New initiative with digital seminars in mathematics

Men obstructed from entering female-dominated occupations

Job applications from men are disfavoured when they apply for work in female-dominated occupations. Reaching the interview stage was most difficult for men applying for jobs as cleaners.

Doctoral students a vulnerable group during pandemic

Reduced productivity, social isolation and anxiety about one’s career. Many doctoral students are suffering during the pandemic. The result, from a study conducted at LiU, is in line with experiences from other universities.

Aeronautical engineering of the future

The control systems in aircraft have been essentially unchanged for over 50 years. Now, however, the future of aeronautical engineering is taking shape at LiU. Researchers here are using an “iron bird” from Saab, equipped with the latest technology.

A rude robot designed by students

A group of LiU students has built a prototype of a robot intended to help visitors to the Östergötland Museum. The students gave it one friendly personality and one slightly unpleasant one.

Children who became researchers – their stories in a new book

The children’s book “Forskardrömmar” (“Dreams of Research”) opens the door to the university and tells the stories of children who became professional researchers. Two researchers from LiU describe their childhood and how they ended up as researchers

Return trips of adopted children fill a need for the adoptive parents as well

It used to be common that adopted children made return trips to their birth countries. Today such trips are made where the entire family travels. A doctoral thesis has studied return trips and found that in many ways the focus is also on the parents.

IT support helps volunteersincrease security

Citizen responders can make a big difference to increase security and safety in sparsely populated areas. Also, the initiative has positive side effects. But there are major challenges, not least with respect to IT support for the volunteers.

Big increase in exam cheating

During 2020, the pandemic year, the number of students found guilty of cheating almost doubled – from 149 in 2019 to 292 in 2020.

mix of pictures Forum Scientium 25th anniversary.

Let´s celebrate Forum Scientium!

In the year of 1996 Forum Scientium was founded. That we would like to celebrate during 2021. On this web page we will publish news, events and interviews with Forum members from now and then.

Health survey conveys messages on how we should live

The questions in a health survey aimed at young people raise issues of status and convey norms about what people should own and how they should be. This is according to a study from Linköping University.

Implantable organic electrochemical transistor sensor implanted in a tree.

Biosensors monitor plant well-being in real time

Researchers at LiU have developed biosensors that make it possible to monitor sugar levels in real time deep in the plant tissues. The information from the sensors may help agriculture to adapt production as the world faces climate change.

Good supply of student housing

The supply of student housing is unusually good, both in Linköping and Norrköping. One reason is the pandemic, which has led to far fewer international students coming to Linköping University.

Older man with chest pain during running.

Long-term stress linked to increased risk of heart attack

Can stress lead to heart attacks? Most people would probably answer in the affirmative, but the scientific evidence of this is scarce. A new study, measuring a stress hormone in hair, suggests that long-term stress is a risk factor for heart attacks.

Malmstens mirrors contrasts in central Stockholm

A rare thing these days: a physical indoor event that is actually being held! The final-year students at Malmstens Linköping University have packed up their best work and taken it from the quiet Lidingö campus to Sergels torg in central Stockholm.

Possible models for a sustainable economy

What are the factors that influence the introduction of a circular economy? How would such a conversion affect the environment and business? And how can you make such predictions – is it even possible? These questions are the focus of a new thesis.

SEK 12 million for research into serious eye disease

Neil Lagali coordinates a research project that has received SEK 12.5 million from the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases. The researchers will evaluate experimental treatments for a rare eye disease that affects sight directly from birth.

Design for a more sustainable lifestyle

His own experiences growingup in Wuhan in China and case studies of astronauts and exchange students formthe basis of Chu Wanjun’s doctoral thesis. The central question: how can designbest make it easier for people to live in a sustainable manner?

Two droplets, one yellow and one clear, on circuits.

Accurate drug dosages with proton traps

Researchers at LiU have developed a proton trap that makes organic electronic ion pumps more precise when delivering drugs. In the long term, the ion pumps may help patients with symptoms of neurological diseases.

LiU student gets important child rights appointment

LiU student Rita Riadh-Issa, 23 years old, is a new board member for theWorld’s Children’s Prize Foundation, which manages the world’s largest educational programme for children’s rights and democracy.

DNA networks in research into autoimmune renal diseases

Daniel Appelgren is investigating a type of renal disease in which the immune system attacks and damages the kidneys. He has been awarded a grant of SEK 1.25 million from the Ingrid Asp Foundation to carry out renal research at LiU.

Woman by a wall full of golden-coloured shoes.

