information Technology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences to build a platform where researchers using Stan can meet to discuss problems and possibilities and share knowledge.

Support from CIRCUS 2025-2026.

Network leader: Måns Magnusson, Department of Statistics, mans.magnusson@statistik.uu.se and Sara Hamis, Department of Information Technology, sara.hamis@it.uu.se

Webpage: https://interbayes.github.io/

Preschool and Children: Experiences, Practices, and Development (PACED)

The Swedish preschool system affects children, parents, and society at large in numerous ways. PACED brings together researchers from the Uppsala Child and Baby Lab at the Department of Psychology and the newly established Preschool Centre, along with scholars from Education, Human Geography, Pedagogy, the Department of Economics and Housing and Urban Research (IBF). The network aims to map and consolidate existing preschool research at Uppsala University. By involving Uppsala Municipality and teacher education programs as external partners, PACED fosters synergies between researchers and practitioners to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Support from CIRCUS 2025-2026.

Network leader: Håkan Forsberg, Department of Education, hakan.forsberg@edu.uu.se

The network is part of the research group Housing, Education and Segregation (BUS), more information here.

Restricted Records, People, and Society (REPLY)

The production, management, and use of documentation on individuals’ interactions with public and private institutions such as health, social service, educational, migration, and police records, are gaining heightened scrutiny in today’s data driven era. Digitalisation, automated decision making, and online access have made these records more reachable than ever, with Sweden standing out for its longstanding culture of transparency. This raises important questions: Which artefacts function as records? Which parts need restriction? How should limits be defined and enforced? Addressing these issues is vital for safeguarding personal integrity, ensure societal accountability, but keep the effectiveness of public and private services. The REPLY network aims to take a comprehensive approach, serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research on how public institutions and their staff, in cooperation with society, can best manage the challenges and opportunities of documentation in the digital age. Planned activities are retreats, seminar series, workshops and symposium.

Support from CIRCUS 2026-2027.

Network leader: Isto Huvila, Department of ALM, isto.huvila@abm.uu.se

UPSIDE - Uppsala Studies in Social lnteraction and Discourse

Conversations are fundamental to human relationships. Through social interaction, all of society’s activities are managed, knowledge and experiences are passed on, identities are formed and different social structures and cultures are reproduced. The research network UPSIDE is grounded in the scientific field of Conversation Analysis and gathers researchers from Scandinavian Languages, Education, and Social Work at Uppsala University. Their aim is to develop and strengthen existing research through a deepened cross-disciplinary collaboration and develop a hub for national as well as international research on Conversation Analysis.

Support from CIRCUS 2025-2026.

Network leader: Helen Melander Bowden, Department of Education, Didactics & Sociology of Education, helen.melander@edu.uu.se