Uppsala University’s role in total defence
Uppsala University contributes to Sweden’s total defence through education, research, expertise and collaboration with total defence actors.
Our researchers seek out knowledge about how society can manage crises and heightened states of alert, how essential services can become more resilient, and how democracy can resist malicious information manipulation.
The University also contributes with the education it provides, expertise and collaborations with government agencies and other actors that are all part of Sweden’s total defence.
Research and knowledge that contributes to our total defence
We produce research and knowledge that strengthens Sweden’s defence, preparedness and resilience. This research spans many areas – from crisis preparedness and the energy supply to psychological defence, pandemic preparedness and the protection of our common cultural heritage.
Education that contributes to our total defence
We contribute to Sweden’s defence by educating people: giving them the knowledge and skills needed in both military and civil defence contexts.
Collaborations that contribute to our total defence
Uppsala University collaborates with government agencies, other higher education institutions and other actors to contribute research, education and expertise to our total defence.
Discover more
The research challenge Peace and Social Security
How do we create a safe and secure world?
Research strength: Emergency, preparedness, defence and security
Research and collaboration within the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology that strengthen Sweden’s preparedness to face challenges affecting the functioning and security of society.
Theme: A troubled world
The number of conflicts in the world is growing. On top of that, our digital reality faces major threats that heighten the need for cybersecurity. Through research, we can increase our understanding of war, conflict resolution and how to make the world more secure.
Facts: Uppsala University’s total defence responsibilities
Uppsala University is a government agency and, under the Ordinance on Central Government Authorities’ Preparedness (2022:524), the University is responsible for planning and preparing its activities for crises and heightened states of alert.
The University is required to:
- plan to enable education, research and other activities to continue as far as possible in the event of a heightened state of alert;
- identify risks and vulnerabilities in its sphere;
- collaborate with other government agencies and social actors in Sweden’s total defence planning;
- ensure that staff have the training and participate in regular exercises for managing crises;
- maintain good information security.
Source: Ordinance on Central Government Authorities’ Preparedness (2022:524), in particular Sections 7–14.
Contact
- Charlotte Platzer Björkman
- Professor, Vice-rector at the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology
- Margaretha Andersson
- Coordinator, Defence and Emergency Preparedness