SEK 35 million for research at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences

New research throws doubt on old ideas of how hearing works

The way in which we experience music and speech differs from what has until now been believed. The new findings have been published in Science Advances, and may make it possible to design better cochlear implants.

LiU’s new university director appointed

Determined, efficient and organised, with a clear focus on goals and results. A firm believer in leadership based on dialogue – so describes LiU’s newly appointed university director Peter Yngve himself.

How fear memories get stuck in some brains

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered a biological mechanism that increases the strength with which fear memories are stored in the brain. The study identifies shared mechanisms behind anxiety and alcohol dependence.

“All children have the right to know what they’re going to experience”

As a child, she ran and hid because she was afraid of an impending operation. For more than 25 years, nurse Gunilla Lööf has fought for the right of children and adolescents to prepare themselves for their interaction with the healthcare system.

“Art can’t save the world – but it can make us think in new ways”

In cultural history, who is visible and who is invisible? One of LiU’s two Alumni of the Year, Salad Hilowle, asks this question. With his art, he sheds light on people of African descent in Swedish cultural history.

Alumni of the Year: Improving children’s healthcare and the visibility of Afro-Swedish artists

Nurse Gunilla Lööf fights for the right of children to prepare themselves for their interaction with the healthcare system. Artist Salad Hilowle works to make people of African descent a natural part of Swedish cultural history.

Moral illusions may alter our behaviour

Moral illusions can fool our decision-making ability, making us more selfish. But the results also show that we are more likely to vote for the good of all when taking part in democratic decisions.

Recommended blood sugar levels to avoid diabetes-related damage

A study has followed individuals for more than 30 years after the onset of type 1 diabetes. The results show that the levels of long-term blood sugar can be used to accurately determine the risk of developing eye- and kidney complications.

A healthcare worker putting an oxygen mask on a patient

Severe COVID-19 impairs the immune system for longer than 6 months

The immune cells of patients who received hospital care for COVID-19 early in the pandemic were still affected six months later, shows a study conducted by researchers at Linköping University.

Major leap for stable high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

Solar cells manufactured from materials known as “perovskites” have advantages of low cost and short energy payback time. However, such solar cells have problems with stability – something that researchers at LiU, have now managed to solve.

Making stable molecules reactive with light

Researchers at LiU have used computer simulations to show that stable aromatic molecules can become reactive after absorbing light. The results may have applications in such areas as the storage of solar energy, pharmacology, and molecular machines.

Kalas is back!

After two years in which the pandemic forced the Kalas to be held remotely, it is at last time for a proper Kalas, on campus. The balloon will go up on 7 September.

Electronic nose may help in court

Today, cadaver dogs are used to find human remains, for instance after a murder or a natural disaster. But as this practice faces both legal and ethical problems, researchers at LiU are developing an electronic nose as a complement the search dogs.

Better wildlife observation with new counting method

Are wildlife populations increasing or decreasing? It is difficult to count wild animals, but the amount harvested through hunting gives an indication. Now, these statistics can be made more useful, thanks to a new model developed by researchers.

How young chickens play can indicate how they feel

Researchers have for the first time mapped the development of play in young chickens. The results show that the young chickens spend lots of time playing in different ways – just like puppies and kittens.

The Pillow Project is a success – “Sustainability a key priority for LiU”

<p>The Pillow Project is a new collaboration between LiU and its student associations. The recycling initiative where new international students may buy a kit with pillows, bedding and towels from LiU Summer Academy became an instant hit.</p>

New AI model helps discover previously unknown materials

The “chemical space” can now be mapped on a greater scale thanks to a new AI model developed by a group of researchers at LiU and the University of Cambridge in England. The discovery has been published in the journal Science Advances.

The will of the people – how seats will be distributed fairly

In democratic elections, the number of seats in parliament is to be proportionate to the number of votes. However, that is not the case. An optimisation model has been developed at LiU, one which gives a better reflection of the will of the people.

Bioengineered cornea can restore sight to the blind and visually impaired

LiU-researchers have developed an implant made of collagen protein from pig’s skin, which resembles the human cornea. In a pilot study, the implant restored vision to 20 people with diseased corneas.

Ageing neutralises sex differences in the brain

When male and female fruit flies age, their brains become desexualized. This is the conclusion of a study performed by a research group at Linköping University.

Four new years for the ECIU University initiative

ECIU University, an initiative involving 13 higher education institutions including Linköping University, has received new funds from the EU, and has been extended to 2026.

Digital support for reduced alcohol consumption

A digital support tool on your phone can help if you want to reduce your alcohol consumption. This has been shown in a study by researchers at LiU. They have developed a digital tool which helps individuals reduce their alcohol intake on their own.

