Themes – research that broadens perspectives
Curious about research that broadens your perspective? Every month we present a new theme.
Existence
What is the meaning of life? Do we have free will? Can we stop ageing? People have pondered these questions since time immemorial. In today’s digital world, they take on new urgency. Meanwhile, medical advances are revealing more about how to stop ageing and minimise risks at the start of life.
The global university
Our researchers and students are active all over the world – in fieldwork, through research collaborations and via student exchanges. Our University is represented at the major global research facilities. Uppsala University is a hub for important EU projects and international meetings. Meet the world in Uppsala and Visby!
The forces of nature
Climate-related extreme weather events and natural disasters are becoming increasingly common. Global warming, combined with our lifestyles, could pave the way for tropical diseases to take hold in Sweden too. By studying everything from earthquakes to virus-spreading mosquitoes, researchers hope to predict threats and better protect us against them.
Drugs of the future
Biological drugs for cancer, transplants for diabetes, new antibiotics. The drugs of the future are being developed in Uppsala, in close cooperation between researchers and industry, using modern technologies such as AI and automation.
The City
Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. Many people are now working to make cities more sustainable– with climate-smart ways to preserve buildings, green spaces to favour biodiversity, safe neighbourhoods and more efficiently used electricity networks.
The Earth’s resources
The Earth does not have endless resources. The ocean, minerals, forests and other natural resources are threatened by human activities. New innovative solutions offer the prospect of a more sustainable future.
Lifestyle
What are the connections between lifestyle, genetics and health? Is it possible to exercise and eat your way to better health and are there differences between the sexes? How can we avoid stress? Smart choices can improve our wellbeing.
Evolution
The study of evolution teaches us how life originated and how it has developed throughout history. Understanding how humans, animals and plants have coped with change can give us clues to solving climate change and preserving biodiversity.
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.
The brain
Thanks to our brain, we can plan our actions, regulate emotions and solve complex problems. The brain also holds both positive and negative memories. But what happens when it malfunctions? For example, in the case of Alzheimer’s disease, head injuries or depression?
Fossil-free future
To meet future electricity needs, we need to tame the forces of nature but also change our behaviour. Uppsala University is an international melting pot, bringing together researchers from many disciplines to contribute to the green transition.
Climate
Higher temperatures on Earth are leading to melting ice on Svalbard and new diseases in Sweden. Finding solutions demands many different perspectives. Natural scientists, humanists and medical researchers are all working on this to create a sustainable future.
Extreme
Hot and cold, major and minute – we gather research here linked to extremes such as extreme weather, the health benefits of saunas and life in outer space.
Super election year
National elections will be held in many of the world’s most populous countries in 2024. That is why it has been deemed a “super election year”. But do all these voting processes mean that democracy is growing stronger? Or is it all a charade?
Growing up
What does the future hold for children and young people today? Parents have an important role to play, but so do health services, schools and social services. The more we know, the better conditions we can provide for children to grow up in.
Innovation
The Celsius thermometer, the pregnancy test and drugs to fight Alzheimer’s disease all derive from research at Uppsala University – inventive and innovative since 1477!
Food
What we choose to eat affects not only our own health, but also our social life and our surrounding environment. But what food should you choose in order to live as healthily as possible? And what happens when eating habits are not really working?
Darkness
Short days, long nights. So what could be more appropriate than embracing the darkness in man, the universe and under our feet?
Freedom
Who decides whose way of thinking is right and whose is wrong? Freedom of thought is essential in the quest for knowledge.
The Past
Voyage with the Vikings and meet the crew of the Vasa. New technology brings us face to face with history.
Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence can prevent heart attacks and it could take your job. But how smart is it really?
Summer
Why is it that we feel so much better when out in nature? Why should you avoid ticks and can you really bird watch in the city?
