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.

New center to strengthen Sweden in the quantum race

Six Swedish universities are joining forces to establish the Swedish Center for Quantum Technology, a national hub for research, innovation, education, and capacity building in quantum technology.

Moral economy perspectives through history

When a crisis arises, a humanitarian urge to help others is often awakened. But what happens when emotions rule and knowledge is lacking? Norbert Götz, professor of modern history, has researched the conditions of humanitarian aid.

LiU professor to become the Swedish Research Council’s new Secretary General

Ulrika Ådén  has been appointed the Swedish Research Council’s new Secretary General for Medicine and Health. In her new role, she aims to promote international collaboration and contribute to greater impact of research in society.

Scientists mimic heart muscle cells with conductive plastic

For the first time, scientists have succeeded in artificially mimicking the ion signalling of heart muscle cells. To succeed, researchers at LiU have used organic electronics. The findings open up for new types of implants and sensors.

Lubunca – a powerful language of hidden words

What can a hidden language tell us about freedom, identity and survival? By studying Lubunca, Burak Alp Çakar explores the emancipatory power of words and how they can empower, protect and keep communities alive.

SEK 6 million grant for LiU research on air pollution

Joyanto Routh has been awarded nearly SEK 6 million from Formas for research on air pollution, health risks and climate‑adapted solutions in Sweden and India.

Anyone can land on the moon with a new immersive film

The film Once Upon the Moon allows the audience to experience the moon landings as if they were there themselves. Authentic footage, astronauts’ own stories and the latest visualisation technology make this possible.

LEAD appointed as Swedish accelerator for NATO DIANA

LEAD, an innovation incubator based in Östergötland, has been appointed Swedish accelerator for NATO DIANA – NATO’s innovation programme for the development of new technologies with both civilian and military applications.

LiU educates elected representatives on AI and societal impact

LiU is launching a learning platform that gathers research-based knowledge about the impact of artificial intelligence and digitalisation on our democracy. The aim is to equip politicians for a new reality where AI is an integral part of society.

Linköping University launches excellence centre for analytical sociology

Linköping University has launched a new Excellence Centre in Analytical Sociology. The initiative will strengthen theory-driven research, international collaboration and long-term development in one of LiU’s internationally leading research fields.

Butterfly researcher receives Sweden’s largest teacher award

At the age of six, he began to collect butterflies. In primary school, he knew he wanted to be a butterfly researcher. Karl-Olof Bergman brings students and problems into nature. He is now rewarded with Sweden’s largest teacher award.

Hard rock of the year with a touch of LiU voices

The choirs of Linköping University have achieved a new musical milestone. At the 2026 Grammis Awards, Ghost was named Best Hard Rock/Metal – where the contribution from LiU’s choirs on the latest album has now been highlighted as part of the success.

Jeanne Cilliers is LiU’s Professor of Economic History

"Almost everything we experience today has historical parallels," says Jeanne Cilliers, new professor of economic history at LiU. She is interested in demographic processes such as marriage, fertility and mortality.

Digital twin could reveal alcohol consumption in crime cases

Using a digital twin, it is possible to predict with greater precision than at present how much alcohol a person has consumed and at what time. The study was conducted by researchers at LiU and the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine.

New fuels may have an impact on the entire transport system

People, relationships and organisational culture can be decisive when new biofuels are introduced to the market. Switching to biogas affects entire networks of actors that are involved in freight transport in different ways.

“We need to demystify the scientist”

Henrik Pedersen researches the chemistry behind our modern society. With a strong passion for science communication, he is happy to leave his lab to meet both primary school students and TV viewers and explain difficult-to-grasp processes.

Medical scientists apply the strictest ethics – at least in theory

Medical scientists are stricter while natural, social and humanities scientists are more permissive. The attitude to ethically problematic ways of conducting research differs clearly between disciplines, according to a study from LiU.

Markus Heilig doesn’t mind being proven wrong

A storyteller with a passion for popular education. Head of one of LiU’s strongest research environments. And a physician. Markus Heilig researches the biology of the brain in addiction, and always considers the whole person.

Playing with your dog creates a stronger bond

Playing a little extra with your dog improves the emotional bond between owner and dog, according to a study from LiU. However, training did not give the same results. The study is relevant for all dog owners, whether they have young or adult dogs.

Duty and gratitude behind academic diligence

A sense of gratitude towards parents for their sacrifices, and a desire to succeed and give something back. These are powerful drivers in studies of high-achieving young people with a migration background, according to a study from LiU.

Future visions for sustainable food consumption

The food we eat drains our planet and takes a toll on human health, which is why we have to change what we put on our plates. But for the individual consumer, eating sustainably is not that easy. This transition requires changes at several levels.

New knowledge about mobile proteins linked to childhood cancer

Researchers at LiU show how two important cancer-related proteins can be prevented from collaborating with each other. The discovery shows the way towards future medications to combat e.g. neuroblastoma in children.

Solar cells from LiU soon in living rooms around the world

In the new remote control for Google TV, batteries have been replaced by printed organic solar cells powered by indoor lighting. The solar cells were developed through research at Linköping University and brought to market by the spin-out Epishine.

Ecosystem resilience in focus for LiU-led network

How can we measure ecosystems’ ability to withstand change and use that knowledge in practice? This is one of the core issues for a new EU-funded doctoral student network coordinated by Linköping University.