Students from around the world meet at LiU Summer Academy

"“This is completely different, and fantastic. At home in Brazil, I’m doing a chemical engineering programme, but at the Summer Academy in Linköping I’m studying leadership", says Cynthia Higajo Mishima from the University of São Paulo.

Research on exclusion in late working life receives additional SEK 8,7 million

How can participation in late working life be more inclusive and equal? This is studied by researchers in the research programme EIWO. The programme has received SEK 8,7 million from FORTE to continue in phase two.

Ångströmhuset at Linköping University from above.

SEK 15 million grant boosts electron microscopy facility

Justinas Palisaitis, who works at the research infrastructure in advanced electron microscopy, ARTEMI, has been appointed to Research Infrastructure Fellow 2022. The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research is funding the grant.

Two women sitting on a bench looking at the sea.

Research gives new perspectives on social isolation in older age

Social relations are important for people. But this does not mean that solitude is always harmful. On the contrary, research shows that a small minority of older people are alone and that a considerable proportion of them are happy with being so.

Robert Thornberg is sitting on a large staircase.

Robert Thornberg's research aims to prevent school bullying

Every day, children at schools all across Sweden are bullied. We need more expertise in order to prevent bullying. This is a research area that Robert Thornberg, professor of educational research at Linköping University, is passionate about.

Two young women collecting samples in a urban garden in front of city houses.

Urban agriculture – is it all good?

Many cities are seeing an increasing interest for homegrown food. But researchers want to find out: is there also a downside to urban agriculture in the shape of nutrient loss to waterways?

With eyes for healthy youth sports

Figure skating has been a safe place for PhD student Moa Jederström ever since she was six years old. She now does research on physical and psychological abuse in Swedish youth sports.

With co-workers from 16 countries – expanded perspectives

The Division for Environmental Technology and Management employs 50 people – from 16 different countries. It’s a diverse blend that ensures a broad range of perspectives in research contexts – and fascinating discussions in the lunchroom.

LiU researcher admitted to cutting-edge humanities research programme

It has now been announced who has been admitted to the “Pro Futura Scientia Fellowships” – a five-year research programme in the humanities and social sciences. One of them is Julia Velkova, assistant professor at LiU.

Police researcher shines spotlight on the police’s media performance

How the Swedish Police Authority acted after being scrutinised and criticised in the media in June of 2022 damaged trust in the Authority. This is according to researchers behind a new report from Linköping University.

Field studies led to deep dive in mangrove forest

With the Indian Ocean on one side, and mangrove forest on the other, they travelled along the Bay of Bengal. A trip that’s resulted in a deep dive on the topic of how the forest both protects against and is threatened by climate change.

Elite athletics at LiU takes the lead

Linköping University (LiU) has once again been tasked by the Swedish Sports Confederation with being an “elite athletics-friendly” university for four more years, as of the autumn term 2022.

LiU researchers spread international biogas expertise

A wide-ranging report from IEA Bioenergy has highlighted different perspectives on how biogas can be used in the transport sector. The report shows that well-designed biogas solutions are technically, economically and sustainably competitive.

Professor Anna Storm and Thomas Keating.

They will write warning text - to be understood for 100,000 years

Thomas Keating and Anna Storm have the mission to figuring out how to warn humans or other living organisms in 100,000 years that there is dangerous nuclear waste in a special place.

"Vaccine scepticism has grown out of a culture of mistrust"

Right-wing populism and alternative media, racism and mistrust of science and politics. That there is mistrust of society’s institutions is news to nobody – but it has been brought to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic. The big question is “Why?”.

Presentation by Gunnar Tornmalm, Scania.

Industry collaboration is the key to success

A collaborative relationship between academia and industry generates successes that benefit both the business sector and society as a whole. Researchers and business partners recently met up at LiU for ELLIIT, a strategic research field.

School-age educare - new investment in research at Linköping University

In the coming years, Linköping University will be making a multi-million kronor investment in research on school-age educare. This gives LiU the chance to take the lead in a national area of priority for educational sciences.

Portrait of Michael Felsberg with closed eyes.

Human vision – a challenge for AI

Achieving diversity in human vision is one of the major challenges for AI research. In the vast majority of cases, we are better than machines at understanding the world around us. But machines are catching up – slowly but surely.

One green and one blue flag with "LiU - Linköpings universitet". In the background a red building with many windows.

LiU continues to climb among top universities

Linköping University takes further steps on the global ranking QS World University Rankings and is now at place 320 among the world’s top universities.

