IDEAS 2024

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.

Brazil: More than samba dancing

Brazil is more than samba dancing, football and sun-drenched beaches – and it’s more than rain forests and a controversial president. It’s also a country with important research and many talented scientists. Just ask Petter Krus.

Henrique: doctorates from both LiU and Brazil

The collaboration between LiU and Brazil is taking a step forward. Henrique Raduenz is a double degree doctoral student and will receive degrees from LiU and Brazilian university UFSC. “There’s a lot of paperwork, but it’s worth the extra effort.”

LiU inspires engineering education in Brazil

Linköping University is one of several universities around the world working together to improve engineering education. Taking inspiration from LiU, several engineering programmes in Brazil are undergoing radical change.

Industrial collaboration worth copying

Aline Kraemer and Marcelo Costa are Brazilian guest researchers at the Division of Automatic Control. Their six-month visit will soon come to an end. As they travel home, they take with them memories, insights and ideas about new ways of working.

LiU to host centre for Swedish aeronautic research

Swedish aeronautical research has been gathered into a common centre, SARC – the Swedish Aeronautic Research Center. The centre will be hosted by the Department of Management and Engineering. Top of priorities is to establish a joint graduate school.

The war in Ukraine has serious effects on children’s health

Children’s access to healthcare in Ukraine has seen a sharp decline since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. A Swedish study shows how children’s physical, mental and social health is being seriously affected by the war.

No association between COVID-vaccine and decrease in childbirth

COVID-19 vaccination is not the cause behind a decrease in childbirth, according to a study from Linköping University. The results speak against rumours about vaccination and reduced fertility.

Ukrainian researchers and students visited LiU

Ukrainian society must continue to function during the war. Other European countries can contribute. LiU is part in the Swedish-Ukrainian project STREAM-U and recently welcomed a group of researchers, public officials and students.

AI and simulation lab equips teachers

Teachers and students are given tools to use AI wisely in education. In simulations with avatars, they practise dealing with teaching challenges. This and much more is going on in the AIST Lab, a new interdisciplinary initiative at LiU.

Foundations for type 1 diabetes may already be laid during pregnancy

Researchers have identified a protein pattern that, already at birth, looks markedly different in those who later go on to develop type 1 diabetes. The findings show that a combination of several factors during pregnancy affects disease risk.

Cutting‑edge IT and mobile communications research grows

Efficient 6G, advanced robotics and human-machine interaction are some of the themes of the 25 new research projects that have been awarded funding within the ELLIIT initiative. The projects share a total of SEK 255 million over five years.

Higher costs for green hydrogen transport in the Nordics

Green hydrogen produced using solar and wind power would be cheaper to produce at more southerly latitudes than in the Nordic region. This is shown in a study from Linköping University.

Customer confidence is crucial to how new technology is received

As customers, we can become both satisfied and more interested when a company offers digital, innovative services, such as an AI-based solution. At the same time, this can make us reject those services.

American poets society

Literary scholar Elin Käck is probably the only person who has done her work experience programme with a poet. She enjoys spending her summers in various archives and has recently presented her research on American poets’ travels in Europe.

Political polarisation blocks more sustainable transport

Trains and planes have become part of our polarised social climate and one is often set against the other. This political gridlock hinders progress towards a more sustainable transport system. This is the conclusion of a doctoral thesis at LiU.

Digital services can increase exclusion

When public agencies introduce digital services, one goal is to improve accessibility for citizens. But for residents in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, this may create new barriers to integration. This is shown in a doctoral thesis from LiU.

Electric motors are transforming hydraulics

Electrifying hydraulics on, for example, an excavator can significantly improve efficiency. However, it requires major technical changes. Electric machines have different characteristics compared to combustion engines.

Tomorrow’s urban planners solve real challenges

Students on master’s programme in Strategic Urban and Regional Planning do more than study how cities develop. They step straight into reality. By working on real cases in Norrköping, their ideas could help shape the city’s future.

Roadmap to strengthen LiU:s role in Europe

LiU is increasing international presence by launching the Roadmap to Europe initiative. The aim is to deepen the university’s collaboration within Europe so as to strengthen education, research and collaboration with various stakeholders.

National initiative to protect AI systems from cyberattacks

LiU will host a new national centre aimed at developing resilient AI systems. The funding of SEK 60 million comes from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research and its director will be LiU Professor Fredrik Heintz.

