The Swedish university was awarded the Platinum Certification with the International University Sports Federation recognising its outstanding commitment to health The auditors received a warm welcome in the snowy Umeå Many thanks to Alexandra Haglund (HC project leader) and Lisa Redin (sustainability strategist) and everyone who showcased the campus’ exemplary practices It was inspiring to see such strong support and faith in health sports and sustainability from the management as the auditors were honoured to meet Dieter Müller (Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor) and Hans Wiklund (University Director) the university demonstrated excellence in physical activity Umeå is Sweden’s fifth-largest university with nearly 40,000 students and approximately 4,600 employees The university is internationally diverse and actively promotes student well-being The Healthy Campus Programme is deeply integrated into Umeå’s vision and strategy with strong institutional dedication and effective cooperation ensuring the fulfilment of the programme’s criteria Umeå had based its Healthy Campus initiatives on sustainability goals aligning well with the Healthy Campus vision and the university hosts a variety of events including the Health on Campus day twice a year Umeå’s commitment to sustainability is visible in everyday life such as the widespread use of bicycles even in winter Employees benefit from an hour of physical activity during working hours Umeå University provides comprehensive student health services Information is actively shared through social media with monthly Instagram mental health tips gaining popularity occupational health services offer access to specialists and support for substance-related concerns connects international and Swedish students through activities such as outdoor adventures Health awareness campaigns focus on safe sex while student mentors play a role in fostering a safe and inclusive environment the Change the Game Foundation promotes physical activity encouraging movement among those who are not active in sports Umeå supports student-athletes in balancing sports and academics. The Dual Career Programme involving 230 students from Sweden and abroad provides strong support for athletes and is a valuable asset for marketing the university The “Everyone on the Snow” initiative promotes winter sports for children highlighting Umeå’s dedication to health promotion within the wider community The university boasts high-level indoor sports facilities at IKSU sports club with a wide variety of sports options available at discounted rates for students there are cross-country skiing trails for winter and brännball ground for summer (and much more!) Umeå University’s Healthy Campus Platinum certification highlights its dedication to student and staff well-being With strong leadership and an ongoing commitment to health the university continues to create a holistic and supportive environment for all Umeå University is the first university in Sweden to achieve FISU Healthy Campus certification at the highest level in a country that will host the Östersund 2026 FISU World Forum in a little more than a year where more higher education institutions are expected to be involved © International University Sports Federation Teaching & Learning By Bryan Stalvey | February 11 Utah — Utah State University Music Professor Greg Wheeler has been inducted into the Utah Music Educators Association Hall of Fame recognizing his decades of contributions to music education A Logan native, Wheeler specializes in woodwinds and has performed as a freelance musician on multiple instruments. With a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, primarily in Cache Valley, he has been celebrated for his dedication to excellence. Examples of these awards can be found within his biography on his USU webpage This recent recognition represents his continued excellence in teaching According to its website the UMEA is an organization “dedicated to improving existing programs and creating opportunities for music learning and leadership.” The association focuses primarily on K-12 music education and hosts an annual awards recognition ceremony where Wheeler was honored during its 53rd Annual Awards Recognition on Jan “The UMEA offers music educators valuable opportunities to support one another and provide exceptional resources to students shaping future generations,” Wheeler said “I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the organization and look forward to continuing my collaborating with fellow UMEA members to elevate our community through music and music education.” the USU Chamber Singers were honored as the featured collegiate choir for the state USU participates in several events during UMEA conferences including hosting a reception for USU alumni This strong partnership with UMEA reflects USU's commitment to fostering excellence in music education a dedication exemplified by the achievements of its faculty and alumni Wheeler’s induction highlights the faculty within USU’s Music Department and the Caine College of the Arts whose professors combine professional expertise with a commitment to student success USU alumni Rhonda Rhodes and Rod Wayman were also recognized for their achievements Rhodes received the Outstanding Music Educator Award while Wayman was inducted into the Hall of Fame Wheeler’s induction into the UMEA Hall of Fame recognizes his impact on music education over the course of his entire career from his public-school experience to his work preparing future teachers at Utah State University to his service to the profession as UMEA president and board member,” said Caine College of the Arts Dean Nicholas Morrison “His work sets an outstanding example for all of us at the Caine College of the Arts and for our students as they enter the profession The college is very proud of Greg and each of our alumni who were honored this year by their peers in UMEA.” Wheeler’s induction places him among USU faculty members who have been honored in the UMEA Hall of Fame alongside numerous USU alumni who have also earned this recognition Comments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is celebrating eight valedictorians 1 in 5 students receiving an undergraduate degree or certificate from USU this year are the first in their family to ever earn a degree UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY HEALTH & WELLNESS Old Main Hill,Logan, UT 84322(435) 797-1000 Text description provided by the architects. From Concept to Structure is an annual hands-on summer course offering students an intense design-build collaborative learning process embedded in a local social context. This year, the course set out to explore the island of Holmön (northern Sweden) in the Baltic Sea, which offers an opportunity to explore the questions of self-sufficiency, resilience, and community engagement. © Jonas EltesDue to the natural constraints of the site, building elements were prefabricated and transported by boat to be dropped into the ocean and naturally transported by the waves onto the shore. On-site, the structure was erected and installed without the use of any machinery. The structure rests directly on the rocks, and to resist the harsh winds, the structure reuses old cable wires anchored in surrounding stones that previously supported a sea sign no longer in use. You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email women and men are considered and treated equally in this small city in Scandinavia – with the aim of making life happier for everyone according to its artist creator Camilla Akraka is Listen but everyone just calls it “puman” – the Puma Since it appeared in the main square in front of the old city hall in 2019 it has become the crowning symbol for this quiet unassuming place a few hundred miles south of the Arctic Circle known to some as “the most feminist city in the world” claims that the city has “the beardiest and most heavily tattooed population in the world” So what makes Umeå such a great place to be a woman I spend a day shadowing Annika Dalén and Linda Gustafsson the city council’s gender equality officers It would be hard to find anyone on Earth who is more enthusiastic about the exciting world of “gender awareness in the urban environment” than these two is a swinging seat where I feel unusually comfortable The seat was commissioned as part of a special project that canvassed the views of teenage girls and is designed with average female height in mind: 165cm I’m not about to demand that every piece of municipal furniture in the world be created to my precise specifications Viv Groskop at the red panther statue in Umeå, Sweden. Photograph: Elin Berge“When the university was founded here [in 1965], it was a time of progressive ideas in Sweden,” says Dalén “Later Umeå became the first [city] in Sweden to have a gender studies professorship [Britt-Marie Thurén in 1997] There has always been a strong ‘civil society’ movement here.” A women’s studies course first appeared on the university curriculum in 1976 Two popular feminist radio programmes (Radio Ellen in the 1980s and Freja in the 1990s) and two of Sweden’s biggest feminist fanzines (Amazon and Radarka in the late 1990s) all came out of Umeå who later went on to become mayor of the city was among the first to champion the idea of this place as “a gender-equal municipality” in the 1990s The morning’s activity is a workshop for primary school teaching assistants which seems to focus mostly on trying to get the participants to accept the idea that women don’t have to be the primary parent In the afternoon we follow the route of a specially devised “gendered landscape” bus tour The council is very proud and excited about this tour instigated as an activity for visiting dignitaries It takes in Umeå’s proudest architectural marvels and more than one pedestrian crossing depicting bespoke “woman crossing” road signs (Both Dalén and Gustafsson were ecstatic when the municipal road sign team told them they had erected the signs especially so that it doesn’t look as if the “woman crossing” sign is being “followed” by the “man crossing” sign But then the team sheepishly admitted that they had failed to do this consistently at all crossings The writer traversing a road with a “woman crossing” sign Photograph: Elin BergeI am slightly disappointed not to be boarding a Scooby Doo-style Mystery Machine bus emblazoned with psychedelic portraits of Gloria Steinem But today I am the only visitor on the tour so we drive in a council-owned electric car instead First stop is a prototype gender-aware bus stop It features wooden pods that rotate so that you can either turn away from others and be private or turn around and talk from the safety of your cocoon The pods don’t go right down to the ground so that you can see from a distance whether there is anyone else at the bus stop “Civic societies are a vaccination against alienation and crime,” says Dalén But these ideas are also about taking a more holistic view about “what everyone needs” The bus stop structure is not enclosed because the planning research showed that even in freezing temperatures Swedes – men and women – will stand well away from a glass-encased bus stop They prefer to stand alone in the cold than be warm and have to stand next to someone else: “People here do not like enclosed spaces or proximity to others.” A lot of “gender-equality” messaging is about taking into account prevailing cultural norms are more likely to be using walkways and public transport If there has been any resistance to the gender-based initiatives in the city it is often connected to the prioritisation of clearing snow “These strategies [of re-allocating budget in order to benefit women] are not a secret,” she laughs “But people are just generally angry about snow-clearing There’s also a strong sense of defiance and having something to prove here “We are remote and far from Stockholm,” says Ågren People have high trust because there is no other way to live not least because we have a thousand people moving in and out each year with the university But essentially we take care of each other.” Umeå is the capital of Västerbotten County a land mass bigger than Denmark or the Netherlands The EU Regional Social Progress Index lists 50 separate characteristics that define good living Västerbotten is the region with the highest score in the EU “The north of Sweden is sparsely populated,” Dalén explains ‘It’s all forest and there’s nothing there.’ But we are among the 10 biggest cities in Sweden.” Despite this the county’s traditional coat of arms depicts a reindeer in the night sky three fish and a seemingly pre-historic man carrying a club Gustafsson adds: “There is this myth of ‘the lonely man in the forest on his snowmobile’ ‘What does it mean to be a woman from the north?’” Gustafsson and Dalén make use of Umeå’s prototype gender-aware bus stop Photograph: Elin BergeOther highlights on the bus tour include Umeå’s first preschool years ahead of Sweden’s Pre-School Act in 1975 which paved the way for state-subsidised childcare for ages one to five There was a lot of pushback and opposition,” says Gustafsson Round the corner is Umeå’s 9,000-seat football stadium In the late 1990s a decision was taken to divide pitch practise hours according to whichever football team – male or female – was more likely to win their league the men’s team automatically got first dibs on practise hours But by the early 2000s Umeå had the best women’s football team in Sweden had recruited Brazilian player Marta Vieira da Silva (“the greatest woman football player of all time”) and won the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice The success of the women’s team began to spark outside interest in Umeå as a feminist case study ran the headline “How Umeå Became a Successful Feminist Stronghold” The fate of the women’s football team (which eventually suffered a fall from grace) illustrates the entire principle of Umeå’s equality-based social engineering The idea is not that one group should benefit over another in the long-term – because that’s not equal – it’s simply that the playing field should be levelled so that everyone has the same chances The same principle applies at the next stop on the tour: the Lev! (Swedish for “Live!”) tunnel installation at the railway station This underpass for pedestrians and cyclists is flooded with light and you can see easily from one end to the other It’s a space where you have the perception of safety,” Gustafsson says “We can’t promise that nothing will ever happen But the point is that women are not afraid of public spaces They are afraid of men in public spaces.” Dalén considers it a necessary and radical act that women should experience public spaces that feel welcoming: “These are our public spaces and we pay our taxes.” The glass tiles of the tunnel carry quotes from poet Sara Lidman (“I want to watch the snow burn”) and a recording of her voice can be heard in the space “Women feel more comfortable if they can hear the voice of another woman They don’t avoid this tunnel.” I realise suddenly that I did actually avoid this tunnel my natural instinct was to cross the traffic-heavy road above instead This is the kind of inbuilt mentality – one where you take a “safer route” that actually puts you at a greater statistical risk – that these initiatives are trying to challenge ‘This is an anti-violence space’ … Lev! a glass artwork in a pedestrian tunnel at Umeå’s railway station Photograph: Elin Berge“People talk about safety and security,” says Gustafsson To say that your ambition is that women should not feel scared in your public spaces Wouldn’t it be more visionary to say: this is where you can express yourself The key question is to ask how easy life is being made for everyone.” In the early days of Umeå’s gender studies work at the university the primary question was: “Who has the power to plan the city?” The answer until about 50 years ago was “Now the kind of questions we ask are these: Who visits this park Why is that group under-represented in this dialogue The data that we have – is it gender-segregated We don’t do everything perfectly all the time But at the political level we have got to a point where there is always someone who will ask ‘Why is this missing?’” Everyone involved in political social and cultural decisions here is used to asking but a question that makes all the difference Groskop reclines on Frizon in Årstidernas park – social seating designed it in collaboration with local teenage girls Photograph: Elin BergeIs there anyone who disagrees with all this or resents the cost of the artistic tunnel and gleaming red puma “I’m not sure that the average person on the street would know that all these things have been done with gender equality in mind,” says deputy mayor Ågren “But when you ask people about ‘sense of safety’ or ‘belonging’ then Umeå compares very well with other cities.” I’d say it comes from a few individuals who might feel left out of the change,” says Mikael Brändström director of development at Umeå city council see the upside of living in a more equal society I personally see these efforts benefiting us all Equality isn’t just about fairness – it makes life smoother Who doesn’t want less drama over whose turn it is to use the football field?” Gustafsson says the key to most people going along with all these ideas is that they are basic common sense: “When an Italian colleague was introducing me and explaining the work we do The information on this page is intended for journalists If you click NO you will come back to Mynewsdesk.com Infinite Proposals is the title of this year’s Master’s exhibition from Umeå Academy of Fine Arts at Umeå University. It will be unveiled with an Art Friday at Bildmuseet on 23 May. A media preview will be held on Wednesday 21 May at 10:00–11:00 (RSVP) The newly graduated artists will be there to talk about their work The exhibition presents works by Kalliopi Akonidou all of whom are graduating from the Master’s Programme in Fine Arts at Umeå University’s Umeå Academy of Fine Arts a professor at Umeå Academy of Fine Arts and the students’ principal supervisor from the initial idea to creating and sending the work out into the world Annika Eriksson explains.