Alumni of the Year: species under threat and safe perinatal care

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.

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.

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.

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.

Linnea Bergman’s life-saving solar cells

Around four million people die every year from diseases caused by the smoke they inhale when cooking over an open fire. This is a problem that this year’s Alumna of the Year, Linnea Bergman, hopes to solve.

Fighting for sustainable electricity and against COVID-19

State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell is on the front line in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Engineer Linnea Bergman is marketing solar energy systems to Africa. These two are Alumni of the Year, 2020.

Epigenetics linked to differences between modern and wild chickens

Some of the genetic differences that have arisen between domesticated chickens and their wild ancestors, the red junglefowl, are linked to epigenetic changes. Scientists at LiU have discovered a small number of “hotspots” in the DNA that control epig

Ericka Johnson elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recently elected three new members. One of these is Ericka Johnson, professor of gender and society at Linköping University. She was elected to the Class for humanities and for outstanding services to science.

Art installation The House reflect cracks in society

Until the end of October, a film sculpture entitled The House will be on display on Bredgatan in Norrköping. The artists who created the installation want to shine a light of the situation of many job-seeking immigrants in Europe today.

VR important addition to future test driving

Virtual reality may become an important addition to test driving and using simulators when investigating car safety systems. But the technology is not perfect and cannot be used indiscriminately. These are the conclusions of a new doctoral thesis.

LiU alumna debuts as novelist

Suad Ali, LiU’s Alumna of the Year for 2016, is to publish her debut novel – about a woman who flees from Somalia to Sweden. “I want to change the narrative that displaced women are always helpless victims”, she says.

Mathematical modelling to prevent fistulas

It is better to invest in measures that make it easier for women to visit a doctor during pregnancy than measures to repair birth injuries. This is the conclusion from two mathematicians at LiU, using Uganda as an example.

Energy and innovations boost the Swedish paper industry

The Swedish pulp and paper industry could significantly improve its competitiveness by linking innovation with savings in energy consumption. This is the conclusion of recently completed research project at LiU.

Vice-Chancellor to be installed

The new vice-chancellor, Jan-Ingvar Jönsson, took up his post during the summer. The traditional installation, including the passing of the vice-chancellor’s chain of office from the previous incumbent, will take place on 3 October.

Photo exhibition on 30-year collaboration with Kenya

Linköping University and Moi University in western Kenya have collaborated for more than 30 years. A photo exhibition that is opening soon will cast light on various aspects of the collaboration.

Unique research photon-counting CT scanner to CMIV

The Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization is first in the world to install a completely new type of computer tomograph in a clinical environment. It provides considerably higher resolution and gives significantly smaller radiation doses.

“Trappan” is moving

The final step towards a more unified Campus Norrköping centred around Campusbron has now been taken. Kårhuset Trappan has crossed Bergsbron and moved into Kåkenhus, into premises that will soon be ready.

Biology in the sunshine

Students move outside to minimize the risk of spreading Corona.

LiU students present cybersecurity report

Digitalisation is making us increasingly dependent on being online, which means that we are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. LiU students Emmy Englund and Linnéa Tullin have written an in-depth report on cybersecurity in Sweden.

Researchers develop molecule to store solar energy

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a molecule that absorbs energy from sunlight and stores it in chemical bonds. A possible long-term use of the molecule is to capture solar energy efficiently and store it for later consumption.

Trucks with trailers can manoeuvre autonomously

Reversing a heavy truck with trailers is a job for a skilled professional driver – or a set of sensors and advanced computer software. Oskar Ljungqvist presents in his doctoral thesis a major step towards self-driving trucks.

An important donation with an impact

“Donations such as this one from the Stig Wadström Foundation make an impact on a university. It will give us room for manoeuvre and open new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration”, says Vice-Chancellor Jan-Ingvar Jönsson.

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“People turned up! What a relief”

The Kalas event is Sweden’s largest welcoming party for new students. Today it's an important LiU tradition, but how did it start?