From LiU-research to LEAD-business

Many researchers and students have ideas that can grow into companies of benefit to society.But how do you determine whether an idea is good?A tip from the business incubator LEAD is to dare to talk about it early, and to assess interest.

Immune cells are behind the depression experienced in inflammation

The findings from a new study on mice suggest that special immune cells found in the brain, microglial cells, contribute to the negative mood experienced during several neurological diseases, and maybe also depression.

Successful mentoring project brings hope

Lower secondary school pupils with better grades, a prouder gaze, and enhanced self-confidence. These are the results of the LuMiNk academy. LuMiNk has been underway in Norrköping for almost six years, and plans to make it available to more pupils.

A two-armed robot is programmed by student.

Programming their future colleague

What can an engineering career involve? First-year master’s students of applied physics and electrical engineering are gaining experience through their first development project – programming the Yumi collaborative robot from ABB.

Blue-light stride in perovskite-based LEDs

Researchers at Linköping University, have developed efficient blue light-emitting diodes based on halide perovskites. The new LEDs may open the way to cheap and energy-efficient illumination.

Visitor information about Swedish national parks gives a problematic picture of humans and animals

Researchers have studied visitor information for Swedish national parks. The results show that, perhaps against its purpose, the information fuels the notion that humans are not part of nature.

Laypeople have difficulty estimating severity of blood loss

Researchers have studied whether laypeople realise the severity of the situation when someone in their proximity begins to bleed. The results show a discrepancy related to the victim’s gender: for a woman losing blood, blood loss were underestimated.

Fredrik Gustafsson and Toomas Timpka looks into the camera.

Researchers critical to flawed Covid-19-models

Reports from Imperial College regarding the spread and the effects of Covid-19 had considerable policy impacts in several European countries. But the models that informed the reports have considerable flaws, according to LiU-researchers.

Career support programme offers an opportunity for a growing job-market

Linköping University's pilot-project career support programme has finished for 31 international second-year programme and PhD students, with great results.

The road from democracy to autocracy

Several factors can cause democratic societies to move towards authoritarianism. Modern and liberal welfare states bear the seed of their own transformation. These are the conclusions of a cross-disciplinary doctoral thesis from Linköping University.

Multiple cargo ships meet in a narrow strait.

Research collaboration in Östergötland to increase shipping efficiency

LiU and the Swedish Maritime Administration have established research collaboration to develop more sustainable, efficient and safe shipping operations based on such technology as artificial intelligence and interactive visualisation.

Research to promote sustainable design

Advanced methods are not enough if industry is to improve its sustainable design. Knowledge of how to use the tools is at least as important. This is the conclusion of a new thesis that also levels some criticism at previous research.

Amanda Borneke is leading climate adaptation in the construction industry

The construction and demolition industry is facing many sustainability challenges. However, with communication and an impressive innovative spirit, alumna Amanda Borneke has shown that the industry is ready for climate adaptation.

Sustainability – one layer of atoms at a time

Driven by a vision of a sustainable world, Per Eklund is leader of a research group that develops advanced materials. His funding from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has now been extended by five years.

SEK 10 million for research in children's medicine

The Joanna Cocozza Foundation has announced the recipients of research grants for 2020. Funding has been awarded in the form of establishment and consolidation grants, support for visiting researchers, and a further seven project grants.

Twelve million crowns from Horizon 2020

Two projects at Linköping University have received funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 initiative. One is about equipment for monitoring air pollution; the other concerns interruption-free wireless communication.

Classroom assistants have unclear role

Classroom assistants are common in schools. In an overview study from LiU, researchers conclude that it is not clear whether classroom assistants should be used as principal teachers for pupils who require special support.

New master’s programme in materials physics for nano and quantum technology

The new master’s programme in materials physics for nano and quantum technology is intended to prepare students for pioneering research in academia and industry, targeted at the development of the materials of tomorrow.

They examine our interaction in detail

It’s easy to think that communication consists mainly of speech. But much of it takes place through gesture, facial expression and sound. Researchers study how we use much more than words in interaction with other humans as well as with robots.

Entrepreneur with an eye for diversity

He has won awards for his work with suburban adolescents and his international projects. Hamza Mostafa, political scientist, is driven by a social engagement, with a focus on entrepreneurship as a means to foster development.

SEK 49 million from Swedish Research Council

Six LiU researchers will receive almost SEK 49 million from the Swedish Research Council’s latest round of funding. The projects concern areas such as epigenetics, mega coal-fired power plants, rehabilitation in conflict zones and tuberculosis.

