Forum Scientium firade 25 år - "en återförening av briljanta hjärnor"

Benefits of big city life – only for the elite

In a study published in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers at Linköping University show that the higher-than-expected outputs of larger cities critically depend on the extreme outcomes of the successful few.

Schools’ intake segregates students

Various intake rules for upper secondary schools affect segregation among students. The effect is less than from other factors, but still clear. This is the conclusion of a new study written by researchers at Linköping University.

Swedish AI research gets more muscle

The supercomputer Berzelius was inaugurated in the spring of 2021, and was then Sweden's fastest supercomputer for AI. Yet, more power is needed to meet the needs of Swedish AI research.

Female researcher studies a cell plate in a laboratory.

Long-term effects on the immune system following COVID-19

The more severe the COVID-19 infection, the slower the recovery of immune cells which are necessary for the activation of the immune system. Six months after severe COVID-19, a negative impact on several types of immune cells can still be seen.

Researcher at a archeological excavation site.

Climate change and the rise and fall of civilisations

Pronounced climate fluctuations and changed conditions for agriculture coincided with the rise and fall of the Persian Empires, according to an international study. The study highlights the vulnerability of human societies to fluctuating climate.

Peter Nilsson’s molecules shine a light on Alzheimer’s research

“Even though I’m a professor now, I still spend a lot of time in the lab, as I know that when I’m working hands on, that’s when I get the new ideas,” says Peter Nilsson. He develops tracer molecules that are used in research into Alzheimer’s disease.

Man in coverall labb gear hold translucent disc infront of face.

Artificial nerve cells – almost like biological

Researchers at LiU have created an artificial organic neuron that closely mimics the characteristics of biological nerve cells. This artificial neuron can stimulate natural nerves, making it a promising technology for future medical treatments.

LiU shares digital knowledge with teachers from Ukraine

The use of digital tools is crucial to the Ukrainian universities during the current war. This according to Tetiana Kuvaieva, who teaches at Dnipro University in Ukraine and participated in a network conference at LiU within the EMDIAC project.

The LiU doctoral student behind a hit game

LiU doctoral student Fredrik Präntare is the architect of the company Pugstorm, which is achieving global success with the game Core Keeper. "Even back when I was studying for my Master of Science degree, I spent every free hour on my own projects,".

Higher mortality rates linked to hospital bed shortages

The number of hospital beds is linked to mortality rates, according to a Linköping University study. Researchers estimate that reducing the number of hospital beds by three corresponds to approximately one more death per year.

The birth of an invention at LiU: “Something magical happened”

He came to LiU with a dream of revolutionising the textile industry. During his economics studies, Sam Issa met up with LiU researchers and their collaboration resulted in an invention – a smart thread that enables garments to change size.

LiU’s welded stoves bring warmth to Ukraine

War, freezing temperatures and a shattered power grid – Christmas in Ukraine will be an ordeal for many people. Stoves welded together by LiU students in the M workshop will provide light in the darkness and bring vital warmth.

Anton Källström sketching at a whiteboard.

Professional project pitchers

It is different, fun, productive and profitable! This is how some students describe inGenious - a creative and interdisciplinary course at Linköping University. The students work in projects trying to find a business idea to solve an existing issue.

18 million from Wallenberg Foundation for LiU research

Three researchers at LiU receive a total of SEK 18.4 million from the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation for three research projects. All are four-year projects that concern different aspects of the progress towards a sustainable society.

Adel Daoud charts the poverty in Africa

Can it be true: a researcher specialising in poverty elected to the Young Academy of Sweden? What about a social scientist who is also an expert in computer science, straddling the boundary between scientific disciplines? Why not? Meet Adel Daoud.

“It’s the best way to tell a story”

His fascination with comics has followed LiU researcher Robert Aman since he was five years old. He was recently awarded the Adamson Diploma by Svenska serieakademin, which emphasised in the citation Aman’s book as a classic in the making.

Bringing hybrid AI forward together

Recently researchers from all over the world gathered at LiU to network through seminars, organised activities and informal day-to-day interaction. All with the aim to collaborate and find new ways to conduct research in a huge area – hybrid AI.

Yellow quadruped drops first aid kit infront of injured person.