– Through a lengthy process of endless suggestions the sidetracks are whittled away before eventually ending up with the finished work This is a process that requires the artist to liberate their senses The degree exhibition at Bildmuseet is the culmination of a period of intensive work During the two-year Master’s programme – the highest level of education in fine arts – the students have developed their practices exploring the history and contemporary social relevance of art The exhibition offers visitors an insight into the discourse on contemporary art as well as explorations of its techniques and materials Konsthögskolan Umeå / Infinite Proposals will run from 23 May until 17 August PRESS IMAGESPress Images can be downloaded here Additional images will be added as artworks and the exhibition are finalised PRESS PREVIEW WEDNESDAY 21 MAY 10:00Welcome to the press preview on Wednesday 21 May at 10:00 (RSVP) The artists present their works in conversation with museum curator Lisa Lundström OPENING ON ART FRIDAY 23 MAY 17:00–24:00The exhibition is opened on Art Friday 23 May at 18:00 in the presence of the artists and with contributions from Museum Director Katarina Pierre and Per Nilsson Curator Annika Eriksson gives a brief introduction to the exhibition The exhibition Belkis Ayón / Mythology is inaugurated the same evening the students will present their artworks in conversation with museum curator Lisa Lundström Scholarships will be awarded among the graduating Master’s students The awardees will be announced by Per Nilsson For further informationLisa Lundström, museum curator Bildmuseetlisa.lundstrom@bildmuseet.umu.se Helena Vejbrink, press contact Bildmuseethelena.vejbrink@bildmuseet.umu.se Bildmuseet is one of Sweden’s foremost venues for international contemporary art and visual culture The exhibitions are produced in collaboration with artists museums and universities worldwide and often attract both national and international attention you are invited to participate in guided tours and creative workshops watch film screenings and attend other events Belkis Ayón (1967–1999) is one of Cuba’s most prominent artists In the first Nordic presentation of the artist’s work Bildmuseet presents creative highlights from her brief but intense career and will be previewed to the media by arrangement from Monday Umeå University is a comprehensive university and one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with around 38,000 students and 4,600 staff We have a diverse range of high-quality educational programmes and research within all disciplinary domains and the arts Umeå University is also where the groundbreaking CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool was discovered starting a revolution in genetic engineering that led to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry The University has an international atmosphere and centres its work around core academic values Our tightly knit campus makes it easy to meet something that encourages a dynamic and open culture where we celebrate each other’s successes Umeå University prides itself in offering a world-class educational and research environment and expanding knowledge of global significance where the sustainable development goals of Agenda 2030 inspire and motivate We have creative and innovative research environments that offer the best potential for taking on the challenges facing society Through long-term collaborations with organisations industry and other higher education institutions the University is helping northern Sweden become a knowledge region The societal transformation and the massive investments currently occurring in northern Sweden create complex challenges but also opportunities Umeå University is focused on conducting research about and within a society in transition and continuing to offer academic programmes for regions that need to expand quickly and sustainably Campus Umeå and the Umeå Arts Campus are close to the city centre and next to one of Sweden’s largest and most renown university hospitals Education is also provided in several other towns Umeå University is home to the highly ranked Umeå Institute of Design the environmentally certified School of Business the only one in Sweden with an artistic profile Umeå University is one of Sweden’s five national sports universities has an internationally leading Arctic Research Centre which is Sweden’s only research unit for Sámi research and indigenous research When you choose to create a user account and follow a newsroom your personal data will be used by us and the owner of the newsroom for you to receive news and updates according to your subscription settings To learn more about this, please read our Privacy Policy, which applies to our use of your personal data, and our Privacy Policy for Contacts which applies to the use of your personal data by the owner of the newsroom you follow Please note that our Terms of Use apply to all use of our services You can withdraw your consent at any time by unsubscribing or deleting your account Umea’ Marta da Silva lifts the trophy after winning the UEFA Women’s Cup final between Umea IK and Frankfurt at the Rasunda national soccer arena in Stockholm (Torbjörn Jakobsson/TT News Agency via AP) General view of the Umeå Energi Arena in Umeå The 2003 and 2004 UEFA Women’s Cup trophies rest on a shelf inside the offices of Umeå IK soccer team during the first of two finals of the Women’s Cup soccer match (AP Photo/Scanpix Sweden/Patrick Tragardh) is congratulated by Marta da Silva after scoring their side’s second goal of the game during the UEFA Women’s Cup final between Umea IK and Frankfurt at the Rasunda national soccer arena in Stockholm (Janerik Henriksson/TT News Agency via AP) Umea’s Marta da Silva drives the ball during the UEFA Women’s Cup final between Umea IK and Frankfurt at the Rasunda national soccer arena in Stockholm Turbine Potsdam players celebrate with the trophy after winning UEFA Women’s Champions League Final soccer match against Lyon at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium in Getafe Turbine Potsdam’s players celebrates after defeating Olympique Lyonnais during their UEFA Women’s Champions League final soccer match at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez Stadium in Getafe shared office are trophies and mementos signifying the not-so-distant glory days of Swedish women’s soccer team Umeå IK 60 jersey worn by its greatest ever player Across the corridor is a bookcase crammed with European and Swedish silverware and medals Gathering dust in the corner of a room nearby is a trophy for the 2003 UEFA Women’s Cup it’s only 21 years ago that the team from this small northern city virtually unknown outside Sweden was a back-to-back European champion Now Umeå is adjusting to its new status in women’s soccer — languishing in Sweden’s second division playing before average attendances of around 400 spectators A transformation of the women’s game in Europe is well under way big-money clubs already well established in men’s soccer – think Barcelona Umeå is among the unfashionable clubs of yesteryear who know they can no longer compete but I don’t think it’s possible anymore,” Umeå coach Edvin Erfanian said about the club’s chances of returning to the top of the European game “But I don’t necessarily see it as a bad thing The product of women’s football is a whole lot better than it was 20 years ago.” The changing face of women’s European soccer is best illustrated by comparing the lineup of the Champions League quarterfinals taking place this week to that of 20 years ago Rewind to the 2004-05 season and the quarterfinalists included Bobruichanka Bobruisk (Belarus) as well as Djurgården/Älvsjö and defending champion Umeå from Sweden a rare example of a top men’s club that also had a strong women’s team in those days is the only quarterfinalist from 20 years ago that remains competitive in the Women’s Champions League today Umeå IK is a club located around 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the Arctic Circle — the winters here are long and cold — and in a quiet university town populated by 130,000 even week-to-week as recently as last November when a last-gasp crowdfunding campaign and donations from wealthy locals raised enough cash to keep the team afloat returning to Sweden’s top division and consolidating with a strong youth system and robust finances while serving as a pipeline for the best players in the north of the country is the best Umeå's soccer leadership can realistically hope for these days “We just need to find our own way,” Erfanian what we need to do is put our resources in the academy and create a good environment for young girls in the north part of Sweden.” It’s very different to the early years of this century when women’s soccer wasn’t such big business and Umeå was a benchmark in the European game gray day in February 2004 when an 18-year-old Marta arrived in Umeå from Belo Horizonte with her cousin and threw a snowball for the first time in her life Marta was scoring in both legs of the Champions League final against FFC Frankfurt as Umeå retained the title before losing the 2007 and ’08 finals — by which time she was the Ballon d’Or winner “It’s pretty much a different world up there — really small place really cold — and she adapted,” Johanna Frisk a teammate of Marta’s at Umeå and now a pundit for Swedish broadcaster Viaplay the club “raised the bar” in terms of how much they trained and the ambition they had in using their money pumped into the club from local and national businesses “Umeå was ahead of its time,” Crovin said in an interview in a cluttered office the club now shares with the city’s indoor floor hockey team Sponsors started to leave and debts started to build for Umeå Marta left after the 2008 season and the team hasn’t won a major title since Europe’s powerhouse clubs started taking women’s soccer seriously Paris Saint-Germain won its first major women’s title in 2010 and soon was fueled by cash from the men’s team’s Qatari ownership Barcelona won its first Spanish women’s league title in 2011 which wasn’t in Germany’s top women’s league during much of the 1990s started winning cups and leagues in the 2010s Manchester United’s women’s team was reformed in 2018 Real Madrid’s women’s team was founded in 2020 infrastructure and a brand name behind them the big-name women’s teams are flourishing Malmö — the biggest men’s club — relaunched a women’s team in 2019 that just got promoted to the top division “Investing in women’s football is proving to be a good business decision benefitting both brand recognition and the business models of football clubs,” Jennifer Haskel knowledge and insight lead in Deloitte’s sports business group financially sound women’s team is to be linked to a successful men’s club — or have an owner with deep pockets Crovin says there are no immediate plans for Umeå to be affiliated with the city’s men’s team which also plays in the second tier in Sweden and doesn’t have so strong a brand Turbine Potsdam — the Champions League winner in 2005 and ‘10 based outside Berlin — has slumped as hard as old rival Umeå amid the changing financial landscape with a recent co-operation with the Hertha Berlin men’s team lasting only three years Demoted in 2023 after 26 years in Germany’s top division and now battling to avoid a return to the second tier after promotion last year Turbine has struggled to bring through enough talented young players in recent years to get close to competing with powers like Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen “We need money,” Turbine president Karsten Ritter-Lang told the AP I’m absolutely sure if we have enough money and we develop our sports school system then it will be possible to be successful as an isolated women’s football club.” AP Sports Writer Ciaran Fahey in Berlin contributed to this report Image credit: Umeå University/Mattias Pettersson Pancreatic cancer is one of the cancers with the worst prognosis for survival. This is partly because it is often detected late, and partly because it responds poorly to traditional treatments with chemotherapy.  Researchers at Umeå University have investigated the connective tissue cells that surround the cancer cells in pancreatic cancer called cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) play an important role in how the cancer develops Several types of CAF stimulate the growth of cancer cells and contribute to the cancer cells being resistant to current chemotherapy treatments making the cancer more aggressive and difficult to treat The opening we see is whether it would be possible to stimulate the formation of this newly discovered and kinder cell type around the cancer cells at the expense of the connective tissue cells that make the cancer aggressive What the Umeå researchers have found is a previously unknown subgroup of CAF that has opposite properties This group can instead hold back the cancer and open the way for the body's own immune cells to attack the cancer cells called interferon response cancer-associated fibroblasts (ifCAF) is in the minority among different CAF around the cancer cells "The opening we see is whether it would be possible to stimulate the formation of this newly discovered and kinder cell type around the cancer cells at the expense of the connective tissue cells that make the cancer aggressive," says Daniel Öhlund The researchers at Umeå University are now proceeding to study potential drug substances that can promote the formation of ifCAF cells so that they increase in number and thus slow down the development of the disease it could become a target for the development of future drugs.  About half a million people worldwide are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year.  Researchers at Stanford have demonstrated that conditions in the matrix surrounding pancreatic cancer cells impact whether those cells respond to chemotherapy Artificial cells to combat cancer: Research groups are working to create synthetic micro-organisms capable of detecting the presence of the disease and delivering anti-cancer therapies Researchers from Barcelona report that vaccination with senescent cells shows promise in experimental models of melanoma and pancreatic cancer This website uses cookies to give our readers the best website experience. Please refer to our privacy policy to find out how we use cookies and how you can edit your preferences Umeå University was actually the first Swedish university to introduce a policy for combining competitive sports and academic studies back in 2007 In 2015 Umeå University became one of the first three National Sports Universities if you are a student in competitive sports you can have your studies customized to your specific conditions as an elite athlete irrespective of your sport and choice of studies you as a student engaged in competitive sports need to sign an agreement with the university through Umea School of Sport Sciences In the agreement yours and the university´s obligations are stated International students who compete for sports associations in the vicinity of Umea and international students who are admitted to one of Umea School of Sport Sciences’ competence centers (cross-country skiing track and fields or badminton) have the same opportunity to sign elite sports agreements as Swedish elite sports students Agreement Dual careerRule Dual Careers - Selected in the Swedish junior or senior national team.Competes at a high international level in an individual sport - Plays team ball sports in the highest division at national or international senior level - Is identified by or participates in the national team's development activities - Can in the foreseeable future prospectively and realistically take a place in a senior national team or compete at a high international level - Individual athletes who competes at the lowest national championship level** - Team ball athletes who play in the highest or second highest national division/ series given that there are at least four existing divisions/series - Head coach for individual elite actives or elite teams Captain/coach for national junior- or senior teams - Referee at national or international level ** Given that the championship has required a qualifying procedure and/or that the active athlete belongs to the championship's so-called elite class Performance team supports RIU-students in performance and personal development Questions and answers about elite sports and studies at Umeå University Find us Media relations Departments and units About the website Accessibility of umu.se Personal data Cookie settings Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube LinkedIn Sofia Johansson joins Swedavia from Skolfastigheter i Stockholm where she was staff manager and purchasing manager has moved to another senior role within Swedavia Regional Airports I look forward to getting to know the operation and taking advantage of all the skills that are currently in place I also look forward to leading our operation in a direction that benefits Umeå and the region “I see the work that Umeå Airport does as a fantastic opportunity to be involved in ensuring that the industry and the region develop in a direction that can both open doors to new collaborations while also contributing to the climate transition.” “Umeå is a growing city and aviation serves as a hub in the region I am excited and proud to be part of that journey and to be able to do it together with all the employees at the airport,” she concluded Johansson has extensive experience leading operations through development phases Are you an airport industry decision maker Register today for your complimentary subscription to Airports International magazine plus digital access to all previous issues Korea.net hosts networking event for Honorary Reporters Accord with Japan to protect both nations' people abroad A bilateral agreement with Japan will bolster cooperation in protecting the nationals of both nations abroad Click here to read more about the latest summit between leaders of both countries Talks with NZ seek to upgrade ties to strategic partnership Korea and New Zealand have agreed to advance talks on elevating the bilateral Partnership for the 21st Century concluded Korea and New Zealand have agreed to advance talks on elevating the bilateral Partnership for the 21st Century concluded in 2006 to a comprehensive strategic partnership Mixed boccia pair to face Hong Kong for Paralympic gold the Jeong-Kang pair will face in the final Hong Kong in mixed pair BC3 boccia 🌕 S-Tier food for Chuseok 🌕 | K-Cuisine Relay | Ep.28 Galbijjim & Samsaeknamul “Reading is so sexy!” — Headlined by The Guardian (UK)　| Balance Talk | Ep Korean German architect in Seoul seeks to innovate Hanok Grassroots group seeks to clean up trash from Jeju waters Polish capital hosts Korean cultural event at Breakfast Market Hanbok-clad children play traditional games President Yoon attends opening of Cyber Summit Korea Descendants of Korean War veterans attend event in Incheon Multicultural families attend Chuseok event Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol on the 79th Liberation Day Keynote Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol at the NATO Public Forum K-pop management innovation changes global music industry Korea-French friendship to drive future partnership Denmark's digital strategy to preserve global democracy 10th workshop of European Association for Korean Language Education (EAKLE) PNP launches TOP COP special class to enhance tourist safety K-Culture Extravaganza Lights Up Jozi: Korean Cultural Centre Unveils ‘Travelling Korea’ Korean Restaurant to open soon in Abuja-Envoy Jusung Gabriel Park & Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds Diös strengthens its position as the largest commercial property owner in Umeå through the acquisition of a portfolio of centrally located properties totalling 73,000 sqm at an agreed property value of SEK 1,600 million Possession will take place on June 2 and the seller is Lerstenen.  