Speed-friending for international students

LiU’s international students got to know each other at Campus Valla on Wednesday.

Domesticated chickens have smaller brains

Researchers from LiU suggest a process by which the timid junglefowl from the rain forest could have become today’s domesticated chicken.

SEK 3 million for research into how music can help students

The ways in which music improves student creativity and the ability to collaborate and communicate are to be studied in an international research project that has been awarded SEK 3 million from Erasmus.

LiU to receive ca. EUR 1.1 million from Horizon 2020

Sustainable cities and how industries can benefit each other by way of circular economy. Projects investigating these topics have secured funding from Horizon 2020.

Small particles in the blood can reveal early-stage cancer

Small particles released by cancer cells into the blood contain specific proteins. In a new international study, the investigators have been able to match specific EVP profiles with various types of cancer, including early stages.

A new approach to Nolle-P

The students have arrived! In small groups, keeping their distance. The student reception this year differs from everything that’s gone before. But despite restrictions and limitations, ambitions are still high and everyone is enjoying themselves.

Phenomenology to understand physics

How can the philosophical school of phenomenology help us to understand physics? In a new book scientists examine the role of phenomenology in the philosophy of physics and offers perspectives on how to understand and discuss physics.

New contact lens might be used for treatment of covid-19

Mehrdad Rafat, senior lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Engineering (IMT), is hoping that their bioengineered lens can join the forces against the corona virus.

Higher day-time methane emissions from northern lakes

Methane fluxes from lakes are higher during the day than the night, according to a study conducted by LiU researchers. Consequently, the contribution of northern lakes to global methane emissions is 15 per cent lower than previously estimated.

Towards a more user centred control system design

A control room in the industrial sector often comprises a wall of shining displays showing different parts of the production process. In her doctoral thesis, Veronika Domova aimed to develop a control system design, better adapted to human abilities.

OECD countries’ politicians follow each other

The more democratic a country is, the greater the probability that its politicians decide in the same way as in neighbouring countries, without further analysis, according to a study on decision-making during the beginning of the Corona crisis.

Employers reject transgender people

Employers in Sweden more often reject job applications from transgender people – especially in male-dominated occupations. Moreover, transgender people face discrimination from two different grounds for discrimination.

From nanocellulose to gold

When nanocellulose is combined with various types of metal nanoparticles, materials are formed with many new and exciting properties. They may be antibacterial, change colour under pressure, or convert light to heat.

Make your own greenhouse gas logger

Researchers at Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change have developed a simple logger for greenhouse gas flows. It is built using inexpensive parts, and provides data on levels of methane, carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity.

Students map the forest’s species

Much of Sweden’s area is forest, in particular spruce forest. But which, and how many, insect species inhabit these forests? A unique project is under way in the spruce forests of southeastern Sweden. Two master’s students are doing the work.

More cheating by students during home-based examinations

Reports of cheating have increased greatly during the spring of 2020. To 14 July, 190 cases have been reported to LiU’s disciplinary board.

Filip’s aim: to produce the best Kalas ever

It’s LiU tradition to welcome new students with a Kalas – a big event to celebrate the start of their studies at LiU. This year, large gatherings are not allowed – but there will be a Kalas, and Filip Elez thinks it might be the best ever.

LiU’s summer courses surge in popularity

Interest in LiU’s summer courses has increased massively. This year the number of registered students is five times more than last year. Most popular is the online course Elements of AI, to which 1314 participants have been accepted.

New bioink for cell bioprinting in 3D

A research group led by Daniel Aili, associate professor at LiU, has developed a bioink to print tissue-mimicking material in 3D printers. The scientists have developed a method and a material that allow cells to survive and thrive.

Learn the fundamentals of AI with Fredrik Heintz

The online course Elements of AI is intended both for those who want to learn more about what AI is and for those who want to take the first steps towards working with AI. Examiner for the course is Fredrik Heintz, a global leader in AI research.

