Our mission statement, vision, brand promise, overall and core values are listed here. The strategic objectives and priority focus areas are described in a short extract from the strategy for 2021-2025.
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.
SLU plays a key role in development for sustainable life, based on science and education.
Science and Education for Sustainable Life.
Putting science to the test
We dare to question established knowledge through critical thinking and an open, inquiring perspective. Our university produces world-class research.
Solving real problems
We seek solutions to critical problems, in theory and in practice. Our focus is on the real world and concrete problems, and on finding solutions for all life on our planet.
For a thriving world
We ask the big questions about nature, animals and life itself.
Our knowledge forms the foundation of a sustainable, thriving and better world.
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:
In addition to the core values, SLU has six core principles:
SLU's strategy describes the generall overview of our objectives, as well as three priority focus areas with specific objectives and activities to implement the strategy during 2021-2025.
SLU shall be an attractive university for both current and future employees and students.
Both the free search for knowledge and needs-motivated research have a natural place at SLU. Research, education and environmental monitoring and assessment shall be characterised by high quality, a clear international dimension and strong links between the various activities.
The university also works to ensure that scientific results and data are disseminated and used in society, in both the short and long term. SLU's students shall be able to establish a good foundation for a changeable professional life. Important components include active collaboration with other higher education institutions, strong international engagement and cooperation with our sectors and other stakeholders in society.
Gender equality, equal terms, and an environmentally oriented mindset shall permeate the entire organisation. Furthermore, SLU shall seek to ensure good leadership, an ethical approach and the efficient use of resources. SLU shall provide a good work and study environment in which equivalent terms apply, regardless of the activity and place of business. Individuals shall be offered good opportunities for development.
In a changing world, SLU is a world-class university that plays a key role in the transition to a sustainable society.
a) SLU’s degree programmes recruit enough qualified students and doctoral students to meet the needs of a sustainable society.
b) There is an increased demand for scientifically based knowledge and decision-making data from SLU.
c) SLU is an attractive cooperative partner and driving force for the green transition of industry and other parts of society.
d) The ability to adopt a system perspective and to integrate all sustainability dimensions has been developed.
e) SLU leads the way by conducting ambitious internal sustainability work that includes all sustainability perspectives.
SLU contributes to the digital transformation and uses it to support the transition to a more sustainable society and increase the quality of our activities.
a) SLU makes full use of the opportunities of digitalisation in its education, research, and environmental monitoring and assessment.
b) The content of the degree programmes is adapted to students’ future professional roles in the digital society.
c) SLU is on the cutting edge of research related to digitalisation within our areas.
d) SLU has developed the infrastructure and system capacity and ensured the necessary competence and expertise to meet the opportunities and needs of the digital transformation.
A stronger, unified SLU – both internally and in our external contacts
a) Active and systematic work to promote a good work environment, gender equality and equal terms is conducted, wherein proactivity and internal learning are guiding principles.
b) SLU has stronger, cohesive environments, wherein our mission to conduct first-cycle education plays a larger role and has gained increased status.
c) SLU has seized the opportunities offered by a geographically dispersed organisation by facilitating and strengthening collaboration across geographical and organisational boundaries, as well as between areas of activity.
d) The harmonisation of procedures and processes has created equal opportunities, regardless of the part of SLU to which employees and students belong.
e) By combining the role of university and the role of expert authority, SLU has advanced the development of knowledge.
Maria Bergkvist, Acting Head of Communications
Division of Communication, SLU
maria.bergkvist@slu.se, +46 18 67 15 99, +46 730 73 35 46