Image: One of the buildings on the property Stadsliden 3:10 The acquired portfolio consists of Umestan's business park and two other office properties with a total occupancy rate of 96 percent The rental value amounts to SEK 134 million and the initial property yield is 6.0 percent Umeå Municipality and the National Police Board which account for 37 percent of the total rental value The transaction is made through acquisitions of existing companies with customary deduction for deferred tax of 5.15 percent and is financed through new loans and existing funds Umeå is Norrland's largest city and the fastest growing city in Sweden in terms of population over the past 75 years The city has a well-diversified labour market and a strong university which creates good conditions for continued growth and profitable property management Lerstenen divests most of its commercial property portfolio and will focus on the development and management of rental housing in Umeå They currently own 1,300 residentials in Umeå and have about 250 under development The portfolio that is being divested has been jointly owned with the company Cinox in a minority In accordance with the 2024 Annual General Meeting Diös will transfer 354,218 own shares to the seller in connection with the announcement of the acquisition at a price of SEK 67 per share The purpose of the transaction is to assist the seller in an efficient manner becoming a shareholder in Diös The transaction is subject to approval from the Swedish Inspectorate for Strategic Products "The acquisition broadens our offering in Umeå and strengthens our position in northern Sweden's fastest growing market We are increasing our profit from property management per share by approximately 4 per cent while at the same time we see both economies of scale and good development potential in the portfolio The transaction market has really taken off and we have several advanced discussions on both the sell and buy side This type of acquisition opportunity rarely comes so we therefore accept a temporary increase in the loan-to-value ratio," says David Carlsson "This is a large and structurally important deal for us We have owned Umestan for 13 years and are very pleased and proud of how we have worked with the business park Now we feel that we have found the right time the right price and the right buyer for a deal where all three points have been equally decisive Diös is the perfect buyer and the right company to continue developing the properties The fact that we are now becoming a shareholder in Diös feels absolutely right and we strongly believe in the commercial rental market in northern Sweden We feel that the time is right for Lerstenen to focus on the development and management of residentials and the capital we are now freeing up will primarily be invested in new residentials in Umeå," says Erik Sällström The properties in the transaction: Stadsliden 3:10 This information is information that Diös Fastigheter AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014) The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above Diös Fastigheter AB (publ), Box 188, 831 22 Östersund | Phone: +46 770-33 22 00, info@dios.se, www.dios.se | Org.nr: 556501-1771  This text was originally posted on scilifelab.se research coordinator and Head of Unit of Swedish Metabolomics Centre at Umeå University they’re experts at finding what you don’t even know you’re looking for metabolomics is performed using advanced mass spectrometry – a technology that allows researchers to detect metabolites in biological samples untargeted metabolomics can identify and quantify a vast range of metabolites they’re experts at finding what you don’t even know you’re looking for,” says Lindén The advanced instrument that was used for the experiment their teams designed the experimental setup to find what the irradiated cells secreted into their environment.  “The challenge with metabolomics is that it’s not a method that measures everything It’s not like CSI — you don’t just put a sample in and get a clear answer about unknown compounds,” says Annika Johansson and the researchers need to make sure that they are not overwhelming the user with data   “The key is to understand what really matters Our goal is always to deliver insights that move the research forward we wanted to help FOI understand what was happening in the cells and the surrounding media,” says Johansson the teams went back and forth with preparing the test and reference samples whilst planning the experiments in detail.  The experiment was successful and whilst the exact compounds responsible for the effects are still being investigated the results revealed biological pathways consistent with radiation response — promising clues for future studies.  The long-term goal would be a non-invasive method to quickly determine whether a person has been harmed by radiation or chemical agents The collaboration has now expanded to develop ways to identify airborne tracers of exposure to radiation and chemical agents such as toxic industrial chemicals and nerve gases SMC helped analyze metabolites that can be detected in both plasma and breath samples — again aiming to detect early biochemical signals of exposure.“The long-term goal would be a non-invasive method to quickly determine whether a person has been harmed by radiation or chemical agents and what kind of medical care they might need,” says Lindén.Critical to the project’s success was SMC’s vast in-house library of known metabolites and lipids its specialized software for interpreting complex data and the hands-on training FOI’s team received on how to analyze the raw data themselves “We also needed Annika’s help to select what samples to include in the analysis in order to be able to answer the questions we had,” says Lindén.  From first contact to completed analysis which Johansson attributes to the strong communication and clear experimental design “It’s exciting to see how access to the right infrastructure and expertise can help with such an important purpose,” Johansson concludes.   SciLifeLab national site at Umeå (UMU and SLU) is a local site of the national SciLifeLab network SMC is specialized on use of MS-based methods for the analysis of metabolites in different biological systems Umeå professor Mikael Elofsson has collaborated with the global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca since 2018 Tora Holmberg will become Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University on 1 April who is now Vice-Chancellor of Stockholm University Tora Holmberg takes office as new Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University on 1 April but also as deputy vice-chancellor of humanities and social sciences in 2020–2025 is a conviction of the value of a comprehensive university and the knowledge of how it works and can be governed I have experience of dealing with several strategic research and education issues at Uppsala University during my almost five years as deputy vice-chancellor.” “I also aim to be a voice for academic freedom collegiality and the important role of universities in a democratic community I’m pleased that my commitment in these areas was valued in the recruitment process and emphasised in the University Board's comments to the decision on new vice-chancellor.” I strive to ensure that everyone is involved and takes responsibility and that together we harness the power of staff and students’ knowledge and commitment I felt early on that it was very rewarding and fun to see others develop and take steps forward I’ve also realised that I have an ability to bring people together to achieve common goals.” Umeå University is highly regarded and plays an important role in the development of the city This is something I want us to nurture and develop together Umeå University has played a crucial role in the talent acquisition and social development throughout northern Sweden The University's rapid and constant expansion has also gone hand in hand with Umeå’s growth and development and this is of course something Tora Holmberg also wants to develop on “Umeå University is highly regarded and plays an important role in the development of the city we are and have the ambition to continue to be a university with international competitiveness Important issues going forward are to strengthen educational collaboration and increase the University’s competitiveness for research grants from the EU That’s why I’m also looking forward to getting involved in the European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) alliance and which Umeå University is now joining.” The place also harbours a strong symbolism All disciplines can meet there and form a greater whole – a university Umeå University's unified campus creates creative environments for education and research invites collaboration across disciplines and creates opportunities for an active student life which is something Tora Holmberg has already experienced during her visits to the University “It really feels like everything revolves around the Campus Pond Although we have important activities at the Umeå Arts Campus on the riverside I think the feeling around the pond captures the heart and soul of this comprehensive university All disciplines can meet there and form a greater whole – a university!” Open Up For Innovation is co-organized by UBI you don’t learn anything outside the box ”A close dialogue between researchers and industry bridges scientific expertise with market needs driving innovation—ultimately benefiting society through new treatments and solutions,” says Andreas Lindberg and Lisandro Bernardo from Umeå Biotech Incubator This year’s event highlights collaborative projects connected to research at Umeå University in various fields the program features an international outlook from Oslo University Hospital and its collaboration with Thermo Fisher on ATMP advancements as well as insights into how the University of Oxford and Chiesi foster Industry-Academia partnerships “We have participants from 22 companies/organizations and 27 different departments from academia represented there is also plenty of time for mingling to make new connections since we know that many collaborations start in the small conversations” Open Up For Innovation is part of UBI’s regional development project “Life Science City“ “Highlighting the innovation opportunities possible through the excellence of Umeå University’s research is a core in the development of Umeå as a “Life Science City” Setting the regional industry first in line to assess it is natural to increase the competitiveness of these companies” ‘Open Up for Innovation’ is now evolving into a broader concept a hackathon was organized under the same umbrella where Nordic Biomarker worked with researchers from Umeå University to find solutions to a challenge in their industry Reflections from the Hackathon will be presented at Tuesday’s event Later this spring UBI have invited AFM Telethon a French patients’ organization and fundraiser fighting neuromuscular diseases AFM-Telethon is a pioneer in the research and support to improve patients’ lives In Umeå they will connect with the top-class researchers Umeå University has within this space “Networking is central both in the regional space and at an international level to connect Umeå University to innovation ecosystems and stakeholders in the EU and elsewhere UBI has a network from our sector that can complement the vast research networks that Umeå University has To be able to use that under the “Open up for Innovation” concept is a perfect match,” says Andreas Lindberg Open Up for Innovation is arranged by UBI together with Umeå University and Coalition Umeå 4 Life Science (CU4LS) an association of academic centers and research infrastructure within Life Science in Umeå CU4LS’s role is to contribute to making research visible and promote interdisciplinary collaborations a member of the steering committee for CU4LS thinks that Tuesday’s event is an important contribution to the research community “It’s important for academia to open up and learn about the needs of companies maybe we find common interests or come up with new ideas Innovation is created when you open up and interact with others you don’t learn anything outside the box,” she says Mikael Elofsson is dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Umeå University and will be the opening speaker this coming Thursday “I look forward to a rewarding day where we discuss innovation and utilization something that is incredibly important for Umeå University,” he says An initiative to improve visibility of Umeå life science research activities nationally and internationally Knowledge and networking conference for life science industry and the research community in Umeå UBI is a state of the art biotech incubator the total number of first-choice applicants to our programs increased by nearly 9 percent Umeå University as a whole saw an increase of around 3 percent while the national figure was about 3.5 percent Particularly significant increases were noted for Civilekonomprogrammet Civilekonomprogrammet med inriktning mot handel och logistik and Civilekonomprogrammet med inriktning mot Service Management The new Master’s Programme in Sustainability Reporting and Financial Analysis became the third most applied-for programme at the advanced level that we offer this new programme was also the third most chosen first-choice option “These excellent application numbers are a gratifying confirmation that our programmes are attractive and relevant,” says Mats Bergman Logotype for European Campus of City-Universities - EC2U membership of EC2U means that students have increased opportunities for mobility and greater choice but it also means that Umeå University can be involved in influencing the European educational landscape.  Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University "Together with the eight other universities we can safeguard and emphasise the importance of academic and democratic values across national and university borders This is not unimportant given the situation we find ourselves in where academic freedom is being curtailed and political control of our higher education institutions has become increasingly tangible," says Cathrine Norberg.  The EC2U Alliance's work is currently focused on four of the UN's global goals - Good Health and Well-being Justice and Strong Institutions - in both education and research There are currently newly launched master's programmes in these areas that include about 80 students from different universities within the alliance Umeå University will be part of the Alliance's various activities at all levels during spring/early summer For more information visit EC2U:s webb UID25 | Design Talks & Degree Show celebrates the unique visions of our standout students Join us on June 3–4 as we welcome our global UID family UID25 | Project Gallery This year's theme – BLOOM – chosen by our graduating students is a testament to their sprouting creativity with each design project a seed planted to flourish It mirrors their personal and professional growth envisioning humanity's capacity to bring positive change and planetary well-being — a world that can BLOOM students unveil their final concepts through live on-stage talks The event brings together the MFA programmes in product along with the BFA programme in industrial design showcasing a vibrant tapestry of creativity we present a live broadcast and a packed digital gallery featuring groundbreaking grad projects guests from near and far gain an exclusive glimpse into each student’s transformative journey as they present their final design proposals Östra Strandgatan 30 Staff Press and media Instagram Facebook LinkedIn  Twitter Accessibility on the website Personal data The political rediscovery of so-called ‘left-behind places’ has raised research interest in peripheral places and regions Yet headline narratives about peripheries continue to collapse the complex and multi-dimensional roles of the many places that are ‘non-core’ or on the ‘edge’ of core activities remote and otherwise peripheralised or marginalised areas This workshop aims to bring together interdisciplinary and international researchers with early- to mid-stage projects on peripheral and ‘edgy’ topics in preparation for a special issue on present and future directions in peripheral regions research we are going to Umeå for our Edgenet on Tour 3 day workshop.  The format will be a combination of an in-depth paper workshop with peer-to-peer feedback on works in progress of various lengths (see options below); and then the opportunity to discuss these ideas in depth out in the field through site visits to learn more about peripheral development dynamics in Northern Sweden See our 'events' page post about our 2024 Cornwall England workshop for an idea of what to expect ​Taking advantage of some fascinating examples of peripheral development being explored by our Umeå hosts this year we will focus our summer workshop on questions around natural capital and green industrial revolutions with an emphasis on the themes of Temporality and Over/Under investment in peripheral areas. Papers should consider novel analyses of development questions and empirical and theoretical material which address solutions and approaches to economic and environmental challenges in peripheries.  You might  consider past and present examples of major investment opportunities that were grabbed or missed or places which have been simply overlooked.  We welcome empirical and theoretical contributions to the following indicative questions and what can (edgy) policy learn moving forward?Are there any particular factors or structures which have meant that resources have become (or failed to become) operationalised?What are the long-term effects of over/under investment and how do places go from being super-central to peripheral?And where do people figure in all of this Do people who live in areas that experience heavy investment always benefit?  If not why not?What can we do to bring attention to 'place' and place-based issues in peripheral regions and spaces?  Call for papers: if you are interested in joining us in Umeå, please submit your abstracts by 28 February 2025 to Madeleine Eriksson at madeleine.eriksson@umu.se​Our collective work will focus on developing extended abstracts (up to 2,000 words) and/or papers-in-progress (up to 7,000 words) towards special issue publication focused on putting forward a research agenda on Empirical and conceptual contributions are welcome Researchers at all career stages are encouraged to attend including PhD students and early career researchers.  Hitta till oss Press och media Institutioner och enheter Om webbplatsen Tillgänglighet på umu.se Personuppgifter Hantera kakor Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn Clarice Teo from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore was an exchange at Umeå University in Autumn 2024 I study environmental science and saw that Umeå University offered a wide range of courses related to that field of study I also thought it would be interesting to experience school further up north as I don’t get many chances like that Umeå University also seemed to have a vibrant study life which is why I chose to study here for a semester One thing that was different about studying in Umeå University was how students tend to take one course at a time I thought this was quite an efficient way to make students more focused on one subject at a time instead of stressing out about multiple courses Another thing I like about my studies here in Umeå was that there was always a balance between studying and having fun There are many activities planned for fun and I look forward to those while working hard in my studies Umeå University organizes courses to be taken one at a time we take all the courses together throughout the entire semester I was also surprised when I saw that the examinations in Umeå are 6 hours long examinations tend to last for 2 to 3 hours These long examinations give you ample time to think about your answers and write carefully there has not been many challenges here in Umeå My classmates and peers have been very welcoming and nice I would say that I was not really prepared for the weather I had to get extra clothing and supplies to deal with the upcoming winter so I would recommend doing some research on dealing with that before coming here.  Seeing the Northern Lights around my accommodation and at Lake Nydala was definitely the most memorable experience we don’t get to see the Northern Lights at all so it was so crazy to experience it firsthand and to see this natural miracle happen before our eyes The memories with the friends I have made here have also been very special; I’m glad that I was able to find some of the nicest and most heartwarming people here.  and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Umeå has many options for thrifting I really like to eat at the café in Lindellhallen The menu changes each time and the price is determined based on how much you take The pond in front of Lindellhallen is also a nice place to chill and relax They have many cute trinkets and glassware I would miss the people and the social life the most The International Students Community in Umeå University always plans amazing activities for us to enjoy and making these memories with other people has been great I would also miss the fika culture and having a sweet treat ever so often.  