Swedish students best at hand washing, worse at keeping their distance

Initial results from an international research project in which LiU is participating show that Swedish students follow official recommendations about hygiene, but not about social distancing.

Agriculture – a climate villain? Maybe not!

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change claims that agriculture is one of the main sources of greenhouse gases, and is considered as a climate villain. This conclusion is based on a paradigm that can be questioned, writes Per Frankelius.

Black Lives Matter - a global human rights movement

The Black Lives Matter movement is an international human rights movement that has existed since 2013. In late spring 2020 the movement spread to countries across the world. LiU PhD candidate Mavis Hooi answers four questions about the movement.

Students of teaching on internships abroad – remotely

When a pandemic puts a stop to internships abroad, it’s time to try something new. This year, students of teaching have had the opportunity to carry out education in the workplace in Kenya, Japan and India–but they had to do it using remote methods.

A career in the company of organics and perovskites

Feng Gao, appointed professor at LiU 2020, has climbed rapidly up the research career ladder, from China, via the UK to Linköping. Driven by curiosity, a desire to work in a field that is of real benefit, and a wish to support young researchers.

Chemistry paves the way for improved electronic materials

Indium nitride is a promising material, but difficult to manufacture. Scientists at LiU have developed a new molecule that can be used to create high-quality indium nitride, making it possible to use it in high-frequency electronics.

Research about skin sensation gave insights into pain

Håkan Olausson’s breakthrough research has partially upset the textbook description of the nervous system. His research group recently discovered a previously unknown component of the human pain-signalling system.

Using tiny electrodes to measure electrical activity in bacteria

Scientists at LiU’s Laboratory of Organic Electronics have developed an organic transistor that they can use to measure and study in fine detail a phenomenon known as extracellular electron transfer in which bacteria release electrons.

Why do we love the Viking Age?

From a historical perspective, the Viking Age was a short period. But it has left deep impressions. Over and over, interest in Vikings reemerges. Religious historian Fredrik Gregorius is to investigate what this fixation is all about.

Students presented design solutions to international audience

Under normal circumstances, the course would culminate in a networking event in Silicon Valley, USA. Instead, an innovative digital solution had to be quickly put together. "The best event we have had" says Marie Bengtsson, teacher and organizer.

International master’s students who stayed

Sarah Mitchell from South Africa and Ahmed Azeez from Iraq came to Linköping University to take a master’s programme. They liked it so much that they stayed, and are today both doctoral students at LiU.

Biogas is always good – but not always best

Biogas has many positive sides – but it’s not best at everything. A source of energy should be analysed from several perspectives and compared with the alternatives. It is also important to determine which factors are most important.

Services designed for a new age

Security in the gig economy, a solution for long-term unemployment and the creativity of young people are areas in which students of design at LiU have developed new smart services. A 12-credit course in service design has just ended.

With a focus on women´s health

No ovaries, no oestrogen - but higher risk of brain problems. Neuroscientist Gillian Einstein is investigating what happens to women’s brains and health when their production of oestrogen stops.

A spanner in the works for four exchange students

Their year as exchange students didn’t quite work out as planned – a corona pandemic threw a spanner in the works. But the four LiU students we talked to are satisfied – living and studying abroad gives experiences for life.

School may be the key to improvement for children in social care

Children in social care have poorer mental health and perform worse in school than other children. But they have trust in the school staff and perform better after individual assessment at school. These are findings in a docoral thesis from LiU.

Accounting: It’s not just numbers

Company accounts are more than just numbers. Images – photos, graphs and diagrams – are becoming increasingly important when companies provide information about themselves. Readers must understand illustrations as easily as they understand text.

Amazing master's experiences in the Amazon

For two weeks, a group of master’s students from Linköping University travelled to the rainforest of the Amazon to conduct field studies. It turned out to be an overwhelming and inspirational experience.