SEK 40 million from the Swedish Research Council for clinical therapy research

A reduction in infection risks during hip replacement surgery and improved care for people with opioid dependence can lead to safer surgery and more effective addiction therapy.

Persecuted scholars gain protection at LiU

Researchers are being targeted in many countries around the world. Through the organisation Scholars at Risk (SAR), LiU is helping to protect some of these researchers.

Electrodes created using light

Visible light can be used to create electrodes from conductive plastics completely without hazardous chemicals. This is shown in a new study carried out by researchers at Linköping and Lund universities.

Greater risk that the political right falls for conspiracy theories

People who lean politically to the right are more likely to fall for conspiracy theories. But regardless of ideology, we tend to accept political claims that align with our own beliefs. This is shown in a doctoral thesis from LiU.

Artificial turf in the Nordic climate – a question of sustainability

Artificial turf football pitches are better than natural turf from a sustainability perspective – with some reservations. This is demonstrated by researchers at LiU in a new study using life cycle analyses.

The future of healthcare starts in your mobile

Imagine your smartphone becoming a diagnostic tool that helps you detect early signs of illness or monitor your health between doctor’s visits. That is the vision behind the ECIU University course “Health in Your Hands”.

25 years with Language and Culture – Nigel Musk was there from the start

The research environment Language and Culture was established in 2000. Nigel Musk, who left London for Sweden in his youth, has been a part of it from the beginning. Here, he reflects on the development of the environment and the challenges ahead.

Better care of expectant mothers in focus for new research centre

It should not matter where in the country a woman gives birth. Nor should her background. A new research centre is therefore being set up, to make the entire care chain for expectant and new mothers more equal and based on their individual needs.

Sociologist by chance

Sociologist Maria Brandén studies society from a bird’s eye perspective. As head of the Institute for Analytical Sociology at Linköping University, she wants to create research that influences important political decisions.

New Wallenberg Academy Fellows researching 6G and AI

LiU researchers Jendrik Seipp and Zheng Chen have been appointed as new Wallenberg Academy Fellows. The funding gives promising researchers the opportunity to tackle challenging research questions that require a long-term approach.

New research centre meets challenge of longer working lives

More and more people are working later into their lives – but what happens when health fails and this leads to sick leave? A new research centre at LiU is to find solutions for returning to work later in life and for a sustainable working life.

LiU takes a big leap in global sustainability ranking

Linköping University climbs almost 200 places to reach position 156 in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability2026. The ranking measures how higher education institutions around the world contribute to sustainability.

The shape of the cell nucleus influences cancer treatment

Cancer cells with a cell nucleus that is easily deformed are more sensitive to drugs that damage DNA, shows a new study. The results may also explain why combining certain cancer drugs can produce the opposite of the intended effect.

LiU researchers are looking for solutions for climate transition in agriculture

Changing agriculture to reduce climate and environmental impact can cost money. But farmers wanting to invest and banks who want to lend them money share a problem. In a new project, researchers at LiU want to find solutions.

Large donations for innovative treatment for Parkinson’s disease

The Promobilia Foundation has donated SEK 30 million to LiU for a research project where organic electronics will be used to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Stiftelsen för Parkinsonsforskning at LiU has also donated SEK 5 million to the purpose.

Research on chickens can help endangered species

LiU researchers will try to find out whether it is possible to use genetic engineering to “undomesticate” domesticated chickens. This could be a tool for conserving endangered species – and perhaps recreating extinct animals.

Solidarity under pressure – lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

FuturISE is an international research project that explores solidarity across generations in times of crisis. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can guide responses to future challenges, such as the climate crisis.

Maryam Ramzi leads with her heart

Before coming to Sweden at the age of 16, Maryam Ramzi could barely locate it on the map. Today she’s a medical student, research assistant and youth leader – honored by the King for her commitment to research, clinical work and leadership.

SEK 50 million from the Swedish Research Council to LiU

The Swedish Research Council has awarded SEK 50 million to LiU. This is the outcome of six calls for proposals where the allocation of grants was recently decided. The research covers areas such as segregation, youth crime and opioid dependence.

Protection against winter vomiting bug spread with arrival of agriculture

A genetic variant that protects against stomach virus infections appeared when humans began farming. This is shown by researchers at LiU and Karolinska Institutet, after analysing the genomes of 4,300 ancient individuals and cultivated “mini-guts”.

Four LiU researchers recieve funding from the Swedish Cancer Society

Researchers at LiU share SEK 12 million for new projects to improve treatment and quality of life for cancer patients. One of them is Henrik Green, who studies how genetic differences between patients can affect how they react to cancer treatment.