The desire for children

Between 10 and 15 per cent of all couples who want children are involuntarily childless. Every year in Sweden, some 6000 children are born to parents who have received medical assistance with having children.

Christmas spirit comes also in 2020

The musical experience at Linköping University will be very different this year. No Lucia procession, no Christmas concerts. However, appropriately enough, Julstämning is being released, a Christmas CD from the three choirs based at Music at Liu.

"There's a possibility of success"

The global temperature increase must be limited to a maximum of 2 °C within 80 years. Urgent action is required. The UN has convened a summit on climate issues. This is how the Climate Negotiation Game begins, played by a group of students.

Östergötland’s future – forest fires and drought?

The Climate Change Megagame was held on 21 November. This is a huge online game that simulates future climate change in Östergötland, with participants playing the part of various local actors.

Mikhail Vagin and Penghui Ding working in the laboratory.

Fossil freedom comes from LiU labs

The transition to fossil freedom can’t happen overnight, but it can go much faster than it is. The technology is available, and in many cases is commercially available or nearly so. The labs at Linköping University hold hope for the future.

Alternatives to throwaway thinking

We must change our patterns of consumption if we are going to reach global climate and environmental objectives, says professor Mattias Lindahl. He has since 2015 led a research programme in the circular economy and resource efficiency.

Woman, researcher standing by machine in the lab.

Kajsa’s particles seek their targets

Professor Kajsa Uvdal is a physicist who moves between chemistry, biology and medicine. She maintains that materials science is integral to all of these disciplines, and this has opened for collaboration with both the healthcare system and industry.

Research on children’s cultural heritage to receive SEK 16.6 million

Linköping University is to receive an additional SEK 16.6 million from the Swedish Research Council. The funding is for a project about children as creators of cultural heritage.

Female physician in a clinic surrounding.

New method to discover ruptures after giving birth

A simple new method and early discovery can help obstetric personnel prevent problems with ruptures in the genital area. Women otherwise may experience problems long after giving birth.

Studying the role of sporting activities in social sustainability

Sporting activities have become common in socioeconomically vulnerable areas. Politicians hope they can promote integration and bring down crime. But research shows that other initiatives are necessary in long-term work with social sustainability.

Four LiU researchers among the most cited in the world

Four researchers from LiU claim places on the 2020 Web of Science list of the most highly cited researchers in the world.

LiU researchers receive nearly SEK 19 million from Formas

Six researchers at Linköping University have been awarded research grants from the Formas research council. The supported projects cover a wide range: the challenges facing municipalities, nudging, and the genetic properties of boar sperm.

Students Henrik Lindgren and Viktor Uvesten outside Studenthuset.

Summer job success, despite incomplete project

They didn’t manage to complete the project as intended, but the summer job at Newton Nordic still exceeded their expectations. “Now I’m sure that the education I chose was exactly right for me”, says LiU student Viktor Uvesten.

Eco-friendly transports - how?

More sustainable transport – how is it possible? Using new technology and fuel from renewable sources is not enough: how the transport is organised and how consumers act are just as important. Do you really need to have these goods tomorrow?

European collaboration for the future of learning

ECIU University is an initiative where students and researchers from all over Europe work together to create sustainable cities and communities. Linköping University is part of the initiative, which has been under way for one year.

Uno Wennergren in front of a stable and a pile of fertiliser.

Sustainable agriculture to reduce hunger and eutrophication

From farm to fork and back again – that’s how nutrients should travel in a cycle. Professor Uno Wennergren carries out research into how we can use fertiliser better in order to prevent both hunger and problems with eutrophication.

Tomorrow’s citizens learn about sustainable development

The teachers working in some Norrköping preschools have been given a tough assignment: teach children aged from 1-6 years about sustainability. The work in the preschools is part of a research project at LiU.

Henrik Green and Niclas Björn in the lab.

Predicting the risk of severe side effects of cancer treatment

Some patients experience life-threatening side effects during cancer treatment. Researchers at LiU have developed a model that can predict which patients have a high probability of side effects.

Research into AI and climate change awarded SEK 6 million

Researchers at Linköping University have received nearly SEK 6 million in a joint initiative from Formas and Vinnova. The grant is for a research project to develop AI-based methods as part of an early warning system for extreme weather.

Vesa Loitto, director of the Microscopy Unit.

Looking into living cells

A microscope with super-resolution allows researchers to follow life’s processes in living cells, down to the level of individual molecules.

Mixed photos of research group, pregant woman and cellphone.