Collaboration the key to realising the potential of AI

In the near future, it is probable that autonomous drones and quadruped robots will perform rescue operations. But we are currently far from achieving full autonomy. Consequently, well-functioning collaboration between human and machine is crucial.

people trying out a virtual reality headset.

Kajsa Igelström wants to study autism using VR

Many people with autism or ADHD find that sensory input and motor skills are problematical in their everyday life. Researcher Kajsa Igelström wants to understand why.

Saving forests with AI

Attacks by beetles destroy huge areas of forest every year, costing several billion Swedish crowns. LiU alumnus Markus Drugge wants to do something about this. His company, Arboair, uses AI-driven image analysis to improve sustainability in forestry.

“What exactly do we mean by sustainable development?”

Politicians are unanimous that society must develop in a sustainable manner. But what does this mean? If we are to achieve sustainable development, we must discuss the concept itself.

LiU to coordinate EU project on click chemistry for cancer therapy

Small implanted ion pumps combined with click chemistry may provide a new type of cancer treatment. This is the objective of the EU’s bioSWITCH project, coordinated by Linköping University with a budget of SEK 43 million for three years.

COVID-19 reactivates several latent viruses – particularly in ME patients

COVID-19 reactivated viruses that had become latent in cells following previous infections, particularly in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The results adds to our knowledge of the causes of the disease and prospects of reaching a diagnosis.

New technology to secure future harvests

Wars, natural disasters and climate change bring huge challenges for the agriculture industry, which must at the same time provide food for a growing population. Future high-technology solutions can increase food production in a sustainable manner.

Meet Akshay, student at Statistics and Machine Learning

Master's student awarded for research on traffic flow patterns

Akshay Gurudath receives the Christer Gilén Scholarship for his degree project in statistics and machine learning. In his thesis, Akshay presents and compares models he has built to predict positions of pedestrians, cyclists, and autonomous vehicles.

She took on the challenge of creating climate-neutral campuses

How can university campuses become climate-neutral? Students came together to address this question in the first ECIU Strategic Challenge. One of them was Juliane Maria Kraskes from the master’s programme Science for Sustainable Development.

Two women gives presentation in classroom.

Master’s thesis on ecodesign awarded prize

A thesis that deals with eco-friendly products and environmentally sensitive product development by Alice Landin and Angelica Reyes has been awarded one of two Christer Gilén scholarships for 2022. “It’s a wonderful surprise,” say the winners.

LiU doctoral student awarded Gunnar Engström Scholarship

Giacomo Carraro, doctoral student at LiU, has been awarded the ABB Gunnar Engström Scholarship for his research into improving the production of biogas. The scholarship has a value of SEK 150,000.

physician helps woman measure heart activity with an handheld EKG apparatus.

Screening for stroke risk can save lives and money

Atrial fibrillation is the greatest risk factor for stroke. Screening to detect atrial fibrillation in older people would not only increase the chance of preventing stroke, it would also save money for the healthcare system and society.

Professor Feng Gao and postdoctor Rui Zhang are talking in a corridor

SEK 20 million for laser research from the ERC

Professor Feng Gao at LiU has received an ERC Consolidator Grant for work to create electrically pumped perovskite lasers. The project may fundamentally change laser technology. The award is SEK 20 million over five years.

Girl with backpack standing in flooded village.

The Paris Agreement – better measurement methods needed

The Paris Agreement says that we should reduce the emission of greenhouse gases to limit the rise in global temperature to 2 degrees Celsius. But do we have the measurement methods needed? LiU-researchers have the disheartening answer.

Additional Academic Ceremony at LiU

LiU will hold two Academic Ceremonies in 2022, to make it possible to celebrate all new professors and doctoral degrees after the pandemic. The celebrations to be held 10-12 November will also offer lectures from honorary doctors and a gala concert.

Large LiU presence at climate meeting in Egypt

Seven people from Linköping University will be at the UN climate change conference in Egypt. LiU researcher Mathias Fridahl believes that a major focus will be on adaptation.

LiU congratulates successful researchers, and looks to inspire others

The Grantee Celebration Event is an initiative in which Linköping University congratulates LiU researchers who have recently been awarded prestigious research grants. It is intended to become an annual event – one that inspires young researchers.

