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Annsofie Wahlström, programme director SLU Future Food
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From AI to Baltic fish stocks – SLU highlighted future challenges at Almedalen
Published: 29 June 2026
How can Sweden strengthen its preparedness? What role should universities play in an increasingly uncertain world? And what has happened to the fish in the Baltic Sea? These were some of the questions explored when SLU hosted a series of seminars on board the research vessel Svea during Almedalsveckan.
During Almedalsveckan, SLU brought together researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss some of today's most pressing societal challenges. The programme combined discussions on the role and future of universities with seminars based on SLU's research and environmental monitoring.
Experiences from Ukraine highlighted the role of universities in times of crisis and war, while another seminar explored the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education in an era of rapid technological change. Together with SLUSS, the umbrella organisation for SLU's student unions, SLU also hosted a breakfast discussion on how to attract more young people to careers in the green sectors.
Other seminars focused on opportunities to increase food production in northern Sweden through SLU's Northern Food Node initiative, the knowledge needed by future forest owners to make informed decisions, how Sweden can strengthen its preparedness for fruit, berry and vegetable production, and the future of Baltic fish stocks. Several seminars attracted full audiences and sparked constructive discussions on future challenges and possible solutions.
"We want to be an active voice in discussions about the future of universities while also contributing research-based knowledge in the areas where SLU has unique expertise. Our strength lies in our breadth – from green to blue – and Almedalen clearly demonstrated the strong interest in the knowledge that SLU can provide."
In addition to the public seminars, around 70 vice-chancellors and university leaders from across Sweden visited Svea.
"Svea is a vital resource for Swedish marine research and environmental monitoring. At the same time, she provides a unique setting where research becomes tangible and where visitors can experience the infrastructure that makes important scientific knowledge possible. It was clear that the vessel made a strong impression on both our guests and seminar participants," says Maria Knutson Wedel