From LiU to top job at Stanford: “It’s an exciting environment”

Gunilla Jacobson’s career has taken her from studying chemistry at Linköping University (LiU) to a top job at Stanford University. Having lived there for a few years as a child, Stanford is a place that has followed her on her life journey.

The war in Ukraine – unexpected but possible to explain

No, Putin is not insane – it is not that simple. The war in Ukraine is cruel and unpredictable, but it can be explained. However it is impossible to know how it will end.

Jonas Lundberg, Linköping University, and Jesper Tordenlid, Combitech. Photo credit: Peter Karlsson

High-flying drone research

Drones already deliver defibrillators and medicine in sparsely populated areas, but how should unmanned traffic operate in large cities? With the assistance of AI and visualisation, the UTM City project will show us how.

Novels help doctors-to-be gain insight into empathy

Anja Rydén Gramner’s thesis shows that by reading and discussing novels, medical students are equipped to engage themselves emotionally and to show empathy in future patient encounters.

A subtle genetic change gives new clues about epilepsy

Sometimes, even the alteration of a single nucleotide in a gene can cause serious disease. A recent study sheds light on the molecular biology behind some forms of genetic epilepsy.

Students pitched ideas to regional network: real-world experience

“A bit like Dragons’ Den, but not really”. That was the heading, as ambassadors from the regional support system East Sweden Business Region, ESBR, gathered to give their feedback on innovative ideas from LiU students.

Person with hoodie sitting behind computer in dark room.

AI: Helping criminal investigators find digital evidence

Cyberattacks are an increasing threat to society. So, for crime investigators, digital evidence is becoming more important in the hunt for criminals. And the technology exists – not least at Linköping University, where AI is an area of excellence.

Electron microscopy image showing amyloid of corona virus spike protein.

Possible discovery of mechanism behind mysterious COVID-19 symptoms

The immune system can affect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, leading to the production of a misfolded spike protein called amyloid. A new study points to a possible connection between harmful amyloid production and symptoms of COVID-19.

Close-up of woman after forties touching her pregnant belly.

Greater risk in being an older or single mother

Older women, single women and women who have children through assisted reproduction run a greater risk of complications in pregnancy and higher risk of illness generally. Malin Lindell Pettersson has taken a closer look at the health of these groups.

New light on organic solar cells

Efficient and environmentally friendly solar cells are required for a transition to a fossil-free energy supply. Researchers at LiU have mapped how energy flows in organic solar cells, something that previously had been unknown.

Research talks and Povel Ramel to open the Academic Ceremony

The spring Academic Ceremony 2022 will begin with seven honorary doctors holding talks about their research. On Friday 20 May, a gala concert will be held, and on Saturday 21 May, new professors and doctors will be honoured.

Impossible materials are created under extreme pressure

Researchers at LiU, among other places, have created a new material that ought to be impossible. Its synthesis is, however, possible thanks to a new method that creates pressure approximately three times higher than in the Earth’s core.

Chemists aim to disrupt cancer-related protein

How can we understand a protein when it is never still, but constantly changes shape? This is one of the challenges for LiU researchers who are studying the cancer-related protein MYC.

Digital twins an aid to give individual patients the right treatment at the right time

An international team of researchers have developed advanced computer models, or “digital twins”, of diseases, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment. They used one such model to identify the most important disease protein in hay fever.

Daniel Toll PhD student at the Department of Management and Engineering

Robotcaseworkers – threat or opportunity?

New study explores how digital solutions affect the relationship between citizens and the public sector, and also what happens in organisations when they introduce various kinds of technology.

LiU professor on the advance of electrification: Amazing progress

Electrification is surging forward as a major part of the transition to emission-free transport. The first electrically fuelled long goods transport can hit the road soon as well as commercial airlines will offer flights on electric airplanes.

Study gives a different picture of residents' trust in the police

The question of whether residents in Linköping’s Skäggetorp district lack faith in the police has been raised by the violent clashes in April. A field study by a researcher at Linköping University gives a different picture.

Three men in shirts point to a piece of paper, each with a pencil.

Study: The group most easily misled by financial "bullshit"

Impressive terms about finances and messages that are really pure nonsense. Some groups are more vulnerable for being misled by "financial bullshit". This is stated by researchers at Linköping University, including Gustav Tinghög, in a new study.

Linköping University - Sweden's most attractive public authority

When Swedes were asked which public authority they would most like to work for, Linköping University (LiU) turned out to be the most popular answer. LiU also ranks tenth on a list of all of Sweden’s most attractive employers.