My advice would be to come to Umeå University and be prepared to have the most fun My time here in Umeå has definitely been one of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences of my life I would recommend doing your research on the place and life here and think about the essentials you should bring along Umeå has been a great place to be in and I hope you have a good experience as well Name: Clarice TeoHome University: Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 🇸🇬Major subject of study: Environmental ScienceHidden talent: I can roll my tongue into a flowerFavourite quote: If something is meant for you it’ll come to youFavourite custom in Sweden: Fika!Three words to best summarize your time in Umeå: Fun expressing their thoughts on Umeå University and the city of Umeå Be part of a multicultural community engaging hundreds of students Here are the top 7 reasons to live and study in Umeå Scandic has signed a long-term lease agreement for two new Scandic Go hotels in central Gothenburg and Umeå The hotels are expected to open in 2026 with a total of 276 rooms and the project involves converting existing office buildings This will bring the number of Scandic Go hotels in the company's pipeline to five with a total of 876 rooms in Sweden and Finland Scandic Go has been well received by guests and property owners alike Scandic will add 176 hotel rooms to the Lilla Bommen district in Gothenburg where existing office space will be converted into a Scandic Go an entire office building will be converted into a Scandic Go with 100 rooms The conversions will be initiated by the property owners during the first quarter of 2025 The hotels are expected to open during the first part of 2026 Greater demand for hotels combined with longer lead times for establishing new hotel properties is creating an opportunity for Scandic By conversion of office spaces and other properties Scandic can accelerate the growth of its new brand in the economy segment Conversions are carried out by the property owner allowing the landlord to also plan for other commercial activities in the building in addition to hotel operations approximately 250 meters from the central station a former office building will be converted into a Scandic Go the new hotel will become a landmark in the city The property will be environmentally certified according to BREAM Very Good standards Scandic expects significantly lower operating costs compared with a more traditional hotel The long-term agreement for this hotel was signed with property owner Diös Hotel website Brand OwnerScandic NYAB has been awarded a contract by Umeå Hamn AB for the Northern Quay project which is part of an extensive redevelopment and expansion of the port The contract is valued at SEK 164 million and will start in March 2025 with completion in the autumn of 2026.  NYAB will construct a new quay within the port area and demolish the existing one construction of a ramp for unloading and loading as well as paving work for the port area and constructing the superstructure of the area.  "I am pleased that NYAB has been entrusted to further develop Umeå's infrastructure and thereby contribute to the region's continued growth The project fits well with our competencies and we see great continued growth potential in this region The work to upgrade the port of Umeå for future needs is one of the municipality's largest investments and we look forward to being part of that journey," says Mattias Broström The location of Umeå University School of Architecture in Northern Sweden is together with the school’s international profile a dynamic vantage point from which to address local and global issues In the quest for a more sustainable and regenerative future Architecture is a practice-based and artistic research field embedded in scientific frameworks: UMA is a department at Umeå University’s Faculty of Science and Technology and host to UmArts and experimental approaches are essential not only to address global challenges we undertake both analytical research (to enable engagement in the complexities of our built environment with its mix of local and global conditions and path dependencies) but also research-by-design of buildings and open spaces These approaches expand to include physical and non-physical processes policies and highly diverse cultures between disciplines and sectors and users UMA’s research environment brings an open curious and sensitive atmosphere that tends to amplify its approaches through various forms: multidisciplinary teams and international networks the conscious involvement of students in ongoing research projects the launch and editing of an international peer-reviewed scientific journal recurring research seminars to foster exchange between colleagues and guests postdoctoral guest researchers and the collaboration with public and private partners and academia as well as through our PhD program. With academic engagement collaboratively and through action-based formats in a global and national context but also in the highly dynamic development of Northern Sweden UMA’s research mission is to be transformative by critically engaging collaborating and contributing to the ongoing development processes linked to these dynamics Current research fields at UMA include: housing architecture; contemporary city transformations; circular design and climate adaptation of the built environment in the sub-arctic; pedagogical formats such as live projects in the context of migration; mapping (endangered) ecosystems; flexible working environments; food urbanism; the forest and timber as a building material; and rural sustainability and the urban commons Read about projects with UmArts-seed funding that support staff to try out new interdisciplinary research ideas with big ambitions UMA Research Seminars on Architecture bring together scholars from Sweden and abroad to share theories Read about Umeå School of Architecture's PhD Programme in Architecture Östra Strandgatan 30 C Staff  Instagram Anne Rheinberger is an Erasmus exchange student during autumn 2024 from Heidelberg University in Germany She travelled the entire 2200 km journey by train and bicycle over nine days The autumn 2024 semester begins on 2 September with classes in full session and the campus is alive once again with many new and returning faces from near and far The new international students include 460 exchange students and approximately 300 foreign students enrolled in degree programmes and individual courses Umeå University offers more than 40 master’s degree programmes and two programmes at the undergraduate level with instruction entirely in English An orientation session was held on Wednesday in Aula Nordica to help the new students become acquainted with life in Umeå and studies at the university It included information about the first weeks on campus got to learn more about sustainability practices in recycling and waste sorting. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Cathrine Norberg welcomed the students and talked about the university’s global engagement and international collaboration.Anne Rheinberger is one of the many international students that just arrived in Umeå and attended the orientation She is an Erasmus exchange student from Heidelberg University in southwest Germany and was determined to travel to Umeå in the most sustainable way possible and then biked the rest of the way (about 500 km) to Umeå The entire experience took over nine days and gave her memories to last a lifetime Anne's bicycle is a Raleigh Roushhour 2.0 and she's had it for eight years Anne fell in love with the breathtaking nature in northern Sweden Anne was able to cycle through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Sweden Cooling off in one of Sweden's 100,000 lakes on the eco-friendly route to Umeå It is an understatement that Anne is excited to begin her Erasmus exchange at Umeå University Anne hiked up Skuleberget and I was amazed by the beauty of the High Coast.  although my journey was hard and complicated sometimes What made you decide to travel here by train and bicycle I knew that I didn't want to take the plane to come to Umeå for environmental reasons and at the same time I was looking for a possibility to take my own bike with me The only night train where this isn’t necessary is the one I took so that's why I started my bike tour in Östersund.  I’ve done several tours with my bike and tent and I think it's a great way to travel - you can cover long distances while getting to know a country so I thought this might be the perfect adventure right at the beginning of my Erasmus semester  Was it complicated to travel by train and bicycle?  My journey started on the 15th of August when I took the train to northern Germany and stayed at a dear friend’s house I took the ferry to Malmö and cycled to Lund The night train to Östersund departed on 17 August It is always a bit complicated to take the train with my bike and my luggage but it wasn't my first time so I was prepared for that! After arriving in Östersund I first cycled east to Hammarstrand and Kramfors and then further north through Örnsköldsvik and Nordmaling more than 500 km and nearly 3500 meters difference in altitude.  What were the highlights of the trip?  I'm so happy about meeting many kind and open-minded people along the way Only to mention a few: During my time on the night train I had a nice chat with a employee of snälltåget he wanted to support me in any way possible and decided to give me breakfast for free I was invited for a fika by Kristina and Kolerik I met Matthias and Olivier from France with whom I had a lovely evening and we even cycled together the next day.  I rang the doorbell at a Swedish house to ask for a cup of tea because I was cold and wet made me a sandwich and hot chocolate and spent some time with me Everyone was open-minded and helpful and I'm more than thankful for that!  I often took a break at the cemetery - there was water to refill my bottle and I always met elderly Swedes who were interested in where I'm traveling Many of them didn't know English and when they heard that I'm from Germany they were happy that I was able to talk to them in Swedish while I was happy to practice my language skills  My favorite sights until now have been the Högakustenbron and Skuleberget I was really looking forward to cycling the Högakustenbron because I had previously seen a lot of pictures It was impressing and the view was great!  I hiked up Skuleberget and I was amazed by the beauty of the High Coast that I could see but it looks so beautiful from the top of the mountain!  Did you have any challenges or difficulties during your journey It hasn't always been easy!On my very first day I forgot the key for my bike lock at home - luckily a friend of my mum drove to northern Germany that day it hurt so badly that I cried because I thought this was the end of my journey I tried to take it slowly and it worked out but it could have been the end of my journey on my first day traveling alone is a privilege because I can decide how long and fast I ride when to get up in the morning and when to take a break and I've got a lot of time alone with my thoughts which isn't always easy I have to plan my way a lot more than by car Every kilometer counts and I had to decide which sights I can see on my way I couldn't see a cave I'd had loved to visit because this would have meant 10 km more plus a hike on an already long day.I realized that except for cities there isn't a lot of bicycle infrastructure in northern Sweden I had to decide between traveling on the same streets as cars or on gravel through forests which also always meant to take a longer way the people I met and talked to and the opportunity of spending so much time outdoors and already seeing a part of Sweden is what I love and it was a great adventure Why did you select Umeå University for your exchange experience and fell in love with the nature of northern Europe I haven't been to Sweden before but I hope that as an Erasmus student I’ll not only discover the Swedish nature but also get to know the people and their culture - a possibility that I don't have when I'm just on vacation.  My home university has a variety of partnerships with different Swedish cities but the university of Umeå was the one I liked most I had the impression that there is very good biology research and that it's a young city not too big - all while being surrounded by nature and having the possibility to experience a winter with lots of snow What is on your bucket list of things to do during your time in Umeå and northern Sweden I want to enjoy my time and collect as many memories as possible I'd like to make friends from around the world go hiking together and find out where to eat the best cinnamon rolls in Umeå Lucia in December and improve my Swedish language skills. And It also happens to be the birthplace of Sweden's Queen Silvia I'm studying chemistry and biology to become a teacher I'll just take biology courses. Hobbies and Interests: I like doing gymnastics Bicycle brand/model: Raleigh Roushhour 2.0 I've used it for 8 years now and I love it Role model or some person I really admire: Wiebke Lühmann She's a German woman who travels a lot by bike and I know her because of her bikepacking trip to the North Cape she's biking to South Africa which I think is pretty impressive but also due to the many different cultures landscapes and people she gets to know along her way Ranked first of all participating universities in the world for student satisfaction Health and well-being are the focus of the international certification Umeå University's ambition is to actively contribute to the sustainable transition of society the EU is now both a major funder of research and a facilitator of student and staff exchanges Umeå University will soon join the European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) so there were many interested listeners when Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz visited the university we connect across the globe to jointly solve research problems and contribute to societal challenges students travel to other countries to gain new experiences and better understand how others think Although today's trends seem to be moving in the opposite direction universities must grow," said Umeå University Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg in her speech which was also her first official appearance as Vice-Chancellor it seems right now that the US is weakening in its position as the world's foremost research nation due to the domestic political situation and the uncertainty surrounding the future of certain authorities in the country "I think everyone is reasoning that it would be good if Europe could step forward here and attract more researchers from other parts of the world And of course we're looking at what's happening in the US but I think we'll have to come back to exactly how But I know that there are discussions going on not least among the education and research ministers in the EU," said Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz "But everything is linked to the fact that we are at the forefront of research and innovation that each country should invest 3 per cent of GDP in research and innovation And I think that's important in contexts like this." Part of the Minister for EU Affairs's purpose in visiting Umeå University which also included a question and answer session moderated by Magnus Blomgren Associate professor at Department of Political Science is to get more students to realise that the EU is both a workplace and an internship "I would be delighted if more students would take the opportunity to do an internship either at the Government Offices or in Brussels at our Swedish representation there or in some part of the Commission apply for a job in the Commission after completing their studies Sweden is the second least represented country I hope that Umeå University students will be curious about this so that more people apply for jobs in the EU administration in the future." Read more about the European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) Contact us Find us on the map If something happens IT support How the student website works Provide website feedback Accessibility of umu.se Processing of personal data Facebook Instagram  TikTok Youtube LinkedIn a nursing student from Universidad de Murcia in Spain first experienced life at Umeå University as an exchange student during the autumn 2023 semester she returned for the spring 2025 semester to complete an internship through the university’s nursing department Lucia is gaining hands-on experience in elderly care with additional insights into disability and home care she is dedicated to developing the practical skills and communication abilities that will shape her future career as a nurse Her advice to prospective students: embrace the opportunity for growth and new experiences I chose Umeå University because I wanted to experience something different I made my decision after reading about its great student environment and the many opportunities it offers for both personal and academic growth.  I decided to return because the time I spent here was quality time I felt I was really enjoying my student life and the perfect balance that allowed me to stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.  If I had to choose one thing, it would definitely be the Buddy Programme Moving to a new country alone can be scary but thanks to this programme I felt welcome from the very beginning.  One big difference is how much group discussion is involved in every class I was surprised to see that instead of just listening to lectures we often sat together to talk about what we had learned This made it way easier for me to understand and actually remember the concepts.  The hardest part for me was the language barrier during my hospital internship It was frustrating not being able to talk to every patient or do everything by myself like writing on the computer but I really wished I could have been more independent and communicated more freely.  Lucía Terol Cutillas gaining hands-on experience in emergency care during her nursing exchange at Umeå University Lucía experiencing the awe-inspiring magic of the Northern Lights in Umeå Lucía visiting the Gammlia Christmas market and a true Swedish winter experience Lucía enjoying a peaceful canoe trip on Lake Nydala—embracing nature and adventure during her exchange at Umeå University One of the best moments was during a canoeing trip for "Leadership in the Outdoors” course we spent two days out in nature using all the skills we learned but we helped each other and managed to enjoy a warm dinner and a good fireplace.  there are some really nice spots on campus where I can just sit and play I also like finding a cozy corner to write while having a cup of tea I love outdoors activities and Umeå is the perfect place for that.  I love walking around and enjoy nature so Lake Nydala Pilgatan Bokcafé is a very cozy café close to the city centre and Lindell Hall at the university is the perfect place to socialize while eating or studying The last one must be IKSU which saved my life on many occasions.  I am going to miss the balance between studies and how everything is so efficient and well organized how everything is so efficient and well organized the summer colours and of course the snow!!  