Person in a lab reaching for an instrument.

Cancer researcher Linda Bojmar leads a unique study in humans

What’s it like to lead a research group, spend half your life on an airplane across the Atlantic, while making sure that family life runs smoothly? This is the reality facing Linda Bojmar every day, now back in Linköping to work on a unique study.

Possible biological explanation for increased cancer risk in dense breasts

The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in what are known as dense breasts. Researchers at LiU have now shown that there are major biological differences between dense breasts and nondense breasts.

Two LiU spin off companies "best startups 2022"

The magazine Ny Teknik has listed 33 of this year's best and most promising startups in Sweden, in the yearly "33-listan". Two startups on the list are spin-offs from LiU. The companies are ArgusEye and Grafren.

The brain cells needed for fever

Researchers at LiU have identified in mice the cells in the blood vessels of the brain that are necessary for a fever reaction. The results answer a long-standing question of which organs are involved in producing fever.

SEK 22 million ERC grant to research on sex-bias in disease

Associate professor Colm Nestor has been awarded a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) of approximately SEK 22 million over the next 5 years. The funding will be used to research sex bias in human disease.

Woman and man with headsets and green military clothing in front of computer. More screens in the background.

A LiU master’s programme to fight cybercrime

Companies and society in general are increasingly targeted by cybercrime. Experts are needed to ensure protection. There are several good reasons for LiU to establish a master’s programme in cybersecurity, starting in the autumn of 2023.

Electricity from renewable sources can increase with flexible systems

Energy flow from solar and wind power is uneven, and depends on the weather. However, research from LiU shows that a flexible energy system in which district heating, electricity production, and industry work together can balance energy consumption.

Neurodegeneration can be studied long before symptoms arise

In prion diseases, the brain gradually deteriorates. New research suggests that cellular changes can be studied extremely early in the disease process, which is important if we are to develop treatments.

Barriers to climate-friendly e-commerce

The retailers want it, so do the distributors. The consumers also say that they want it. Even so, the introduction of climate-friendly deliveries for e-commerce is proceeding slowly. A new study analyses the barriers that hinder development.

“The Iran regime is doomed,” says LiU researcher

The regime in Iran is ideologically, morally and economically bankrupt, and will collapse sooner or later. These are the opinions of Khalid Khayati, researcher in political sciences and the Middle East, himself from the Kurdish area of Iran.

LiU condemns violence against students in Iran

The Swedish academic world has expressed its profound concern about events in Iran, with escalating violence directed at citizens in general, and teachers and students in particular. Vice-Chancellor Jan-Ingvar Jönsson at LiU condemns the violence.

Nobel Prize awarded for evidence of entangled particles

The Nobel Prize for Physics, 2022, has been awarded to three researchers, for their research into quantum phenomena. Jan-Åke Larsson, professor at LiU, has made theoretical contributions to experiments led by Anton Zeilinger in Vienna.

The road to future AI is paved with trust

Many researchers believe that what we have seen so far is only the beginning of AI. However, it must be trustworthy in all situations. LiU is coordinating a EU project that has drawn up a roadmap towards the trustworthy AI of the future.

New honorary doctors: one CEO, one furniture designer, three researchers

Lena Miranda, CEO of Linköping Science Park, is awarded an honorary doctorate. She will receive the award, together with furniture designer Åke Axelsson and international researchers Lucy Henry, Barbara Riegel and Arnold Tukker, in November 2022.

The participants at 2022 IEEE SPS - EURASIP Summer School

Focus on the super-fast 6G networks of the future

Hardly has 5G become a reality, when the question of what 6G will be like is asked? That was the starting point when the 2022 IEEE SPS - EURASIP Summer School was arranged at Linköping University.

International four-way collaboration ready to start

An unique four-way collaboration project will enable 21 Students from Linköping University and 21 Washington State University to participate in an innovative exchange and research programme in engineering science and scientific computation.

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.

Lakes worldwide emit less methane than believed

Lakes emit globally approximately 42 million tonnes of the greenhouse gas methane each year, according to a new study from NASA and LiU. This is less than previously believed, but even so, lakes are one of the largest natural sources of methane.

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”

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.

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.

Forum Scientiums 25-year celebration – ”a reunion of brilliant minds”

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