Urban agriculture pros and cons studied by researchers

It is becoming increasingly popular to grow food in cities. But how much nutrients do vegetables need? Can superfluous nutrients end up in the water? A research project led by Geneviève Metson look into different aspects of urban agriculture.

Chu Wanjun visar för gruppen vilka frukter roboten kan känna igen just nu. I förgrunden ligger en apelsin.

Minister for Energy and Digital Development visits IDA

On Wednesday, 20 april 2022, the minister for digital development Khashayar Farmanbar visited the Department of Computer and Information Science together with the Linköping municipal councillor Mari Hultgren.

Walpurgis Night at Borggården – finally

Now, after two years of the pandemic, it’s finally time to gather again at Borggården for the donning of the hats, spring music and speeches – from, among others, the speaker of the Swedish parliament Andreas Norlén.

Education minister: Studenthuset is ”magnificent"

In 2015, Anna Ekström was chair of the board of Linköping University, which made the decision to build Studenthuset. She is now minister of education, and is impressed by the large building on Campus Valla.

Doctoral network for “textile muscles” receives EU grant

Edwin Jager is the coordinator for a doctoral network that has been granted almost SEK 29 million from Horizon Europe. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the PhD students are learning how to develop material that can work as “textile muscles”.

30 million in grant for developing software for smart technology

The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (Stiftelsen för strategisk forskning, SSF) has given SEK 30 million in a grant to a research project at Linköping University.

Cars on the road illustrate artificial intelligence that can identify distances between vehicles.

NEST - a multi-million investment in the WASP program

Last year, WASP took the decision to start a total of nine NEST projects. One of the projects will be based at LiU and will involve several LiU researchers taking on the biggest challenges in AI research.

Pär Svärdson stands in front of a wall with prizes.

From LiU to “e-commerce king”

Pär Svärdson, took double degrees from Linköping University, and has since then started several companies, including Adlibris and Apotea.

Honorary doctors boost LiU’s research

Seven international researchers who have each contributed to research at Linköping University (LiU) are to become honorary doctors. The ceremony where they are to be promoted will take place on 21 May 2022, during the spring’s Academic Ceremony.

Big donation boost for timely history research

Understanding our own history is of vital importance when Europe is once again at war. The subject of history at Linköping University (LiU) is now to receive a substantial boost through two new professorships in modern and local history respectively.

Several LiU subjects high up in international rankings

LiU is named as one of the world’s 100 best higher education institutions in the care sciences. In three other subjects, LiU is among the 200 best universities in the world. This is according to QS World University Rankings by Subject.

First international donation

Linköping University has received its first international donation. Ingrid Bock, resident in the US, has donated to Professor Markus Heilig’s internationally renowned research on new ways to treat addiction.

Men in tailcoats against a dark background

Student choir turns 50 and looks to the future

From a small group of happy students who enjoyed singing together to a large, award-winning male university choir. Now the Linköping University Male Voice Choir is celebrating its 50-year anniversary.

“We want to understand why the world is as it is”

It is a fact that globalisation affects whole societies. But how does it do this? The students on the programme Global Studies want to understand why the world is as it is today, and how we can create a better and more just future.

Professor Anders Ynnerman inside Wadströms Exploranation Laboratory

Welcome to Wadströms Exploranation Laboratory!

A unique laboratory is opening for curious, knowledge-hungry young people who want straight facts, far from all the sensationalism and the noisy, opinionated comment fields in social media. On 9 April 2022 the Laboratory will open to the public.

Bottlenecks in reception of refugees from Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused a new wave of refugees in Europe. According to the Swedish Migration Agency’s main forecast, some 76,000 people from Ukraine will apply for refugee status in Sweden by June this year.

Master carpenter wins major teaching award

He has been a teacher almost all his life. Being engaged, caring about his students and showing what’s possible. These things are what motivates Leif Burman, second recipient of Ingemars Lärarpris, an award for excellence in teaching.

Things are heating up for superconductors

Researchers at Linköping University have, by way of a number of theoretical calculations, shown that magnesium diboride becomes superconductive at a higher temperature when it is stretched.

How the Denisova human went from fossil to fact

How is knowledge created? By way of a network of many different actors, according to a doctoral thesis at Linköping University. With the discovery of the Denisova human, scientists, journalists and Wikipedia editors created fact from a fossil.

Daniel Aili receives large European grant

Daniel Aili has received one of this year’s ERC Consolidator Grants from the European Research Council (ERC). His research aims to develop a method for measuring a kind of cancer-related enzyme.

Gunnar Cedersund is both playing the grand piano and being his own audience.