I realized everything was the same … except me My time in Umeå was full of surprises travel and take “me time” whenever you need it Name: Lucía Terol Cutillas Home University: Universidad de Murcia 🇪🇸Major subject of study: Nursing Hidden talent: Writing songs and poetry Favourite quote: "Happiness is only real when shared." Christopher McCandless Favourite custom in Sweden: Allemansrätten Three words that best summarizes my time in Umeå: Adventure Learn more about who can become an exchange student and how to apply #1 globally in three of the five main categories: living University Director at Umeå University "Without placing too much emphasis on exact rankings it is gratifying that this year we are taking a big step up in the rankings It shows that our systematic environmental and climate work is producing results I think that our strength as a university is that we always want to start from current knowledge and that we have competent and committed staff and students who want to contribute to sustainability and climate through wise choices and decisions," says Hans Wiklund The QS Sustainability Ranking ranks universities in the world based on the UN's global sustainability goals and divides the results into three main areas; Environmental impact - the university's research and education in the environment and climate Social impact - the institution's research The third part is called Governance and focuses on the university's work with transparency and attitudes Umeå University increased significantly in Environmental Impact Environmental Research rose to position 25 in the world compared to last year's 276 Umeå University also climbed more than 100 places to position 237 compared to last year's 355 the Health & Wellbeing category stands out with a 30th place in the world we are ranked for the first time and place 226 Environmental coordinator at Property Management Office at Umeå University "Together with the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking the QS sustainability ranking also serves as an aid in our climate and environmental work It highlights our strengths and the areas of improvement we need to focus on in the future ‘The fact that we have drawn up a climate budget during the year and will follow it up with a climate report from 2022 onwards has played a role in our climb in the QS Sustainability Ranking this time offer more comprehensive environmental and sustainability training to our employees," says Lisa Redin we have particularly risen in terms of social sustainability including campaigns and good communication play a major role in the positive improvement." In the list of Swedish universities, Umeå University is ranked sixth out of the 16 ranked Swedish universities, here is the full list of Swedish universities. Read the full QS Sustainability Ranking Among the top universities in the world according to recent "Summer courses have really become an important part of the university's contribution to both public education and continuing education Just look at the most popular courses - ”Kreativ skrivande” ”Datanalys med R” and ”Grammatik i det gröna” - and you will see how widespread they are All these programmes are of course important ingredients in creating a robust society with enlightened citizens and it's especially gratifying for a linguist to see so many people wanting to further their education in grammar," says Cathrine Norberg Umeå University is offering 64 programmes compared to last year's 73 programmes but is still increasing the number of applications the number of programmes offered decreased by 7.1 per cent Admission decisions will be sent out on 28 April More information is available on the UHR website (only in Swedish). Laura Herzog and Yaowen Wu have found a way to control proteins in living cells we were able to demonstrate precise control over several processes in the cell “Cellular processes are complex and constantly change depending on when and where in the cell they occur Our new chemical tool with light switches will make it easier to control processes in the cell and study how cells function in real time We can also determine where we make such regulation with a resolution of micrometres within a cell or tissue” professor at the Department of Chemistry and SciLifeLab Group leader at Umeå University The intricate choreography of what happens in a cell is based on the precise distribution and interaction of proteins over time and space Controlling protein or gene function is a cornerstone of modern biological research traditional genetic techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 often operate on a longer time scale the techniques lack the spatial and temporal precision required to study highly dynamic cellular processes so-called chemo-optogenetic systems have emerged as powerful tools and genetically modified proteins to precisely control protein activities at specific locations in cells using light-sensitive small molecules Professor Yaowen Wu’s lab is at the forefront of developing chemo-optogenetic systems Yaowen Wu’s lab introduced systems based on a type of molecular glue These work by bringing two proteins close together to change the localization or activity of a protein The molecular glues are activated or deactivated by light by removing or cleaving a light-sensitive group Although these tools represented significant advances they had limitations in their use and insufficient photo- and chemical stability In two new publications selected as hot papers in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition and Chemistry – A European Journal researchers in the Wu lab have developed next-generation chemo-optogenetic tools based on photoswitchable molecular glues These improve on previous systems and overcome limitations these molecular glues can be turned “on” or “off” like a light switch using light of specific wavelengths allowing for multiple activation cycles where the two different states either promote or inhibit protein function ” The new modular design enables enormous versatility of the system with adaptable properties and more stability” staff scientist at the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University including protein function and localization organelle positioning and protein levels” postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University The activity of a luminescent protein can be tuned by light using the photoswitchable molecular glues developed in these studies Cells in which the protein is active will produce a luminescent signal exposing certain cells to light while shielding others the researchers were able to produce patterns on cell populations 1. Jun Zhang, Laura K. Herzog, Dale P. Corkery, Tzu-Chen Lin, Laura Klewer, Xi Chen, Xiaoyi Xin, Yaozong Li, Yao-Wen Wu: Modular Photoswitchable Molecular Glues for Chemo-optogenetic Control of Protein Function in Living Cells, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2025, e202416456.https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202416456 2. Jun Zhang, Laura K. Herzog, Shuang Li, Xi Chen, Yao-Wen Wu: Visible-light-switchable Molecular Glues for Reversible Control of Protein Function, Chemistry – A European Journal, 2025, e202403808.https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202403808 UCMR is a Linnaeus Centre of Excellence promoting cutting-edge microbial research at Umeå University The Department of Chemistry has about 220 employees Chemical and chemo-optogenetic approach on autophagy and membrane trafficking regulated by small GTPases Former Golden Bear To Play In Sweden’s Top Basketball League Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Simon Giasson from the University of Manitoba was an exchange studentat Umeå University during the Autumn 2024 semester I’m drawn to smaller cities and was eager to experience life in Sweden Umeå offers a vibrant and adventurous community with plenty of activities and events to enjoy I like the recreation facilities on and near campus is a large athletic complex where you can work out The study/recreation balance is phenomenal we take many (usually 5) courses at a time at the master’s level usually only one course is taken at a time I like this method as it allows you to focus more on a given subject at a time there is a greater emphasis on working independently and exploring a topic yourself instead of being presented a lot of information from the start I appreciate the opportunity this provides for working with peers and building research and presentation skills.  Seeing the Northern Lights at lake Lake Nydala (Nydalasjön) one of my first nights here Simon Giasson took part in the Buddy Programme trip to the Moose Farm in Bjurholm Wintertime in downtown Umeå in November 2024 Simon was active in the local rubgby club during his semester abroad in autumn 2024 I joined Rugby and Cross-country Skiing (Längskidor) groups with IKSU and spend a lot of time in the gym working out or playing beach volleyball Lake Nydala is a beautiful spot to swim and see the Northern Lights the library has lots of cozy spots to get some studying in as well as the café upstairs beside the library IKSU sport also has some good space for school-work the Kulturbageriet is a beautiful café styled like a large I’ll miss the great friends I’ve made here Not everyone wants to study in a northern part of Sweden and endure the dark winter months I got to meet a lot of interesting people from around the world who have similar interests I haven’t met a single exchange student who has regretted coming to Umeå If you want to meet great people and enjoy unique experiences you can’t get elsewhere Make sure to sign up for the housing queue early so you can get a residence near the university Name: Simon GiassonHome University: University of Manitoba, Robson Hall, Canada 🇨🇦Major subject of study: LawHidden talent: SkiingFavourite quote: “Surstromming is great plug your nose and try not to taste it when you eat it”Favourite custom in Sweden: Starting classes 15 minutes late.Three words to best summarize your time in Umeå: Sjö Looking at the outcomes of the 2023 funding calls 20 research projects at Umeå University will share nearly €5.9 million (around SEK 68 million) in support from various EU research programmes These projects address some of the most urgent issues of our time EU funding gives researchers at Umeå University the opportunity to advance their pioneering work and collaborate with leading organisations across Europe and globally Click on the expandable headings below to discover more about the research and the specific goals our researchers are working towards professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science is one of the Umeå University researchers awarded EU funding His research focuses on collaborations aimed at better equipping us to face climate change and improve the management of the world’s water resources MagneticTWIST: Twisted light could revolutionise data storage magnetism has been the cornerstone of data storage Researcher Nicolò Maccaferri is now testing an innovative idea that could offer us virtually limitless storage capacity He is investigating a phenomenon known as 'twisted light' – light that not only moves forward but also spins around its axis much like the way Earth rotates on its axis while orbiting the Sun As light is a form of electromagnetic radiation it can influence the magnetism in hard drives By directing short pulses of twisted light with extreme precision at the nanometre (one billionth of a metre) scale it may be possible to manipulate magnetism in new ways never considered This breakthrough could enable vast amounts of data to be stored on tiny surfaces all while maintaining speed and efficiency Maccaferri has received research funding to explore this idea and demonstrate that it is indeed possible to control magnetism with twisted light this technology could transform data storage and processing with significant potential for applied research fields such as cryptography Nicolò Maccaferri assistant professor at the Department of Physics has received just over 2 million euros for the project.  EnteroInfection: One step closer to stopping viruses do more than infect cells – they transform them into "virus factories." Researchers are uncovering how these viruses hijack cellular structures to replicate bringing us closer to discovering ways to stop them The project EnteroInfection focuses on how enteroviruses exploit autophagy – the cell’s recycling process – to create an environment conducive to viral replication A key player in this process is the viral protein 2C which assembles virus components at the right location within the cell Researchers have found that autophagosomes cellular structures usually responsible for cleanup are instead repurposed to house proteins crucial for the virus’s strategy the team seeks to map how these proteins contribute to viral replication Using tools like cryo-electron microscopy and mass spectrometry the researchers aim to uncover methods to block viral infections Their findings could pave the way for new treatments for virus-related diseases Postdoctoral fellow Marie Sorin and research leader Lars-Anders Carlson at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project EBOVmembrinteract: Advancing treatments for deadly viruses with emerging species posing increasing risks Researchers are exploring how these viruses invade our cells and why some are more dangerous The EBOVmembrinteract project focuses on the virus’s surface glycoproteins – proteins essential for attaching to and entering host cells These glycoproteins are decorated with specific viral carbohydrates that seem to influence how efficiently the virus spreads Using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and biophysical analysis researchers are investigating how these carbohydrates affect the virus's ability to enter and exit host cells Understanding these mechanisms could help identify ways to block infection The project’s findings have the potential to significantly enhance global efforts to combat these deadly viruses and bolster preparedness for future outbreaks Postdoctoral fellow Malgorzata Graul and research leader Marta Bally at the Department of Clinical Microbiology have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project CryoARC: Mapping virus factories to develop new treatments transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions researchers are exploring how these viruses create small “factories” on the surface of cells to replicate and spread infection By mapping how these factories are built and how they function the researchers aim to develop new drugs that block the virus’s replication offering protection against these diseases A central tool in this research is cryo-electron microscopy which allows scientists to study the virus at the nanoscale By uncovering which components of the cell’s machinery the virus exploits to build its factories the team hopes to identify ways to disrupt its spread The CryoARC project could become an important step forward in combating diseases caused by alphaviruses providing new tools to protect people in vulnerable regions Postdoctoral fellow Dinesh Dhurvas Chandrasekaran and research leader Lars-Anders Carlson at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics have received just over 222,000 euros for the project Could mitochondria hold the secret to healthier ageing Researchers in the MitoDNASen project are diving into these vital parts of our cells to find ways to combat age-related diseases and harmful inflammation they can enter a state where they stop dividing is a natural defence mechanism that prevents the development or spread of cancer they can trigger inflammation and contribute to conditions like arthritis The MitoDNASen project investigates how mitochondrial DNA changes during this process The researchers have found that mitochondria play a much larger role than previously understood in driving the inflammatory responses linked to these diseases By unravelling how mitochondrial DNA is affected during senescence they hope to develop new treatments that mitigate the negative effects of these cells and promote better health in older individuals The project holds the potential to become a key piece in alleviating diseases caused by cellular ageing ultimately improving the quality of life for many Postdoctoral fellow Valentin L'Hôte and research leader Sjoerd Wanrooij at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project ATOPS: Using light and magnetism to revolutionise electronics What if magnetism could be controlled by light at unprecedented speeds Researchers at Umeå University are pursuing this groundbreaking idea The ATOPS project investigates how ultrafast light pulses lasting just a few femtoseconds (one quadrillionth of a second) The aim is to create faster and more precise electronic devices by using light to manipulate magnetism a material with unique electronic and magnetic properties that can be controlled with light They believe it has the potential to accelerate data storage and improve information processing efficiency the team hopes to demonstrate how MnPd2 can enable ultrafast magnetic control their work could pave the way for next-generation technologies Postdoctoral fellow Lakshmi Das and research leader Nicolò Maccaferri at the Department of Physics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project UNID: One light source to transform multiple industries Imagine a lighting solution that is sustainable and versatile enough to be used in healthcare Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) could make it a reality LEC technology relies on a simple layer of organic materials mixed with electrolytes and biodegradable light sources that emit a soft glow including short lifespans and low efficiency This is due to the ions that power the light also degrading the organic material Researchers in the UNID project are working intensively to understand and control this process aiming to extend the lifespan and improve the efficiency of LEC lighting this groundbreaking technology could offer not just a sustainable light source but also transform multiple industries by making lighting both eco-friendly and cost-efficient Postdoctoral fellow Anton Kirch and research leader Ludvig Edman at the Department of Physics have received just over 222,000 euros for the project Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing global health threats contributing to millions of deaths each year The ENDAMR project is empowering young researchers with the tools and knowledge to better understand and tackle the rise of resistance – an effort that could ultimately save lives ENDAMR provides PhD students with the opportunity to participate in international Participants not only contribute new insights into antibiotic resistance but also gain skills for future careers in both academia and industry The research within ENDAMR spans several key areas One team is investigating how antibiotic resistance affects bacteria in the gut microbiome and exploring microbiome-based treatments to help control infections Another team is mapping the spread of resistance between bacteria examining the genetic and environmental factors at play researchers are studying mechanisms such as tolerance and heteroresistance aiming to develop more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies The project also explores the potential of antibiotic combinations to improve patient care and reduce the risk of resistance The ENDAMR project is training a new generation of researchers who are committed to developing innovative solutions to combat antibiotic resistance – today and for the future Andre Mateus at the Department of Chemistry has received nearly 294,000 euros for his part of the project ForskarFredag: A chance to explore the world of science and discover why science matters for society Held annually across the country and online ForskarFredag invites people of all ages to explore science under the motto: "Researchers are ordinary people with extraordinary jobs." From debates and science shows to hands-on experiments the festival offers something for everyone Children and young people can even "borrow a researcher" for their classrooms or join real citizen science projects As part of the EU’s European Researchers’ Night the festival shines a spotlight on how research helps tackle global challenges This year’s theme focuses on sustainable development and future technologies with activities developed in collaboration with research projects from across Europe ForskarFredag is coordinated by the non-profit association Vetenskap & Allmänhet which has been connecting organisers nationwide since 2006 to create an inspiring and educational celebration of science for all ages Gabrielle Beans Picón has received nearly 15,000 euros for her contribution to this initiative Infra4NextGen: Gathering data and young voices for a better Europe The Infra4NextGen project aims to make it easier for policymakers to access and use social science data By bringing together information scattered across national registries more sustainable Europe in the wake of the pandemic The Next Generation EU recovery fund is all about building a better future – greener But achieving these goals requires reliable data that is easy to interpret and use the project brings together top social science institutions to collect This information will be accessible to policymakers Interactive tools and training materials will also be created to make the data as useful as possible A special focus is on Europe’s youth Their voices will help shape discussions around the EU’s priorities ensuring young people’s perspectives are part of the decision-making process for a more inclusive future Mikael Hjerm professor at the Department of Sociology and Swedish coordinator for the European Social Survey has received just over 105,000 euros for his part in the project AQUASERV: Pooling resources for a sustainable blue economy Our waters are vital to life and livelihoods but protecting them requires a collective effort The AquaServ project is creating a network that allows researchers and businesses across the EU to share tools and expertise to study and improve sustainable water management This initiative will provide access to cutting-edge resources – from lab equipment to expert advice – for those working on freshwater and marine ecosystems these resources will help accelerate discoveries and solutions for managing our seas and lakes sustainably AquaServ is focused on ensuring a lasting impact and outreach activities will ensure that the project’s benefits extend well beyond its funding period empowering not only researchers but also policymakers and technical teams Nicholas Kamenos has received just over 272,000 euros for his part of the project.  