Renewable fuel from carbon dioxide with the aid of solar energy

Researchers at LiU are attempting to convert carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, to fuel using energy from sunlight. Recent results have shown that it is possible to use their technique to selectively produce methane, carbon monoxide or formic acid.

New research into the acceptance of physical distancing

Physical distancing is important to slow the spread of the coronavirus. A new research project will study the provisions relating to physical distancing and how they have been complied with by the public in Denmark and Sweden.

Academic Ceremony cancelled

No Academic Ceremony will be held in 2020. Given the current situation and the recommendations relating to large gatherings in the light of the corona pandemic, Linköping University has decided to cancel the event this year.

Poor fitness and obesity linked to later chronic disease

Obesity and poor fitness in adolescence are associated with receiving disability pension due to cardiovascular disease later in life, according to a study. The good news are that even a small improvement in fitness is associated with lower risk.

“Super-happy families” the aim of assisted reproduction

Researcher Judith Lind has studied how staff at fertility clinics view the assessments that childless couples and women undergo in order to access assisted reproduction.

Stronger couple relationships in dementia through change of focus

A richer life for couples in which one partner has dementia – this is the goal of Therése Bielsten’s research and her doctoral thesis, which she presented in early April. “I’m trying to shine new light on dementia, which may give both the healthcare

UN role play engages political science students

A different form of learning. Engaging and lots of fun. Those are some of the comments from political science students who recently took part in a UN role play organised at LiU.

First Swedish textbook on Marketing & Sustainability

Two researchers and teachers at Linköping University have written the first Swedish textbook that links marketing and sustainability. The book criticises to a certain extent the course literature that currently dominates education in marketing.

Success for two online conferences

The organisers had planned for 1,000 participants at the two conferences in visualisation in Norrköping, Eurographics and Eurovis. But 2,300 registered, and they presented 100 streamed video sessions that have been viewed nearly 38,000 times. So far.

The corona crisis changes the industry

The corona crisis will fundamentally change manufacturing industry. Digitalisation will be accelerated, business models changed, and servitisation increase. While the crisis brings huge difficulties, it also brings opportunities.

LiU’s vice-chancellor is finishing her term

After nine years as LiU’s most senior executive, Helen Dannetun is finishing her term as vice-chancellor. But she will remain at LiU, and is hoping for important assignments in the future as well. “Now is the right time to finish”, she says.

The change of business models in low-tech firms

The business models used by low-tech firms in mature industries undergo change. The commonly held view that their operations are static is not accurate. Development does, however, proceed more slowly, as a gradual fine-tuning of the company.

Welcome back to campus this autumn

Linköping University will open this autumn, in stages. The Swedish government announced at a press conference on Friday afternoon, 29 May, that institutions of higher education will return to normal operation this autumn.

Full of vision and energy, with his feet firmly on the ground

It’s official: the Swedish government appoints Jan-Ingvar Jönsson, professor in medical cell biology, as vice-chancellor of Linköping University.

Major progress towards high-dimensional quantum communication

A quantum mechanical random generator that functions with high security has been developed by a research group in which LiU researcher Guilherme Xavier is a member. The result opens the way for high-dimensional quantum communication.

Huge potential for energy savings in the aluminium industry

The Swedish aluminium industry could save huge amounts of energy and significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. There are strong driving forces for this, but also significant barriers. These are the conclusions of a new PhD-thesis at LiU.

Unique Resource for AI Research in Medical Imaging

One of the world's most powerful systems for artificial intelligence (AI) computation has landed at Linköping University. The system will serve as a national resource for projects within AIDA.

Better equipped for the next pandemic

Sometimes Andreas Wladis and his colleagues at the Centre for Teaching and Research in Disaster Medicine and Traumatology feel like annoying alarmists. Getting the responsible parties to listen in time, that’s not easy.

Honorary doctorates awarded – but they’ll have to wait

This weekend, seven international researchers should have received honorary doctorates from Linköping University. But the corona pandemic turned life upside down, and the Academic Ceremony has been postponed until the autumn.