Digital twins will help us understand how the body works

In the future, a digital copy of your own body – a digital twin – may help you live a healthy life. At LiU, mathematical models are being developed as tools for better health. This is the result of collaboration between experts in several fields.

Biofertilizer provides organic nutrition for the soil.

Domestic production is the key to reduced vulnerability in crisis

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, fears of skyrocketing electricity and fuel prices is threatening Swedens capacity for food production. Investments in the country's own production systems could provide protection.

“The trauma of war is hereditary”

The trauma of war does not disappear when weapons are laid down and peace declared. It lives on, literally, through the body and between generations. This is what researcher Claudia Tazreiter said in a new seminar series.

Eva Blomqvist is standing outside the building.

Projects focussing on sustainable industry receive EU funding

Two research projects led by Linköping University (LiU) focussing on the circular economy and sustainable industry have received approximately SEK 50 million in funding from EU research programmes.

Gunnar Cedersund is standing in front of a screen and is pointing at a graph on the screen.

Ground-breaking research in focus at BME@LiU 2022

This year's conference is approaching. The audience can take part in a hybrid where the spectrum of biomedical engineering fills the day.

image of incomplete atypical fracture next to a complete fracture.

New discoveries about fractures related to osteoporosis medicine

Medicinal treatment of osteoporosis sometimes lead to an unusual kind of breakage in the thigh bone. Why do these fractures occur, and how can they be tracked in a national quality register? These are the questions focussed on in two recent studies.

An internship improved his career opportunities

Mohammad Habibi Savadkoohi is studying the master’s programme Strategic Urban and Regional Planning. He has arranged to do an internship at an international consulting company – something which has opened up a lot of paths for his future.

Research colleagues are trying to keep in touch with students in Ukraine

Two projects at LiU are affected by the war in Ukraine. We are concerned with what is happening with our colleagues and students in Ukraine, says political scientist Mariana S Gustafsson, assistant professor of political science.

Close up of a person's eye. The eye colour is blue-green.

Millions to research after first win for Sweden

Shortly before the new year began the news hit – a research team partly at LiU was awarded 1st prize in the EIT Health Wildcard competition. It is the first time that the competition is won by a team based in Sweden.

man pointing at a digital histology image on a big screen.

AI can help doctors work faster – but trust is crucial

For artificial intelligence (AI) to be helpful within healthcare, people and machines must work effectively together. A new study shows that doctors who use AI when examining tissue samples can work faster while still doing high-quality work.

LiU drops collaborations with Russia until further notice

On Wednesday, the Minister for Education Anna Ekström encouraged Sweden’s higher education institutions to cease all contacts and cooperation agreements with public institutions in Russia and Belarus. (Article updated 07/03/2022)

LiU supports the people of Ukraine

Linköping University wishes to show its solidarity with the people and democracy of Ukraine following Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Building artificial nerve cells

For the first time researchers demonstrate an artificial organic neuron, a nerve cell, that can be integrated with a living plant and an artificial organic synapse. The neuron and the synapse are made from printed organic electrochemical transistors.

Akchheta Karki and Magnus Jonsson behind a board showing the function of the antennas.

Nanoantennas for light controlled electrically

Researchers at LiU have developed optical nanoantennas that can be turned on/off and gradually tuned by applying electrical potentials. The study opens for applications including dynamic flat metaoptics and tuneable smart materials.

Tractor harvests energy crops for biogas production.

European lessons can generate value through the entire biogas chain

Researchers at LiU have studied how biogas development has been affected by political decisions. The results can provide helpful insights into how decision-makers can maximise value creation in the Swedish biogas chain.

Big rise for LiU in ranking of “young” universities

Linköping University (LiU) has landed on spot 38 of the Times Higher Education ranking of the world’s young universities. This is the best result ever for LiU.

Björn Alling sees new opportunities for strengthening NSC

Björn Alling is the new director of the National Supercomputer Centre at Linköping University. One of his goals is to make more researchers aware of supercomputers as a resource. He also wants the NSC to grow, both nationally and internationally.

LiU students coach upper secondary students in Swedish

Teacher students from Linköping University (LiU) are working together with upper secondary students once weekly Swedish coaching. The doors are open for a whole two hours, during which all kinds of questions are welcome.

New findings on intervening in bullying

Those who intervene in bullying don’t run a greater risk of being bullied themselves. In fact, it’s the opposite: those who don’t intervene risk falling victim to it themselves. This has been shown in an article published in Psychology of Violence.

Trump and Thunberg – different, yet similar

Despite their contradictory messages, there are great similarities between Donald Trump and Greta Thunberg. A research article shows how both use populist rhetoric that draws black-and-white contrasts and offers simple solutions.