IRISCC: Joining forces to tackle climate change Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our time Addressing it requires a deep understanding of the complex factors at play – from extreme weather events to social and economic impacts This is where IRISCC aims to make a difference IRISCC is an EU initiative that unites leading research infrastructures from diverse scientific fields to create a shared platform and other stakeholders to exchange data and resources driving sustainable solutions to climate challenges The project will develop a comprehensive catalogue of research resources including a collaborative lab for transdisciplinary studies and demonstrators showcasing the benefits of integrated approaches IRISCC will also offer targeted services for policymakers and risk management professionals more effective action against climate change All data will be openly available and aligned with FAIR principles to benefit both research and policymaking has received just over 113,000 euros for his part of the project.  NEMESIS: Protecting against hormone-disrupting chemicals Certain chemicals in the environment can disrupt metabolism and increase the risk of diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes The Nemesis project aims to develop new insights and practical tools to understand and counter these risks found in products ranging from plastics to cosmetics can interfere with essential bodily functions Studies show these chemicals affect organs like the liver and pancreas contributing to conditions such as atherosclerosis and diabetes Exposure during critical early life stages can be especially harmful with potential effects passed on to future generations The Nemesis project brings together experts from diverse research fields to investigate how EDCs impact human health Researchers will explore whether these chemicals alter gut bacteria composition and develop biomarkers for early detection The project will also create new testing methods to reduce reliance on animal studies By involving the public and key societal stakeholders Nemesis aims to ensure that the research findings inform future decisions on chemical management ultimately protecting health and reducing the risks associated with harmful chemicals in our environment Sophia Harlid, docent at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, and Marie-Therese Vinnars assistant professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences have received just over 212,000 euros for their part of the project ELECTRA: Electrification could make cement production fossil-free Cement and lime are essential building materials but their production is a major source of global CO₂ emissions The Electra project explores whether electric heating could replace fossil fuels in the process potentially cutting emissions to near zero Instead of burning fuel to heat limestone to the necessary temperature of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius Electra aims to use electricity from renewable energy sources This shift could enable fossil-free production of cement and lime is flexible enough to suit both new factories and retrofitted older facilities Researchers estimate it could eliminate fuel-based emissions entirely in these industries cutting total carbon dioxide emissions by more than 90 percent Given cement’s global importance as a construction material this innovation could significantly lower the industry’s carbon footprint Electra is also accelerating the transition to electric-powered production through scalable platform solutions designed for rapid implementation the project could revolutionise cement and lime manufacturing bringing us closer to a fossil-free future Markus Broström professor at the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics has received just over 201,000 euros for his part of the project ILLUQ: Addressing the threats from thawing permafrost in the Arctic The rapid thawing of permafrost due to climate change is releasing harmful substances that pose a significant threat to both people and infrastructure in the Arctic The interdisciplinary Illuq project seeks long-term solutions to mitigate these risks permafrost covers over a fifth of the Northern Hemisphere’s landmass large amounts of organic material and hazardous substances This creates serious risks for both human and animal life with far-reaching consequences for public health While these challenges are well-recognised resulting in solutions that fail to address the full scope of the issue The Illuq project takes a holistic approach bringing together researchers and local communities to develop effective tools and knowledge to tackle future Arctic challenges The project aims to deliver concrete results for managing the risks associated with thawing permafrost and infrastructure – and contribute to a more sustainable future in a rapidly changing world Matthias Siewert associate professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science has received just over 330 000 euros for his part of the project The META Trial: Hoping to prevent diabetes in people living with HIV People living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing diabetes researchers are studying whether metformin can prevent or delay diabetes in this group placebo-controlled trial in people on antiretroviral therapy with pre-diabetes Participants are being followed for three years to evaluate whether metformin reduces the risk of diabetes in this high-risk group The study is a collaboration between Tanzanian and European researchers conducted in close partnership with Tanzanian health authorities The project aims to determine metformin’s effectiveness and cost-effectiveness while also generating valuable knowledge to inform future health policies and manage the dual challenges of diabetes and HIV in Africa Anni-Maria Pulkki-Brännström associate professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health has received nearly 76,000 euros for her part of the project WIDE AcrossEU: Collaboration to strengthen research capacity across the EU and Ukraine are receiving support from Sweden and Finland to build capacity and foster networking The goal is to improve their chances of participating in the EU’s largest research programmes the project focuses on enhancing skills and creating new opportunities for researchers in "widening countries" – nations that have historically had lower participation in EU research programmes By mapping the researchers' needs and offering training and networking opportunities the project aims to increase their ability to engage in EU-funded projects It also seeks to help these countries better utilise the research and infrastructure already funded through regional EU programmes like ERDF and Interreg WIDE AcrossEU hopes to contribute to a more equal and inclusive research environment in Europe where more people can both contribute to and benefit from EU collaborations in research and innovation Agneta H. Plamboeck EU expert at the Research Support and Collaboration Office has received nearly 135,000 euros for her part in the project MaLaR: New method turns nuclear waste into a resource Nuclear waste poses a significant environmental challenge but the Malar project is pioneering a sustainable solution Researchers aim to develop a method that manages nuclear waste while recycling valuable metals – a breakthrough in resource management rare earth metals vital for technologies like mobile phones Traditional methods of extracting these metals from nuclear waste are costly and inefficient By utilising innovative 3D structures made from 2D materials the project seeks to revolutionise the process This innovation simplifies the separation of lanthanides from nuclear waste enhancing waste management and enabling the recycling of valuable metals The project brings together leading European institutions known for its expertise in material design the Malar project addresses the dual challenge of nuclear waste and sustainable materials Alexandr Talyzin has received nearly 567,000 euros for his part of the project CriticalMaking: Fighting digital misinformation through hands-on teaching In a world where misinformation spreads quickly online educators need practical tools to help their students separate fact from fiction The CriticalMaking project is giving teachers the skills and confidence to do just that Through creative 'makerspaces' – hands-on learning environments – educators in science and maths will explore real-world scenarios and learn how to use experiments to counter false information This practical approach equips teachers with tools to fight misinformation not just through arguments but through demonstrations inspiring their students to think critically about the information they encounter online Part of the EU Digital Education Action Plan CriticalMaking is also about building a sustainable future The project will develop teaching materials and training programmes for teachers and policymakers helping Europe’s educators prepare the next generation for the digital age Madelen Bodin associate professor at the Department of Science and Mathematics Education and director of Curiosum has received nearly 215,000 euros for her part in the project Good Game: Promoting better mental health in esports While esports offer exciting opportunities they also present significant mental health challenges The Good Game project aims to combat these issues by developing and implementing targeted interventions across Europe where individuals or teams compete in popular video games and competitive environment can negatively impact players’ mental well-being new tools and strategies are needed to support mental health within esports The Good Game project will develop an online-based psychoeducational intervention combining psychological education with practical tools The programme targets both amateur and professional players and consists of modules focused on emotion management The goal is to provide players and their support networks with the tools to manage the psychological challenges of esports fostering a more sustainable and positive future for everyone involved in this rapidly growing field Michael Trotter at the Department of Psychology has received nearly 30,000 euros for his part in the project UID24 | Design Talks & Degree Show celebrated the unique visions crafted by our standout students UID24 | Project Gallery UID24 | Live Stream UID24 | Programme This year's theme – SYNERGIES – emanated from our graduating students and the interconnectedness of design ecosystems our student design studios became laboratories for exploration and experimentation inviting openness and transparency across processes and programmes With design-through-making an ever-present mantra students unveiled their final concepts through live on-stage talks we presented a live broadcast and a packed digital gallery showcasing groundbreaking grad projects guests from near and far gained an exclusive glimpse into each student’s transformative journey as they presented their final design proposals former researcher and visiting research fellow at Umeå University She holds an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Medicine This was the sound the French researcher Emmanuelle Charpentier heard as she took her first steps in a winter-white Umeå in 2008 I have to come here and walk on CRISPR.” She was offered a position as a group leader at the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) at Umeå University and it was with this group that she discovered the final crucial piece of the puzzle to the groundbreaking gene editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 gene scissors make it possible to cause specific mutations in DNA for example to inactivate or replace genes or correct individual letters in the genetic code much like when we change misspellings in a word processing program.  CRISPR is an acronym for “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats” and is a collection of DNA fragments Watch this educational video to understand more about how it can be used After a publication in Science during the summer 2012 interest among genetic researchers exploded and from there developments went quickly CRISPR-Cas9 was used in laboratories around the world to alter genes in everything from bacteria Science noted that there was a “CRISPR frenzy” and by the end of the year CRISPR-Cas9 was included in the “top ten” lists in both Science and Nature of the most important scientific achievements of the past year The discovery received several awards and recognitions So perhaps it is not surprising that Umeå University began preparing for the annual announcements of Nobel Prize winners with Emmanuelle Charpentier and her collaborator Jennifer A jointly receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9.  MIMS recently summarised advancements in the use of gene scissors with a focus on its benefits to society individuals suffering from otherwise incurable genetic diseases are beginning to benefit from the use of gene scissors with the first gene CRISPR therapies now approved and more than 100 currently in clinical trials for a wide range of diseases from cancer to diabetes and viral infections the technique is being used to improve crops It is also being used to rapidly modify rare crops and wild varieties to improve global food security and reduce poverty Many other CRISPR applications are also currently being explored including for controlling mosquito populations and making mosquitoes unable to transmit diseases CRISPR has been cited in approximately 80,000 patents and the CRISPR market is estimated to have been worth USD 3 billion in 2024 This figure is predicted to grow rapidly as new diagnostics and treatments reach the market Umeå University organises Kunskapsnoden at the Grand Hôtel Stockholm as part of the Västerbotten Weeks (Västerbottensveckorna) Kunskapsnoden (knowledge node) is aimed at research councils foundations and external partners and is a place for inspiration sharing knowledge and inspired meetings where Umeå University highlights current research and important questions relevant to society The theme for 2025 is “Challenges and opportunities with gene scissors (CRISPR-Cas9)” Four Umeå researchers will participate with short lectures and panel discussions Barbara Sixt: On how gene scissors as a discovery method have contributed to important discoveries that could inspire the development of new treatments for chlamydia  Björn Pilebro: On how gene editing using gene scissors can be used in human clinical studies especially to treat familial amyloid polyneuropathy (Skelleftesjukan) Stefan Jansson: On how gene scissors are used in research on a daily basis particularly for plant research and its potential benefit for achieving a sustainable society Madeleine Hayenhjelm: On the importance of moral decisions and ways of considering gene scissors using a form of moral precautionary principle Scientists around the world utilise gene scissors in a variety of ways in their work This naturally includes several researchers at Umeå University an associate professor (docent) at the Department of Molecular Biology and research leader at MIMS She and her research group are studying how disease-causing bacteria particularly the pathogen that causes the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia can evade the inherent defence mechanisms of human cells associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology and research leader at MIMS Gene scissors have resulted in making their work process easier and more versatile and has led them to important discoveries “Using gene scissors as a discovery method we have uncovered an important strategy that allows the chlamydia pathogen to hide from our cells’ defence mechanisms Our hope is that this new knowledge will enable us to develop better treatments for chlamydia and other diseases.” Another example where gene scissors may help cure human suffering is the treatment of familial amyloid polyneuropathy or Skelleftesjukan as it is known in Swedish A study is currently ongoing at Umeå University using a gene scissors-based drug on patients “It could be a good treatment for the disease,” says Björn Pilebro assistant professor combined with clinical employment at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine who is one of the driving forces behind the study.  There are already medications for familial amyloid polyneuropathy but one problem with these is that they are very expensive costing millions of kronor per patient every year A new medicine would put competitive pressure on existing alternatives It is also hoped that the same technique can be applied to other diseases amyloid polyneuropathy is a very “simple” disease to treat by modulating gene expression We have used the gene scissor technique to “turn off” a gene similar techniques are likely to be trialled to reduce the risk of more common diseases in the future it will be possible to repair genes where variants lead to disease,” says Pilebro but he emphasises that this is probably many years in the future “It is difficult to predict how quickly this will happen.” Gene scissors are also used in plant research at Umeå University Stefan Jansson is a professor at the Department of Plant Physiology and works primarily with basic research on plants Two questions his research groups are trying to answer are: “how does an aspen know it is autumn?” and “how can spruces and pines have green needles over winter?” it is important to be able to create plants that lack a specific protein For this we use the CRISPR-Cas9 gene scissors but in most cases it’s easier and faster with CRISPR,” says Stefan Jansson professor at the Department of Plant Physiological Stefan Jansson hopes that regulations will be revised to allow the use of gene scissors to enable new plants that can have practical use “This has already started to happen outside the EU but as the EU still considers all ‘CRISPR plants’ to be genetically modified meaning they are controlled under a regulatory framework that is effectively a ban This is obviously a huge problem not only for competitiveness but also for health and the green transition; for example plants that use fewer pesticides or produce healthier food would benefit everyone.” Umeå University is also conducting research into the ethical implications of gene scissors Madeleine Hayenhjelm is an associate professor at the Department of Historical Philosophical and Religious Studies and studies the ethics of risk and moral philosophy “One of the areas I am interested in is how to make responsible decisions about new technologies so as to avoid disastrous societal consequences on the one hand while not obstructing development and progress on the other I am looking at whether there is a moral principle that can guide this type of decision making,” she says she has researched various ethical aspects of gene scissors including examining the ethical literature on controversial applications such as germline gene editing and radical human ‘enhancement’ “A co-authored monograph is in the works providing an overview and introduction to the main arguments in the literature.” associate professor in Philosophy at the Department of Historical Philosophical and Religious Studies.  