High blood pressure in adolescence a silent risk

A blood pressure as low as 120/80 mm Hg in adolescence is linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis in middle age. These findings indicate that high blood pressure early in life plays an important role in the development of coronary artery disease.

Young researchers receive millions in scholarships

Nine young researchers will share almost SEK 18 million from Catharina Högbom’s and Michael Cocozza’s Foundation for research and culture. The money is to fund research at Linköping University.

Boosting Europe's semiconductor manufacturing

LiU has deepened its research collaboration with the German graphite manufacturer SGL Carbon, with the long-term aim of strengthening European semiconductor manufacturing. Together, they have developed a purpose-built CVD tool on Campus Valla.

From lab to legislation – the fight against new online drugs

A new drug on the European market – every week. Professor Henrik Green is using research to help government agencies stop the most dangerous online drugs more quickly.

Strong ties between LiU and Japan

High-quality education and outstanding research unite Linköping University with universities in Japan – but there are also shared challenges. For example, the timing of semester starts should be synchronised, according to Japan’s ambassador...

LiU researchers on the list of the world’s most cited

Researchers from LiU among the world’s most influential. Clarivate has once again listed those who rank within the top one per cent most cited in their research fields.

Strengths and challenges in research revealed

For the first time, LiU has conducted an evaluation of all research – its quality, the culture, and the conditions for further development. The evaluation has been carried out through self-evaluation and external review by experts.

Higher methane emissions from warmer lakes and reservoirs may exacerbate worst-case climate scenario

Emissions of methane from lakes and reservoirs risk doubling by the end of the century due to climate change according to a new study from LiU and NASA. This in turn could raise Earth’s temperature more than suggested by current worst-case scenario.

Sperm molecules can predict IVF success

The sperm is not a passive supplier of genetic material to the egg. A study shows that certain molecules that come with the sperm, so-called micro-RNA, contribute to the development of the embryo several days after conception.

Space is not just technology, also a place for culture and ethics

In the shadow of rockets, satellites and billionaires’ space projects, a new field of research is emerging. It is about understanding space also as an arena for culture, politics and ethics.

Ahead of the COP30 climate summit: “It’s looking really bad.”

Not enough is being done, and not fast enough. That is the harsh assessment made by LiU researchers Mathias Fridahl and Maria Jernnäs ahead of this year’s major international climate summit in Brazil.

Research on exoskeletons and cleaners receives SEK 16.7 million

LiU receives SEK 16.7 million from AFA Försäkring for research in the field of work environment and health. The projects concern exoskeletons, cleaning staff, part-time managers and digital work environments in health and social care.

Increased quantum collaboration between LiU and Singapore

Researchers at Linköping University and the National Quantum Office in Singapore are now deepening their collaboration in quantum technology. The aim is to jointly achieve both scientific and industrial breakthroughs.

National research infrastructure secures continued funding

The Swedish Research Infrastructure for Advanced Electron Microscopy, ARTEMI, has secured funding from the Swedish Research Council for another two years. It is crucial for advanced research in materials science, inorganic chemistry and physics.

Unexpectedly high emissions from wastewater treatment plants

Greenhouse gas emissions from many wastewater treatment plants may be more than twice as large as previously thought. This is shown in a new study from LiU, where the researchers used drones with specially manufactured sensors to measure emissions.

SEK23 million for research in humanities and the social sciences

Riksbankens Jubileumsfond grants over SEK 23 million to research projects in the humanities and social sciences at Linköping University. These include the significance of names, the consequences of uranium mining, political polarisation, and robots.

How local democracy can be strengthened

At a time when the values of democracy are under threat, municipalities need to resist authoritarian tendencies. Certain reforms can contribute to a more resilient local democracy. The introduction of municipal parliamentarism is an example.

LiU in collaboration with NASA

A collaboration between Linköping University and NASA has led to a new three-day workshop about managing the unexpected. The aim is to provide knowledge, and some experience, of decision-making in tough situations.

AI method for determining time of death is awarded prize

Jenny Arpe’s master’s thesis at LiU presents a new method for determining the time of death using AI. For this she has now been awarded a master of science in engineering thesis prize awarded in memory of Christopher Polhem.

Linköping University to AI-proof its study programmes and courses

LiU is introducing a new action plan to AI-proof all its programmes and courses.“AI is already changing the way we learn. We need to ensure high quality and remain relevant in an AI-driven future,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor Karin Axelsson.