High five! It’s possible to create proximity online

Despite physical distance, it’s possible to create proximity between family members located in different places. This is according to a study from Linköping University that has investigated how video calls bring family members together.

LiU scientists working on test of immune response in COVID-19

LiU scientists are working intensely to develop two different analysis methods for the immune response that follows infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One of the tests is now being used by the medical care services in Region Östergötland.

AI helping robots to make safe real-time decisions

If robots are to move among people in everyday life, they must be able to make decisions in real time, without human help. WASP doctoral student Olov Andersson describes in his thesis investigations into three different methods of learning.

The coronavirus shines a spotlight on health equality

Certain groups of migrants have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus, and people have started to question why. Anna Bredström, who conducts research into ethnicity, has examined health equality.

Lasse illuminates distance learning

As the coronavirus swept over us, Lasse Alfredsson in the Department of Electrical Engineering was already well set up for distance teaching. He uses video and a lightboard he built himself to make sure that the students can take part in teaching.

Markus Heilig receives award for research achievements

Professor Markus Heilig has been awarded the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, ECNP, award for his research into addictive disorders and other stress-related conditions.

Plasma electrons can be used to produce metallic films

Computers, mobile phones and all other electronic devices contain thousands of transistors, linked together by thin films of metal. Scientists at LiU have developed a method that can use the electrons in a plasma to produce these films.

Teacher or guardian – the two faces of auditors

Teacher and counsellor. Or examiner and market guardian? A thesis recently presented at Linköping University shows that auditors can play very different roles, depending on their work situation and whom they identify with.

Fluid mechanics to improve fuel consumption

Cars today must be certified for fuel consumption and emissions. Petter Ekman shows in his doctoral thesis how car manufacturers can make considerable resource savings for estimations of aerodynamics effects even from small geometrical details.

“Today, we refuse to accept sickness and death”

People have combated recurrent epidemics through the ages in different ways. And COVID-19 demonstrates how vulnerable we still are. Historian Hans Nilsson describes the changing ways in which society has dealt with threats to health.

New Horizon 2020 projects to LiU

Autonomous air-traffic control, white light-emitting diodes, electronic components that harvest energy, and research into how embryos can survive in a foreign uterus are new projects to receive funding in the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme.

In the thick of things – coronavirus research

The current pandemic has brought virus research into the spotlight. Many clinically relevant questions need to be answered. Virologist Lennart Svensson is sure of one thing: this is not the last time we will see a coronavirus outbreak.

Coordinated transport benefits both the recipients and society

A better urban environment, more efficient transport, and fewer disturbances from many deliveries. A new thesis shows that shared freight terminals can make huge and important differences – both for the recipients and society in general.

Soft robots 3D-printed in sub-millimeter sizes

The Bionics and Transduction Science unit has created the worlds smallest 3D-printed robot.

A digital workshop brings a global perspective to the crisis

It started as a meeting in the coffee room (which was starting to feel rather empty), and ended with a workshop with participants from three continents. The coronacrisis is forcing the development of new research and new ways of collaborating.

Social consequences of elderly isolation

When the elderly are subject to social and physical distancing it has consequences – both for the individual and for society. This is the conclusion of researchers at Linköping University.

LiU to remain in distance mode to the start of the autumn term

Distance mode, which is currently in force at LiU, is to remain active until the start of the autumn term. However, the university is to maintain a preparedness such that it can remain in distance mode or rapidly reactivate it if necessary.

A cheap organic steam generator to purify water

A high-efficiency steam generator for the purification and desalination of water can be built using cheap and natural materials such as cellulose. The steam generator has been developed at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, LiU.

Decision-making during an emergency

It is a tradition in Swedish society to always have a plan ready to use in different situations. When an emergency arises with a very high speed, there is a risk that the Swedish approach to decision-making can be undermined.

Alumni of the Year: species under threat and safe perinatal care

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A passion for protecting biological diversity

Care for the newly delivered gives Alumna of the Year award

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