she sees a number of aspects related to gene scissors that are important to examine “Gene drivers and ‘amateurs at home experiments’ are risk factors that are important to monitor which is an equity issue that affects who gains access to treatments and who does not Another area is gene editing as an important part of climate adaptation I am particularly interested in understanding the extent to which germline gene editing can be developed to be non-heritable and/or reversible and to what extent this would affect moral conclusions,” she says These are just a few examples of ongoing research using and about gene scissors at Umeå University and around the world We have every reason to stay up-to-date about developments with genetic technology’s sharpest tool.  Head of Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics “Lennart Bondesson was a highly accomplished researcher who made significant contributions in both theoretical and applied mathematical statistics he inspired new generations and was always willing to share his extensive expertise,” says Konrad Abramowicz “We are deeply honoured and grateful for his generous donation which will support research and collaboration and foster growth in the research areas that were particularly close to Lennart's heart.” The donation is approximately SEK 34 million and 80 per cent of the return will be distributed over each rolling five-year period it will be the second largest affiliated foundation that Umeå University has only the fund for Umeå School of Business Assistant University Director at Umeå University “Umeå University recognises the importance of donations to our research and we see an increased interest among private individuals to make donations It is fantastic with this large donation that means that the department will receive annual funding that will contribute to continued positive development.” says Per Ragnarsson gästprofessor vid Institutionen för molekylärbiologi "The results are alarming considering how common nanoplastics are and because effective antibiotics for many can be the difference between life and death," says Lukas Kenner professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and one of the researchers who led the study Nanoplastics are plastic particles that are smaller than a thousandth of a millimetre they can float freely in the air and have the ability to enter the body where they can affect vital functions but also by scientists based in Germany and Hungary the authors have focused on how some of the most common nanoplastics interact with tetracycline which is a common broad-spectrum antibiotic It turned out that there was significant accumulation of the antibiotics on the surfaces of the nanoplastic particles You could say that the nanoplastics absorb antibiotics.  The nanoplastics in question come from common types of plastics such as polyethylene They are commonly found in packaging and textiles Indoor air contains about five times as much nanoplastics as outdoor air partly due to particles released from textiles One risk that the researchers point out is that the binding to nanoplastics can lead to the antibiotics "hitchhiking" with the nanoplastic in the bloodstream and being transported to other places in the body than they are intended for This can both reduce the targeted effect of the antibiotics and risk enabling the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria When antibiotics accumulate in unintended areas sub-lethal doses can spur bacterial mutations selecting for antibiotic-resistant strains The researchers used advanced computer models to analyze how the nanoplastics bind to tetracycline It turned out that the bond was particularly strong to nylon –  one of the substances that is most abundant in nanoplastics in indoor air "Although more research is needed to shed light on the connections and possible measures we can conclude from our results that nanoplastics are a health risk that should be taken more seriously," says Lukas Kenner which is published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports has been led by Lukas Kenner at Umeå University Barbara Kirchner at the University of Bonn in Germany and Oldamur Hollóczki at the University of Debrecen The sub-study on the binding of nanoplastics to antibiotics has been led by Nikola Zlatkov Kolev at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University Lukas Kenner has recently taken up the position of visiting professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and continues his research on nanoplastics and health effects The Department is affiliated to both the Faculty of Science and Technology and to the Faculty of Medicine This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Polona Smrekar from the University of Ljubljana did an exchange semester at Umeå University in Autumn 2024 I have always wanted to experience a “real winter” and see the Aurora Borealis I wasn’t sure if I would ever move to the north on my own in the future so this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity There are so many things I like about studying in Umeå I’m especially happy that there’s so much nature all around I’ve come to enjoy watching the sunset every day There are lots of cool events in Umeå especially those organized by the Buddy Programme The school system here is very different from what I’m used to Studying one subject at a time helps me concentrate and understand the material better The grading system is less focused on numbers which takes the pressure off and motivates me to truly grasp the subject Adjusting to the shorter days during winter has been challenging but it has taught me to make the most of the daylight and to plan something in the evening so I don't have the feeling that the day is ending at 14h Creating little traditions with my friends like having a weekly Sunday dinner or watching the night sky together and catching the aurora situtated just a short walk from the main campus Lake Nydala is a very popular site for exchange students year round Polona was able to meet the Swedish "King of the Forest" during a Buddy Programme trip to the Moose Farm I like going to IKSU or hanging out with my friends we take advantage of daylight to hike or go ice-skating on Lake Nydala One of my favourite spots is Nydala Lake (Nydalasjön) making bonfires and waiting for the Aurora My second favourite spot is the bench in front of my dorm—it holds so many great memories such as having lunch with my roommates or having party debriefs I’ll miss spending time in the university cafés after class as well as enjoying movie nights on campus especially the friendships I’ve formed with people from different cultures The relaxed and balanced lifestyle in Umeå has been refreshing and I’ll truly miss the chance to slow down and live more thoughtfully You’ll create so many unforgettable memories here so don’t forget to take lots of pictures—even the unnecessary ones—and cherish every moment Name: Polona SmrekarHome University: University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business Slovenia 🇸🇮Major subject of study: Business InformaticsFavourite quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”Favourite custom in Sweden: FikaThree words to best summarize your time in Umeå: Adventurous Assistant Professor and lead author of the study "A key to antibiotic resistance might be the use of viruses to kill bacteria the systems that bacteria employ to defence themselves against viruses are unknown Understanding these systems opens up for research into how we can break down the defence so that serious infection disease can be treated in the future," says Ignacio Mir-Sanchis Assistant Professor at Umeå University and the study's lead author The Umeå researchers have studied the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus which is a common but potentially fatal bacterium in cases such as septic shock and pneumonia aureus has become multi-resistant to antibiotic treatment and thus poses a major danger to public health the bacteria themselves are vulnerable to infection by a type of virus called bacteriophages bacteria and phages have undergone an arms race in which phages infect bacteria which in turn develop mechanisms to resist the attacks Much of this defence is encoded in the part of the bacteria's genome that can easily be transferred between bacteria Such a transfer can mean that otherwise harmless bacteria can turn into lethal This is because the mobilome often carries genes that are responsible for the production of toxins The research group has been able to identify a specific set of genes in S aureus mobilome that confer immunity against infection with phages This finding was possible thanks to Umeå University's cryoelectron microscope These genes interfere with the ability of phages to spread and multiply This happens because a key protein expressed by one of the genes forms a structure around an important protein encoded by the phage's genome thereby blocking the phage's ability to copy its DNA and thus unable to infect more bacteria "The discovery of this mechanism could be a door opener to understand several aspects of bacterial pathogenesis we now understand better how resistant bacteria defend themselves against viruses because these set of genes also encode for toxins and antibiotic resistance genes it may therefore turn out that this is an important piece of the puzzle in the fight against antibiotic resistance," says Ignacio Mir-Sanchis The study is published in the scientific journal Nature Communications Phage parasites targeting phage homologous recombinases provide antiviral immunityGianluca Debiasi-Anders Ignacio Mir-Sanchishttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57156-3 Scientists at the department study the structure and function of genes and proteins Our group studies antimicrobial resistance - phage therapy “Umeå University works to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all and against all forms of discrimination The Student Health Service at Umeå University is also an LGBTQI-certified organisation according to the guidelines of the Swedish Federation for Lesbian the University wants to make an extra effort to show it,” says Lars Nordlander As the organisers need to know how many people will be participating in the parade, we ask that you register in advance using the relevant form: here (for employees) or here (for students) You must register by 27 September at the latest 11:30 Meet in Döbeln Park (exact location to be announced) 13:00 (approximately) Return to Döbeln Park The opening speaker will be County Governor Helene Hellmark Knutsson and several exhibitors will be held on site Umeå University will have a number of rainbow flags for participants to borrow as well as a banner reading ‘UMU för allas lika värde’ (UMU stands for equal rights for all) This is expected to be a record-breaking year for the Umeå parade Take the opportunity to join in and stand up for equal rights for all and participate in a fun and exciting event at the same time shows the new FIB-SEM instrument "Aquilos 2" The microscope can image biological samples at nanoscales whilst the sample is kept at freezin -180 degrees Celsius but in the labs at Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM)   “Having cells frozen to very low temperatures preserve the biological structures within them and allows us to study the functions of these proteins” who will be the manager of the new instrument   Before the microscope is put to use This is done in a rapid cooling process preventing ice crystals from forming in the sample which would otherwise cause damage to the sensitive biological structures. “However the sample is at this stage too thick to be directly imaged by an electron microscope," says Erin Schexnaydre “which is why we need the combination of both the focused ion beam and the electron microscope.”  By using a beam of charged particles – ions Aquilos 2 can create thin layers of frozen samples – called cryo-lamella Cryo-lamella can be as thin as 200 nanometers which is 500 times thinner than human hair and much thinner than the average size of a human cell This technique opens the cell for detailed studies of its inner structures in 3D and is ideal for obtaining detailed images of the interior of cells Although purchase was finalised already at the end of last year it has been a long wait for the new microscope to be up and running Following some necessary room reconfigurations the instrument is now in use and was celebrated with a cheerful inauguration at UCEM and a contest of the best electron microscope image.  Cheerful mood at UCEM as the new FIB-SEM microscope "Aquilos 2" was inaugurated in November It was celebrated with drinks and a competition of the best electron microscopy image “Aquilos 2 is designed to use the ion-beam overnight which increases the throughput of cryo-lamella production and thus the collection of data,” says Erin Schexnaydre Obtaining more data quicker allows the researchers to explore complex biological structures more efficiently opening doors to new scientific discoveries. Who has access to the new microscope who have projects requiring this microscope can be trained by the UCEM staff to use the new instrument,” says Erin Schexnaydre who hopes it will come in good use for many exciting research projects A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a type of electron microscope that produces images of a sample by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons The electrons interact with atoms in the sample producing various signals that contain information about the structure of the surface and composition of the sample.  UCEM is a joint resource for research and higher education in electron microscopy techniques honoured to be re-elected as chairman for another two-year term The work we do in SUHF is important for the entire sector as we safeguard the interests of universities and colleges externally and work internally on a number of issues that affect all members‘ higher education institutions," says Hans Adolfsson all centres of education also agreed to develop joint priorities for the development of e-infrastructure for education and research This is to better take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation Something that affects Umeå University in that the unit for IT support and system development at Umeå University (ITS) manages and develops some of the most important IT systems for education.  it was also decided to work to create a clearer national division of roles where responsibility for e-infrastructure for education is gathered at the Swedish Council for Higher Education and responsibility for e-infrastructure for research is gathered at the Swedish Research Council.  Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University Another subject that also has a bearing on Umeå University is SUHF's recommendation to decide on common principles for suspension time for misleading behaviour in connection with examinations This is an investigation that has been led by Katrine Riklund as chair of the working group for disciplinary matters (Arbetsgruppen för disciplinärenden) at SUHF.  SUHF's recommendation is that universities and colleges in Sweden should use six weeks as the standard period for suspending a student from the institution's activities in connection with an attempt to mislead during an examination the suspension period varies between different higher education institutions The practice at Umeå University is in line with the new national recommendation.   2025 FIA World Rally Championship / Round 02 / Rally Sweden 2025 / 13th-16th February 2025 // Worldwide Copyright: Toyota GAZOO Racing WRT Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin took the 5.16km Umeå Sprint stage win by half a second from their Toyota Gazoo Racing teammates Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja led the Hyundai charge with Adrien Fourmaux and Alex Coria 0.7 seconds back in fourth place Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe set the fifth fastest time followed by Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston and Sami Pajari/Marko Salminen Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy in only their second Rally1 start lead the four-car strong Puma attack with the eighth fastest time three seconds quicker than Grégoire Munster/Louis Louka while Martins Sesks/Renars Francis rounded out the top ten Oliver Solberg – chasing a hat trick of Rally2 wins – and co-driver Elliot Edmondson beat fellow Swedes Pontus Tidemand/Jorgen Eriksen by 1.4 seconds to lay down an early marker and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Click here for full Drivers’ Standings became aware of one of the absolutely critical global questions for the future – Artificial Intelligence (AI) – as far back as the 1980s was to develop an AI system to support the planning of subsidized housing in Lisbon and even then I realized that AI does not come risk-free An incident where the system wrongly suggested that a house be allocated to a family even though it was already occupied made me realize the importance of reliable data The best AI system is only as good as the data it uses,” she says Since then she has accumulated long experience of developing expert systems which led to a PhD in AI at Utrecht University in 2004 She thinks the most fascinating aspect of AI is its potential to fundamentally reshape society “AI can improve decision-making processes and help us to manage complex tasks Some of the advantages are improved efficiency rapid analysis of large data quantities and improvements in areas such as health care transport and sustainable development,” she says But Dignum also warns about the downsides of AI The technology brings with it ethical issues such as personal privacy a risk of jobs disappearing or that AI is used in a harmful way in the absence of the right regulation “The challenge lies in developing AI systems that are reliable transparent and in line with human values so we can reduce these risks.” As a Wallenberg Scholar, Dignum heads Umeå University’s new AI Policy Lab whose task is to examine how policies can manage AI’s impact on society She and her team are developing methods and tools for responsible use of AI and endeavoring to ensure that decision makers are held accountable for their decisions and the systems they develop and operate which has been partly funded by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is both a research center and a resource for decision makers and the public seminars and education programs to raise awareness of the potential and risks of AI “We want to create a dialogue on ethically sustainable AI and give decision makers tools