Research on next-generation AI planning receives SEK 15 million

LiU researcher Jendrik Seipp has been awarded SEK 15 million to develop an AI planning system that uses multi-core processors for parallel computation. This could lead to more efficient logistics and large-scale energy optimisation, among much else.

The paper industry can become more energy-efficient with a new measurement method

The pulp and paper industry consumes large amounts of energy. But despite stricter EU requirements for efficiency improvements, there has been no way to compare energy consumption between different companies. Now there may be a solution.

New master’s programmes in world-leading materials science

Linköping University is one of the world’s leading universities in materials science. The autumn of 2026 will see the launch of two new master’s programmes in this field. The students can look forward to an excellent labour market.

LiU establishes new infrastructure for materials research

A new Swedish research infrastructure for additive manufacturing (3D printing) and the finishing and qualification of components in tungsten for future nuclear power is being launched. LiU has been appointed coordinator for the MJOLNIR project.

New centre drives sustainability transition

With a mission to catalyse research and collaboration on sustainable societal transformation, a new centre, LiU Sustainability Transformations, LiUST, will be a new meeting place for innovation and collaboration – both within and outside of LiU.

Nobel Prize-winning technology dries grain – without heat

Nobel Prize-winning technology is now applied in Swedish agriculture. At Hasta Gård, grain is dried without heat using far less energy. The research is part of an innovation project involving Agtech Sweden at LiU.

Men’s lifestyles may impact their grandchildren’s health

Habits and health issues can contribute to a kind of biological memory that can be passed on to future children. A review paper by LiU researchers presents a theory about the father’s contribution to protecting his descendants from infections.

Professors and award winners get their own Academic Ceremony

New professors will be inaugurated and award winners and Alumni of the Year will be celebrated at the Academic Ceremony on 10 October. Linköping University is growing, and as of this year two Academic Ceremonies will be held.

From inside the body to the future of healthcare – 25 years of CMIV

25 years ago, an idea was born in Linköping: to unite research, healthcare, and industry in developing the medical tools of the future. Two years later, that vision became reality when CMIV was founded and its operations began.

Smart logistics can set the circular economy in motion

Many companies want to invest more in recycling and reuse as part of their business strategy – but the challenge is making it profitable. One important, yet often overlooked, factor is logistics. That is the view of researcher Erik Sandberg at LiU.

Johanna Rosén elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Linköping professor Johanna Rosén has been elected as a new member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, KVA, in the class for engineering sciences. She is one of five new members.

Visualisation of blood flow sharpens artificial heart

Using magnetic cameras, researchers at LiU have examined blood flow in an artificial heart in real time. The results make it possible to design the heart in a way to reduce the risk of blood clots and red blood cells breakdown.

Carrying the torch of not burning plastic

He is the navy officer who chose to do a Master of Science in Engineering. More than 20 years later, Mattias Philipsson is leading the way for plastic in Sweden to become more circular. This Alumnus of the Year 2025 is not done yet.

Inspiring others to dare choose a career in engineering

Lisa Lundström always dreamed of being an engineer. Today, she owns and leads a heating technology company with customers all over the world. The Alumna of the Year is committed to inspiring more young people to dare dream of a career in engineering.

This year’s alumni create sustainability with plastic recycling and heat technology

Mattias Philipsson has made major contributions towards strengthening Sweden’s position in plastic recycling. Lisa Lundström is involved in the development of innovative heating solutions.  They are Linköping University’s Alumni of the Year 2025.

How technology can strengthen Sweden’s food preparedness

Should Sweden be hit by a crisis, there is only enough food to feed half of our population. Could new technology be the solution easing our concerns at the dining table?

How Ukraine keeps society going despite the war

Despite being the war, Ukraine has maintained public services. A new study from LiU points to the collaboration between citizens and public authorities as a key factor. There are lessons to be learned for other countries in this, the researchers say.

LiU turns 50 - the second act

Did you think that LiU’s 50-year birthday celebrations were already over? Then think again. The Kalas event kicked off the autumn term, and the next few months will see concerts, conferences and another academic ceremony, to name but a few events.

Plastic nerve cells become more advanced – and simpler

An artificial neuron made of conductive plastics that can perform advanced functions similar to those of biological nerve cells has been demonstrated by researchers at LiU.

Ancient lentils shed light over Canary Islands history

The very first genetic study of archaeological lentils show that lentils grown in the Canary Islands have a history that stretches back almost 2,000 years. These lentils may become valuable for plant breeding in the light of ongoing climate change.

