SLU's next steps towards sustainable development
Last changed: 27 January 2026
Based on SLU's deep knowledge of the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we are taking the next steps as a key player in sustainable societal development. Through education, research and environmental monitoring and assessment, we contribute to good living conditions – locally and globally
SLU has a special responsibility and mission to contribute to sustainable societal transformation and development of the land-based sector. For a society to be sustainable, it must meet global challenges in biodiversity, food security and the bioeconomy. With scientific integrity and academic freedom, SLU contributes to problem-solving and development. High quality in education, research and environmental monitoring and assessments are our strengths, and by building on them, SLU is developing its role in the transition.
International collaboration, recruitment and exchanges are crucial to increasing quality and relevance. SLU already has a high level of internationalisation and will continue to develop collaborations, particularly for increased capacity development in a low-income context, a continued increase in EU projects and internationally competitive education.
Strategic objectives:
- SLU will meet the sustainable society's need for skills provision and
knowledge through increased relevance and excellence in all three areas of activity: education, research and environmental monitoring and
assessment. Based on the current skills needs in our areas, we create the conditions for sustainable skills provision. Efforts to strengthen the
attractiveness of our degree programmes need to be further developed.
Another priority is to continually ensure that the courses and programmes we offer and the formats they are made available in are to students and society, and that they meet the needs of lifelong learning throughout a person's professional life. - SLU will be a leading source of knowledge for sustainable living. With our collective expertise and by promoting groundbreaking research, we
contribute to competitiveness, food security and innovation for the
bioeconomy of the future. With scientific excellence in our areas and with a particular focus on areas where there is a great need in the world around us, SLU strives to strengthen its international position. We intend to take a leading global position in resilient ecosystems, sustainable crop production systems of the future and One Health. - Through the power of change and innovative thinking, SLU will take the
next steps in driving forward innovation and competitive solutions for
sustainable living. Important tools include further developed meeting
places, interdisciplinary working methods, a systems perspective and
international collaboration.