to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape Our aim is to be a platform where researchers from different disciplines can meet to discuss and resolve the complex issues involved in AI,” explains Dignum “The AI Policy Lab will be a key player in the global debate on AI its goal being creating a society in which AI technology is used in a way that respects human values and rights,” says Dignum My commitment is rooted in a firm conviction that AI should benefit humanity AI should be used to strengthen human abilities and improve life quality – always with respect for human rights and ethical principles Dignum has found her way to Umeå via a number of countries and continents “I’ve lived much of my life in the Netherlands – more than 30 years and I still spend part of my time there,” she says On her latest visit she also received the Gold Medal of Merit from her home city for her work on AI governance and the important contribution she has made to the development of responsible AI Dignum has established herself as a leading voice for responsible AI development Her participation on international panels under the auspices of the EU UNESCO and the UN underlines her status as one of the foremost experts in the world on AI ethics and governance She sees her work at the UN’s expert body as part of a larger mission to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in the best interests of humankind “Creating global guidelines and policies for AI is a huge challenge but essential if we are to ensure the technology is not used in a way harmful to society My commitment is rooted in a firm conviction that AI should benefit humanity,” she says but she now finds it difficult to put in the necessary hours of training “I always pack my running shoes when I travel Going for a run between meetings is a good way to see a city and also helps to counter the effects of jet lag,” she says she relaxes by knitting – she is particularly fond of knitting socks during long flights “Knitting helps me to wind down on long flights and gives me a break from the hectic pace of my life,” she says Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has since its establishment in 1917 awarded over SEK 39 billion in grants In 2024 the yearly grants to excellent basic research and education in Sweden was in total almost SEK 2.4 billion [email protected] Guest professor at the Department of Molecular Biology ImageMedizinische Universität Wien "Our results show that by activating the signaling pathway not only does the growth of the tumour be slowed down but the immune system is then stimulated to actively fight tumour cells," says Lukas Kenner visiting professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University The protein in question is called glycoprotein 130 It acts as a receptor on the surface of cells it sends signals inside the cell via a chain of events that controls how certain genes are expressed A special molecule that is activated by this signaling pathway is called STAT3 It is a so-called transcription factor; It acts as a switch that turns genes on or off The STAT3 molecule plays a critical role in the development and spread of tumor cells research has hypothesized that blocking GP130 thereby disrupting the associated signaling pathway the current study shows the exact opposite The researchers instead activated GP130 and with it the signaling pathway in the prostate of genetically modified mice They could then see that the result was that the growth of the tumour was clearly slowed down in the mice due to the activation of Stat3 Studies of tissue samples from prostate cancer patients also supported these results There it was possible to see that those high levels of GP130 positively correlated with better survival this opens up the possibility for a promising new treatment option for mainly certain forms of aggressive prostate cancer that are currently difficult to treat," says Lukas Kenner The researchers are now proceeding with more studies to be able to confirm the results More research is needed before we can test the method in studies on patients visiting professor at Umeå University The Swedish part of the research group has also been led by Jenny Persson professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University The study is published in the scientific journal Molecular Cancer Canada’s new AFP prioritises sustainable development and strengthened international cooperation to address the impacts of climate change Given Umeå University’s strong profile in Arctic research and its active role in global Arctic networks such as the European Polar Board (EPB) and the University of the Arctic (UArctic) the institution was a natural choice for the Ambassador’s visit “Canada’s new Arctic Foreign Policy aligns closely with challenges across the Arctic International collaboration is essential to tackling shared priorities from climate resilience and security to sustainable community development,” says Keith Larson Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University The event brought together a diverse group of researchers and policymakers Advisor on Arctic issues at Umeå University who has been based at the university since January The Ambassador’s visit highlights the importance of international partnerships Ambassador LaTorre’s presentation emphasised the potential for deepened cooperation between Canada and Sweden in Arctic research Discussions also addressed the shared responsibilities of Arctic nations in tackling urgent issues such as climate change and the sustainable development of Arctic communities “The Ambassador’s visit highlights the importance of international partnerships His presentation opens up new opportunities for collaboration between Umeå University and Canadian institutions allowing us to advance research and develop solutions to the challenges facing the Arctic,” says Peter Sköld The visit reaffirmed Umeå University’s position as a key player in Arctic research and policy discussions Umeå remains committed to fostering international dialogue and strengthening partnerships that contribute to sustainable development in the Arctic region With the challenges in the Arctic requiring urgent attention events like these serve as catalysts for meaningful cooperation As Canada and Sweden continue to champion sustainability and Indigenous engagement in the Arctic their collaboration is set to play a vital role in shaping the region’s future Hung-Ting Chien is from Taiwan where temperatures rarely fall below 20 degrees During his undergraduate studies at National Taiwan University he decided to study abroad for an exchange semester at Umeå University in spring 2021 despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic "It was a 100% shock when I arrived in Umeå," says Hung-Ting and the snow here even piled up higher than me The coldest day I ever experienced in Taiwan was probably 10 degrees so my clothes weren’t exactly designed for the climate in northern Sweden and when I put it near the window it froze in 5 minutes.” Hung Ting's major subject area was biochemical science but one course that he particularly enjoyed at Umeå University was the Swedish beginner’s course for international students “The teacher was so enthusiastic and encouraging and also introduced us to Swedish culture and classic children’s songs,” says Hung-Ting My exchange in Umeå was actually a life-changing journey Since there were no traditional lectures on campus the IKSU Sport fitness centre - one of the largest in Scandinavia - became the natural meeting place for students to socialize and Hung-Ting was often there on their legendary sand-filled indoor beach volleyball courts. "Umeå felt like a whole new world to me," said Hung-Ting with happy reflection I appreciate that I was brave enough to come here because I have grown so much as a person and learned about the true meaning of friendship I met my best friends here at Umeå University My exchange in Umeå was actually a life-changing journey for me."  After graduating from National Taiwan University with a bachelor's degree in  biochemical science and technology Hung-Ting was determined to return to Europe and was admitted to a master’s degree programme in molecular medicine and innovative treatment at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands he had opportunity to do an overseas internship as part of his programme and received an Erasmus Mobility Scholarship to attend Umeå University once again making him an exchange student for the second time For me the most important thing was about the connections you make rather than the destination alone "I was thrilled because I had many beautiful memories here in Umeå  For me the most important thing was about the connections and memories you make rather than the destination alone," says Hung-Ting with a smile Witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is typically on every exchange student's bucket list Photo of Hung-Ting's residence in the Ålidhem neighbourhood Beach volleyball is a popular sport year round in Umeå and among Hung-Ting's favourite activities Hung-Ting and friends having a sunset campire at Lake Nydala in Umeå Dog sledding in the snow-filled Swedish forests is a popular excursion during the wintertime Hung-Ting sitting in front of the nine metre high wooden clothes peg scultpure by the Umeå Arts Campus Umeå University takes great care of its international and exchange students Some wonderful examples include the buddy programme and the super friendly staff at the international office and Infocenter the best time of my life was the exchange at Umeå University so my sole advice is to simply come. There are so many places and events where you can meet people who likely become lifelong friends It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are; you will create wonderful memories—beautiful nature I hope to stay in Sweden and working in the biotech industry Or perhaps running my own business if I can (Och såklart prata svenska flytande.) the best time of my life was during my exchange at Umeå University Name: Hung-Ting ChienHome city and country: Taoyuan Taiwan Education: • BSc in Biochemical Science and Technology Taiwan• MSc in Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment Netherlands• Exchange student at Umeå University in Spring 2021 and Spring 2024Hobbies and interests: Volleyball and ReadingDescribe yourself in 3 words: Adventurous Conifers have special strategies to survive the harsh winters in the north ​The photosynthetic process of most green plants is highly conserved; it functions overall the same in green algae there are differences and scientists are gradually understanding more about both the differences and commonalities Conifers have extraordinary winter survival strategies some of them were not understood until recently Scientists from Umeå University have summarized recent breakthroughs in an article published in Trends in Plant Science both of which this group of researchers have contributed to is that conifers change the structure of their thylakoid membranes – where photosynthesis takes place – making Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII) come in winter closer to each other and work together in a special way named spill-over “This helps them to safely dissipate extra energy and avoid damage from too much sunlight in the cold,” says Stefan Jansson Professor at Umeå Plant Science Centre at Umeå University named the process ‘Sustained Quenching’ as it could put photosynthesis into a lock down mode for days The findings could be used for breeding conifers that are resilient to extreme weather conditions is that conifers use special routes for moving the electrons in photosynthesis involve flavodiiron proteins and help keep the photosynthesis process balanced This also prevents the system from becoming overloaded when there's too much light and freezing temperatures the photosynthetic apparatus of conifers differs from that of flowering plants (angiosperms) in a few other ways some so-called light-harvesting proteins found in other plants “All together this can explain why conifers are the dominant species in boreal forests perhaps at the expense of advantages during less challenging conditions; few conifers nutrients and temperature conditions are all favourable” says Pushan Bag lead author who during his doctoral studies at Umeå Plant Science Centre studied these phenomena Understanding these mechanisms may also aid conservation and help predict forest responses to climate change and may in the longer perspective inform strategies for breeding crops that are resilient to extreme weather conditions ”This paper highlights the intricate adaptations of conifers to extreme winter conditions it advances our understanding of how these trees have come to dominate some of the harshest ecosystems on Earth.” titled "Photosynthetic Advantages of Conifers in the Boreal Forest," is a collaboration among leading institutions in the UK Sweden and Bulgaria supported by the EU research programme Horizon 2020 and the Human Frontiers Science Program and other funders The article was published in Trends in Plant Science in December 2024 Read the full article Dr. Pushan Bag, University of OxfordEmail: pushan.bag@biology.ox.ac.uk Stefan Jansson, professor at the Department of Plant Physiology and Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå UniversityPhone: +46 70 677 23 31Email: stefan.jansson@umu.se Conifer needles consume oxygen in early spring by using an ancient mechanism Read more about the Umeå Plant Science Centre and the research that is conducted there Extensive study examines damage to Swedish trees and how the forest industry can become more profitable Michael Baumgärtner lives in Grenoble in France where he often takes part of the outdoor life Michael is originally from Hamburg in Germany When it was time to study at the university including wanting to study in Europa and that the university needed to have a good education system it came down to two options: Finland or Sweden I had a half Swedish friend that I went to school with Michael was interested in studying a programme in chemistry but he also wanted to study something more he found the right education: The Bachelor's Programme in Life Science – It seemed good because it was both chemistry and molecular biology Something Michael appreciated with the programme was the many practical moments He recounts how they sometimes could spend a week or two in the laboratory Michael didn’t speak Swedish and knew very little about Sweden before he moved to Umeå and it didn’t take long before he felt integrated in the town and the country I had a lot of contact with international students They were a little bit easier to connect with I had acquired more basic knowledge in Swedish speaking Swedish every day and made many Swedish friends Michael was offered a job as a lab assistant for his former supervisor he worked at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science where he worked with organizing bacterial colonies One of the projects he worked with was an astrobiological project – We had many bacterial samples that were sent to the international space station and back again We verified what happened with the bacterial DNA and if any of them survived the trip Michael found his work to be very exciting He had a large freedom in how he organized his work during the days he sees a large similarity between his work and his education – We worked a lot with different projects We were given a lab work that we would perform and we were given time to read articles about the subject Then we performed the work and wrote a report many of Michael’s friends had moved from Umeå and Michael felt that it was time for him to do the same he looked at cities around Europe where he could continue his studies in the natural science field his choice ended up being Grenoble in France Michael studied a master’s programme in neuroscience Having studied in two different countries as given him a broader perspective and a new view of the Bachelor’s programme in Life Science – Now that I’ve studied in a different country I’ve realized that it’s well organized in Umeå there is a lot of focus on students organizing their own study time the teachers mostly check that the students have learned the right things You have less lectures and more interaction with the teachers Michael has just graduated and at the moment he is looking for work as a research engineer but he hasn’t completely separated himself from Umeå yet and he also takes the chance to visit the town where he studied – I still have a strong bond to Sweden and Umeå even now when I’ve moved away Read more about the Bachelor's programme in Life Science Age: 28 years old.Originally from: Hamburg France.Education: The Bachelor’s Programme in Life Science playing boardgames.Umeå in 3 words: Science organised.What I’ll be doing in 10 years: Still living in Grenoble working as a research engineer or has started a PhD Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology is collaborating with AstraZeneca to pave the way for antiviral treatments It has been incredibly exciting and rewarding to combine our expertise in academic research with that of a large pharmaceutical company Head of Unit at the Chemical Biological Consortium Sweden The collaboration between AstraZeneca's Open Innovation initiative and CBCS pawed the way for Mikael Elofssons collaboration with AstraZeneca The collaboration has led to several scientific breakthroughs the researchers have identified a protein family important for how adenovirus – which can caus fever and diarrhea – infects cells.– We have had a close and very productive collaboration throughout the project period It has been incredibly exciting and rewarding to combine our expertise in academic research with that of a large pharmaceutical company.The results of the collaboration were presented at the 8th European Congress of Virology in 2023 and a scientific article summarising the research has now been submitted for publication.– We are also investigating whether more relevant protein families can be identified for further research together with AstraZeneca There are great possibilities to accomplish things together that you cannot do alone Combining academic and industrial research has proven successful Mikael Elofsson highlights the synergies that arise when different areas of expertise meet: – Our academic research questions and the results we have built up over 20 years form the core of the project The collaboration with AstraZeneca enables us to take bold steps toward new goals.Although the collaboration has required some adjustment to industrial workflows and timelines he does not see this as a hindrance as it is a natural part of an ambitious interdisciplinary project. – We have faced challenges but they mainly relate to things like developing robust testing methods which is part of the everyday work in experimental research he explains.Elofsson has long been in favour of collaboration between academia and industry something that shaped his research career from the outset.– My postdoctoral research led to an approved cancer drug so I know that collaboration can lead to tangible results I truly encourage other researchers to seize the opportunity – there are great possibilities to accomplish things together that you cannot do alone Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), an infrastructure unit at SciLifeLab invited Björn Tyrberg and Hannah Semple from AstraZeneca OpenInnovation and Chemistry professor Mikael Elofsson to talk about innovation through collaboration "Collaboration with industry" is a new article series that highlights the collaborations between Umeå researchers and life science companies. This is the first article in the series, that's written by the News council in life science.  CBCS Umeå node enables screening and development of bioactive small molecules in all areas of life science The research group develops antiviral and antibacterial compounds