Åsa Domeij, Head of Sustainability at Axfood, has been awarded SLU Alumna of the Year 2025. With a long-standing commitment to sustainable development, both in politics and the food industry, Åsa Domeij has played a key role in driving the transition toward a more sustainable society. She graduated from SLU’s agronomy program in 1987 with a specialization in soil and plants.
"This is really exciting and completely unexpected! I decided to study at SLU when I was just eleven years old. I was drawn to the big questions for humanity – environmental issues and global food security," says Åsa Domeij.
Every year, SLU awards the title of SLU Alumnus of the Year to a former student who contributes to a sustainable, thriving, and better world. A jury, consisting of SLU representatives and the previous year’s winner, selects a winner from the nominees.
Åsa Domeij has played a central role in elevating environmental issues within Swedish politics and was, among other things, the Vice Chair of the parliament’s Committee on Environment and Agriculture during the 2000s. For many years, she has successfully worked with sustainability issues within the business sector, specifically in the food industry. As Head of Sustainability at Axfood, she combines theory with practical sustainability efforts to make a real difference.
"Right now, the biggest challenge for sustainability issues is that many other urgent matters demand our attention, such as violence, war and geopolitical tensions," Åsa notes.
Jury’s Statement
Åsa Domeij, agronomist and SLU alumna, has demonstrated exceptional drive and perseverance, pioneering the integration of sustainability aspects into Swedish politics. Through her successful work, she has contributed knowledge and values to the business sector, leading to sustainable solutions and business strategies in a major corporation.
Åsa is both a visionary and a person of action. She has played a significant role in making the business sector a driving force in the fight for a more sustainable future. Her contributions not only support a more sustainable world, but also inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Åsa is a great role model for SLU students, alumni, and employees.
SLU Alumnus of the Year is awarded to a prior student who is an inspirational role model for our students and employees at SLU, has had a prominent career, or made important contributions in their field, someone who creates opportunities for a sustainable, living and better world. A jury consisting of SLU representatives, as well as a former alumnus of the year, selects the winner from the nominees.
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