Mission statement, vision, values and strategic objectives

Last changed: 27 February 2026

Our mission statement, vision, brand promise, overall and core values are listed here. The priority focus areas are described in a short extract from the strategy for 2026-2030.

Vision

Our role in a future context, what we aim to achieve:

SLU plays a key role in development for sustainable life, based on science and education.

Passion

The emotional dimension of the brand This part of the brand speaks to emotions. It expresses a strong commitment to what matters most to us and conveys a sense of purpose beyond our core activities. It is what makes SLU attractive, engaging and a place people want to be part of:

Vital

Mission statement

What we do, how and why:

SLU conducts education, research and environmental monitoring and assessment in collaboration with society at large.

Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet.

Brand promise

The concrete offer to the world and what they can expect from SLU. Our brand promise is a condensed version of all the parts of the brand:

Science and Education for Sustainable Life.

Core values

SLU has four core values that are intended to provide everyday guidance and form the starting point for your activities. The values apply to all SLU employees and reflect how we are to behave towards each other and the outside world. These values are:

  • scientific approach
  • creativity
  • openness
  • responsibility.

In addition to the core values, SLU has six core principles:

  • democracy
  • legality
  • objectivity, factuality and equal treatment
  • free formation of opinions
  • respect
  • efficiency and service. 

Strategy for 2026-2030

SLU’s new strategy for the period 2026–2030 sets the direction for how the University as a whole will develop in the coming years and is intended to serve as an internal governing document for planning, prioritisation and long-term development – across faculty, departmental and disciplinary boundaries.

Principles and focus areas

SLU's activities are vital. Our objectives, ambition and path forward are based on two overarching principles/approaches and three prioritised focus areas.

Overarching principles/approaches:

  • quality
  • resource efficiency.

Prioritised focus areas:

  • SLU's next steps towards sustainable development
  • SLU and the data-driven present and future
  • One SLU – We at SLU.

For each focus area, there is a more detailed description and three strategic objectives. 

You can read the full strategy on the staff web