What can you expect from Almedalen 2026
It’s time to start planning seminars for next year’s Almedalen. What should organisers keep in mind, and what can participants gain from taking part? Mikael Karlsson, Associate Senior Lecturer in Climate Leadership and a former seminar host, shares his experiences.
Almedalen Week 2025 attracted several staff members from the Faculty of Science and Technology to take part in discussions and events in Visby. Some also took the opportunity to apply for funding from the faculty – a possibility that is now open again.
One of those who organised their own seminars was Mikael Karlsson from the Department of Earth Sciences, who is also a researcher at the Institute for Research on Conflicts of Interest in Sustainable Societal Transformation, UUniCORN.
Why did you want to participate in Almedalen?
– We held Uppsala University’s Climate Days in Almedalen partly because the scientific knowledge we have about both climate problems and climate solutions needs to be brought into public debate, and partly because it is important for us to get input on questions and aspects that need further research. Addressing the climate crisis increasingly requires interdisciplinary approaches and co-creation of knowledge — and Almedalen is an excellent arena for that.
What was important to you in preparing for Almedalen?
– It’s always important to have a clear focus for your seminars in Almedalen, to secure panelists and speakers early on, and to market the events to engaged target groups.
What goals did you set?
– The goals were partly to communicate research results and partly to influence the discussion and perspectives in the climate debate — in some cases among key actors, in others among politicians. Another goal was also to establish "Klimatdagarna" and Uppsala University as a central producer of knowledge in the field.
Mikael Karlsson and panel members during Almedalen 2025
How do you think it went?
– I participated in over ten seminars, as organizer, speaker, moderator, or panelist, and most of it went very well. The seminars we organized ourselves were generally well received, although with better marketing we could probably have reached a larger audience. The partners we collaborated with are, by all indications, eager to continue participating in the future.
Have the seminars led to any concrete actions or other outcomes?
– Yes, some seminars have resulted in meetings and discussions with certain politicians and other stakeholders this autumn.
Was it worth the effort to take part in Almedalen?
– Absolutely. I’ve taken part in Almedalen Week most years since 1998, and it has always been worthwhile. Almedalen Week is a unique democratic melting pot that offers encounters that rarely happen elsewhere. Of course, there are valid points that the week nowadays partly resembles a business fair, and that the costs for things like accommodation are high, but the common thread is undoubtedly the thousands of events where elected representatives meet citizens, researchers, civil society, businesses, and other stakeholders. Many more people — especially youth organizations — should be helped to gain access to the week.
Any other tips for those considering organizing a seminar in Almedalen?
– It’s often advantageous to co-organize seminars or similar events with partners outside the universities; with proper preparation, this means less work and better outreach.
Anneli Björkman
Application for Almedalen 2026
Almedalen Week will take place on June 22–26, 2026, and the Faculty of Science and Technology once again invites departments to submit proposals for seminars to be organized. Proposals should be sent to the Heads of Department by December 15, for forwarding to karin.thellenberg@uu.se. At least one person from the department must participate in the event. The Faculty’s Collaboration Committee will then recommend the six strongest proposals to the Executive Committee.
Junior researchers are especially encouraged to organize seminars and participate in collaboration activities.
Decisions on which proposals will receive funding will be made at the end of January. Each approved proposal will receive up to SEK 75,000 in funding.
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