Digital apps for sustainable health

It starts even before birth. Many aren’t aware that physical acitivity can affect the baby during pregnancy. Digital tools can support both child and parents.

How municipalities can make a difference

Agenda 2030 was adopted by the world’s leaders in 2015. “We have to make these disparate goals manageable in practice. Municipalities are extremely important in achieving this”, says researcher Sara Gustafsson.

Jan-Ingvar Jönssons fredagsjobbar första gången i Campus Norrköping

“LiU is helping to build a sustainable society”

Sustainable development is and must be a strong profile element at Linköping University. “We are already doing a lot. LiU has excellent researchers contributing knowledge that benefits society”, says Vice-Chancellor Jan-Ingvar Jönsson.”

Biogas solves several environmental challenges

Biogas doesn’t solve just one or two of the world’s huge environmental challenges: it solves three! Or it would, if countries used the Nordic model. In fact, biogas can play a part in achieving all 17 sustainable development goals.

Autonomous drone flight between Linköping and Norrköping in 2022

Two years from now, Sweden’s first test flight of an autonomous drone will be made between Norrköping and Linköping. LFV, LiU and IBG are collaborating in a project to demonstrate the societal benefits of drone-supported services.

Perovskites, similar to black and red crystals, lies on a light table.

Lead-free magnetic perovskites

Scientists at LiU working with the perovskite family of materials have taken a step forwards and developed an optoelectronic magnetic double perovskite. The discovery opens the possibility for rapid and energy-efficient information storage.

Measuring muscle mass with neural network

Alexander Karlsson has been awarded the Christer Gilén Scholarship for 2020 in statistics and machine learning for a master’s thesis in which he uses a neural network to improve a method of measuring muscle mass.

SEK 21 million to research in humanities and social sciences

Four LiU researchers will share more than SEK 21 million from the Swedish Research Council’s funding for the humanities and social sciences. Also, three LiU-based journals will together receive SEK 2.2 million.

Master’s programme in protein science now open for international students

Linköping University will open its Protein Science master’s programme to international students starting next year. The programme combines theoretical and practical components, with a heavy emphasis on laboratory work.

Maria Engström next to a magnetic resonance scanner.

Mathematical modelling brings brain insights

Can we see what is happening in the brain? Yes, we can in a sense, using imaging technology. But the processes in the brain remain to a large extent mysterious. Researchers are now using modelling to help understand these processes.

Nurse Talking To Senior Female Patient In Hospital Bed

Nearly SEK 43 million for research in medical and health sciences

Thirteen researchers at LiU have received grants totalling SEK 42.6 million. This is the result when the Swedish Research Council has awarded nearly SEK 1 billion in research grants for the medical and health sciences.

Research into educational sciences receives SEK 34 million

LiU was the institution of higher education that received the greatest amount when the results of the annual grant awards in educational sciences were announced by the Swedish Research Council.

SEK 81 million to research in science and technology

The Swedish Research Council has granted SEK 81 million to research at LiU. Twenty-two researchers have been awarded grants for projects in fields that include organic electronics, visualisation, and machine learning.

Pink piggy bank standing in front of three arrows showing different directions.

How personality influences financial decisions

Our personalities influence the financial decisions we take and how we experience our financial situation. This is the conclusion of a thesis in behavioural finance at LiU. The results are, however, not clear-cut, and some are really surprising.

Habitat loss is bad news for species – especially for top predators

What happens in ecosystems when the habitats of different species disappear? When plants and animals lose their habitats, predator species at the top of the food chain die out first, according to a new study by scientists at Linköping University.

illustration of dna, molecules and physician with hand-held computer.

Extended funding for research in molecular medicine

The Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine has secured extended funding of SEK 160 million from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, plus an additional SEK 68 million for a recruitment package for researchers in data-driven life science.

Boys are using digital tablet and is sitting on a sofa

Digitalisation difficult for young people with intellectual disabilities

Adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities need more support if they are to participate in the ongoing rapid digitalisation. There are difficulties, but also great opportunities, as shown by Kristin Alfredsson Ågren in her thesis.

LiU researchers first to develop an organic battery

Researchers at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics have for the first time demonstrated an organic battery. It is of a type known as a “redox flow battery” that can be used to store energy from solar cells, and as a power bank for cars.

Predicting influenza epidemics

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a unique method to predict influenza epidemics by combining several sources of data. The forecasts can be used, for example, when planning healthcare provision during an epidemic.

Fredrik Elinder and a PhD student discussing in the lab.