New centre for research on drone swarms

Linköping University will host a new research centre that, in collaboration with Lund University and Örebro University, will develop technologies for autonomous swarms of drones.

Miriah Meyer: “I’m a fangirl of theory”

What is data? How is it created? What does it consist of? These are theoretical questions that interest Professor Miriah Meyer. As AI development accelerates, she also wants to contribute practical knowledge that enables us to shape a better future.

The supercomputer – a pillar of research

Sometimes there is a before and an after. Such as the mobile phone that changed our lives. Or supercomputers that help scientists in their everyday lives. Calculations that were impossible before are now being done around the clock.

The making of future security experts

The cybersecurity lab on Campus Valla is a specially designed environment where students can practise ethical hacking as well as protection against attackers.

Space psychologist – no room for delay

He began studying for a master’s degree in engineering but dropped out. Then he enrolled on the psychology programme. Yet something still felt wrong. Now he is studying both at the same time and feels he has finally found his place.

The battle for power – who has the right to our electricity?

Wind farms rising like the Eiffel Tower, data centres consuming as much power as entire regions and municipalities feeling like pawns in a global game. The large-scale investments  are creating conflict:  who has priority access to our electricity?

New AI partnership strengthens the region

The AI Academy Partnership Program at Linköping University will support companies and organisations in developing the skills needed to use AI effectively. The first partner in this new form of collaboration is Länsförsäkringar Östgöta.

Molecular medicine research secures long-term funding

The Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at LiU has been granted extended funding until 2039 by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. This makes it possible to build on ten years of success and to recruit new physician-scientists.

From painter to PhD student

Family life came early for PhD student Petter Alsén. Shortly after finishing upper secondary school, he became a father, and he began working as an apprentice painter in the construction industry. Nine years later, he called his boss.

Asteroid named after Anders Ynnerman for his contributions to space

LiU professor Anders Ynnerman is one of ten Swedes to have had an asteroid named after them. His visualisation research takes us out into space through the software OpenSpace, which opens up the entire known universe to the public.

Parents' housing choices can sustain segregation across generations

Where parents live influences housing choices and segregation for their adult children. This is shown by new research from Linköping University. Early decisions about housing and municipal services can affect long-term patterns of segregation.

Training educators requires research

Teachers face challenges when it comes to sparking students’ curiosity and getting them to understand science and technology. This is something the Graduate School FontD has addressed over the past two decades.

Existing medication can restore HIV-affected immune cells

HIV exhausts the body’s immune system by overactivating it, despite effective antiviral treatment. Researchers from Linköping University have conducted cell studies showing that an existing medication restores immune cell function.

Sensors could be new witnesses in criminal investigations

Sensors in connected buildings record temperatures, movement and air quality to regulate indoor environments. However, the same data can also help reconstruct what has happened at a crime scene.

Lawyer Johan Höök appointed guest professor in Moa Martinson’s name

The Centre for Municipal Strategic Studies will be strengthened with expertise in municipal law and legislative work. From autumn 2026, Johan Höök will serve as a guest professor for two years, contributing expertise from his professional work.

Qubits created using unexpected materials

For the first time, researchers have demonstrated that the properties of the perovskite family of materials can be used to create so-called quantum bits. The findings pave the way for more affordable materials in future quantum computers.

Three more years as Vice-Chancellor

The Government has announced that Jan-Ingvar Jönsson has been reappointed as Vice-Chancellor of Linköping University for a further three years, until 30 June 2029.

David Livingstone Smith will be guest professor at LiU

David Livingstone Smith is a professor of philosophy, he focuses on dehumanisation, race and genocide. He regards the guest professorship in the name of Tage Danielsson as a great honour and a respite from a strained academic climate in the US.

Brave Magnus has no beard

With hard rock as a constant companion, Professor Magnus Dahlstedt goes his own way in academia. He wants research to be shared, understood and used – knowledge has no value if not disseminated.

New insights aided recovery from persistent fatigue

Researchers have identified common steps and turning points in stories of patients who have recovered from diagnoses characterised by persistent fatigue. The findings can contribute to new ways of understanding and rehabilitating these conditions.

Increased risk of bullying in open-plan offices

Open-plan offices entail a clearly increased risk of workplace bullying compared with employees having their own office or sharing with just a few colleagues. This is shown in research from Linköping University.

Prestigious chemistry award to Simone Fabiano

This year’s Göran Gustafsson Prize in Chemistry is awarded to LiU Professor Simone Fabiano. His research focuses on organic semiconductors and how so‑called doping can improve conductivity and yield new properties.

AI provides a more precise time of death

Artificial intelligence can be used to provide a more precise time of death, which can be crucial in e.g. murder investigations. The AI model is trained on so-called metabolites in thousands of blood samples from real deaths.

AI-boosted electronic nose detects ovarian cancer

Using machine learning, an electronic nose can “smell” early signs of ovarian cancer in the blood. The method is precise and, according to the LiU researchers behind the study, it could eventually be used to find many different cancers.

Treatment can protect extremely premature babies from lung disease

Early hydrocortisone treatment of extremely premature babies increases their chances of survival without lung disease, according to a study led by LiU. The study also shows that the treatment is safe to give.

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.

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”.

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.

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.