Through SLU Futures, SLU highlights the knowledge necessary for sustainable food systems under changing conditions. SLU's strategy 2026-2030 emphasizes that the university will take a leading role in these areas and particularly contribute to food security, sustainable use of natural resources, and innovations for the future bioeconomy.
SLU is now taking the initiative to contribute to a greater extent than today in the development of the conditions for food production in northern climates – from fields, stables, forests, and water, to the table. Through local presence, with excellent research and education and in collaboration with business and society, SLU wants to support innovation, sustainability, and resilience in Sweden's northern food system. With unique expertise and broad networks, SLU can help northern Sweden strengthen its position as a sustainable food producer in the special climatic, geographical, and structural conditions that present both challenges and opportunities.
To seize the opportunities, more knowledge is needed about adapting production systems, crop material, business models, skills supply, and the functioning of the food chain. This requires research and education conducted in close collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector.
With this background, SLU invites visionary and forward-looking contributions to shape a joint, long-term research strategy for SLU and Sweden as pioneers in resilient and sustainable production systems, adapted to the northern climate.
Contributions are invited from all of SLU, both in terms of disciplines and geographical location, as long as the focus of the contribution is on food production in northern Sweden.
The input should have a long-term perspective that includes one or more of the following points:
- Contributes to increased and diversified food production in northern Sweden through sustainable, resilient, and innovative production systems.
- Strengthens Sweden's food security by developing knowledge about robust, adaptable, and transformable food systems in northern Sweden.
- Develops solutions that are specific to northern production conditions, including climate, soil, ecosystems, logistics, technology, and social structures.
Proposals that have an interdisciplinary approach and integrate SLU's areas of strength into a coherent research direction are welcomed but are not a requirement.
Send your proposal in Swedish or English, max. 3000 characters (incl. spaces) to forskning.planeringsavdelningen@slu.se no later than 28 February. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Dean of your faculty.
Please note: All researchers at SLU, independent of geographical placement, are welcome to share their ideas.
This is a call for visions and ideas and is not about identifying where and by whom.