Biogas solutions fuel innovation

Policymakers may find it difficult to understand and be able to weigh in all sustainability effects of biogas systems. A new report highlights 53 different effects, most of which have a positive impact on society.

LiU activates crisis management following bus accident on the E4

LiU has activated its crisis management team due to a bus accident on the E4 motorway. It involves a campus bus between LiU’s three campuses in Norrköping and Linköping. "Important to take care of one another", says vice-chancellor Jan-Ingvar Jönsson

Centres of Excellence strengthen LiU’s research

The investment in four prominent research environments, Centres of Excellence, will ensure long-term development, improved quality and deeper collaboration for LiU.

New discovery reveals how chromosome ends can be protected

Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that safeguards the chromosome ends from being mistakenly repaired by the cell - a mistake with potentially catastrophic outcomes.

Cyberattack against LiU's system supplier Miljödata - updated September 15

On 25 August, it became known that Miljödata, the provider of the Adato system used by LiU in the employee rehabilitation process, had been subjected to a cyberattack. A number of measures have been taken to determine what the consequences may be.

ERC Starting Grant to Linda Bojmar

Linda Bojmar has been awarded just over SEK 16 million from the European Research Council, ERC. Her research aims to increase understanding of how pancreatic cancer spreads in the body and how treatment can be made more effective.

nytt-forskningsprojekt-ska-granska-atervinningen

LiU opens office in Brussels

Linköping University has opened an EU Office in Brussels to increase its presence and influence within European research and innovation. The office will be led by Lisa Pohl, who most recently comes from the European Commission.

Researching forgotten workers through art

Theopisti Stylianou-Lambert explores how local archaeological workers in colonial-era Cyprus have been omitted from historical narratives. Her art-based research brings hidden stories to light and opens new ways of thinking.

Fröken Björn: Student life is the ultimate education

Björn “Fröken Björn” Lagerström spent 13 years at Linköping University. Not because he didn’t want to finish, but simply because student life was too much fun to leave.

AI reshapes research and doctoral education

AI has become an important part of research and doctoral education thanks to new tools that are constantly evolving. It creates new opportunities but also raises questions about integrity, data management and academic responsibility.

Unpackaged food can reduce emissions

How do consumers respond to unpackaged food? And how can the producers and supermarkets design solutions that rely less on single-use packaging? These are some questions explored by PhD student Elena Jiménez Romanillos.

Fawlty Towers - the invisible subtitlers revealed

Swedes read a lot - especially if you include film and TV subtitles. But does the subtitler themselves play any role? In search of an answer, researcher Lars Jämterud has looked at the translation of the classic British comedy series Fawlty Towers.

“Skin in a syringe” a step towards a new way to heal burns

Researchers have created what could be called “skin in a syringe”. The gel containing live cells can be 3D printed into a skin transplant, as shown in a study conducted on mice. This technology may lead to new ways to treat burns and severe wounds.

Great potential for increased resource efficiency through industrial symbiosis

The need for more knowledge and experience in implementing industrial symbiosis in Europe led to the EU project Coralis – which has now been completed. Researchers from Linköping University led two of the project’s main areas.

LiU and Stanford develop drone technology for forest fire monitoring

Students from Linköping University and Stanford have developed a drone that can help firefighters combat forest fires in a safer and smarter way.

From lab to market - students facilitating green hydrogen introduction worldwide

As the world searches for sustainable energy solutions, green hydrogen has emerged as a key player in the transition. At Linköping University, students now have the opportunity to work on real challenges related to this technology.

A goal-oriented student

As a goalkeeper in IFK Norrköping, Sofia Hjern has been part of the club's journey from Division One to Damallsvenskan. She has now also been called up for the national team – while studying behavioural science at Linköping University.

LiU and Region Östergötland invest in AI and precision health

Linköping University and Region Östergötland announce initiatives in the areas of life science, medtech, innovation and information-driven precision health in a new collaboration agreement.

More effective production of “green” hydrogen with new combined material

Hydrogen produced from water is a promising renewable energy source – especially if the hydrogen is produced using sunlight. Now LiU researchers show that a combination of new materials improves the efficiency of the chemical reaction several times.

Fatty liver – but not liver damage – common in type 2 diabetes

Six out of ten people with type 2 diabetes had fatty liver in a new study. Of these, only a small percentage had developed more severe liver disease. Type 2 diabetes in combination with obesity is linked to a greater risk.