New mechanism affecting nerve impulses discovered

Researchers at LiU have discovered a new mechanism by which substances can open a certain type of ion channel and in this way regulate nerve impulses. The discovery, published in the journal PNAS, may help in the development of future drugs.

Key indicators can help industry save energy

By comparing different industrial processes, companies and official bodies can increase their knowledge about possible savings of energy. There is a huge potential for reductions in energy consumption and less impact on the climate.

Research award to Jerker Rönnberg

Jerker Rönnberg has been awarded the Swedish Hearing Research Prize 2020 for his 20 years of world-leading research within cognitive hearing, based at Linköping University.

Ethical questions arise when nurses are exported

Each year, more than 10,000 nurses leave the Philippines to work in other countries under international agreements. Such agreements cannot always be defended from an ethical point of view, Klein Fernandez shows in his doctoral thesis.

Three doctoral students to receive Horizon 2020 funding at LiU

Three departments will each host a doctoral student funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions. The research projects deal with using waste heat to produce electricity, perovskites for photonics, and the rendering of computer-generated images.

Edwin Jager shows textiles that are untreated for use.

New funding for textile muscles

Edwin Jager’s research in soft exoskeletons is now financed for three more years.

Swedish and Japanese flag pair on desk over defocused background. Horizontal composition with copy space and selective focus.

Linköping University in broad Japanese collaboration

Linköping University is one of several Swedish institutions of higher education that have close research collaboration with Japanese institutions within the framework of the MIRAI project.

LiU professor recognised for work against visual impairment

LiU-professor Neil Lagali and Senior Lecturer Inger Berndtsson of the University of Gothenburg, have received an award from the Swedish Association of the Visually Impaired.

LiU to build Sweden’s largest supercomputer for AI

The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has donated SEK 300 million to Linköping University and the National Supercomputer Centre (NSC) to build Sweden´s fastest supercomputer for machine learning and artificial intelligence.

LiU:s newly installed vice chancellor giving his speech.

Rector Magnificus has been installed

In a dignified and moving ceremony, Jan-Ingvar Jönsson has been installed as vice-chancellor. “I am taking over a university that is functioning extremely well”, he said, and also extended heartfelt thanks for the support he has received so far.

LiU students teaching virtual pupils

In a project that is unique in Europe, students of teaching at LiU are training in a virtual classroom. It is hoped that the method will give students confidence in leading classes.

Huge potential for proactive companies

A new thesis looked at how companies work with customer focus and innovation. Half of the companies investigated worked proactively with the issues. But half don’t. This means that there is a huge potential for companies to develop their operations.

Mottagning internationella studenter höstterminen 2020

Number of exchange students halved

The corona pandemic caused many who had planned to travel abroad this spring to change their plans. The number of exchange students who came to LiU for the autumn term of 2020 was 269. The figure last year was more than twice this: 587.

SEK 29 million for research into new 2D materials

Professor Johanna Rosén, together with colleagues, has been awarded SEK 29 million from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. AI is to be added to the tools used to seek two-dimensional materials with completely new properties.

Martin Iinatti Brengdahl examining fruit flies in a microscope.

Mutations that affect ageing – more common than we thought?

The number of mutations that can contribute to ageing may be significantly higher than previously believed, according to new research on fruit flies. The study supports a new theory about the type of mutation that can lie behind ageing.

Two students, Maria Lokat and Markus Pettersson, looking straight into the camera.

ECIU University up and running

Two LiU students, Maria Lokat and Markus Pettersson, are taking the first course to be given by the virtual university ECIU. Together with students at universities in Twente and Stavanger, they will seek smart solutions for sustainable transport.

A man sits with a skateboard in his hand.

Gerhard Andersson committed to LiU

Professor Gerhard Andersson is psychologist and psychotherapist and one of the most cited researchers in the world. He is now associated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at LiU. Thus, he has left Karolinska Institutet.

Professor Markus Heilig and Research Fellow Leah Mayo.

Starting clinical trial of possible new PTSD treatment

Researchers at Linköping University are starting a clinical trial to investigate whether a drug in combination with internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT, can alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD.

Carl Fredrik Graf, governor of Östergötland

Ambassadors appreciate agricultural technology

Nineteen EU ambassadors visiting Östergötland not only saw the world première of a sowing machine, developed within Agtech 2030, they also heard Per Frankelius describe his vision of how smart technical solutions will contribute to a greener Europe.

Combatting an elusive coronavirus with patience

State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell stood in the centre of events when the novel coronavirus started to spread around the globe. He is one of the Alumni of the Year for 2020.