News

EducationResearchAbout the university

  • Week of science

    President’s blog 14 December, 2024 The Nobel Week is over, this extraordinary celebration of science and culture. Most of the laureates travelled home today and tomorrow is the last day of the Nobel Week Lights exhibition that has lit up Stockholm the whole week. It was probably no coincidence that the Government chose this week to present its research policy bill, on the theme of excellence, internationalisation and innovation. The proposal to amend the Higher Education Act to facilitate joint employment is very welcome. Increased basic funding for research is also welcome – but the increased exposure to competition, however commendable it may be in terms of promoting quality, also risks leading to a certain ‘tackishness’ and lack of a long-term approach. New indicators are to be introduced – this is interesting but needs to be monitored over time to evaluate effectiveness. It is good that new funds for strategic research areas are being provided – while the old ones, which have already been evaluated and according to the original proposal would then have been provided to the HEIs as permanent funds, will now instead be re-evaluated. In addition, there is a completely new programme with new research funding for groundbreaking research, with unrestricted research funding for centres of excellence – it remains to be seen how this will turn out. Likewise, it is written in the stars what the call for mergers may bring. The fact that academic freedom is emphasised throughout the bill is entirely positive, as is the fact that the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions’ proposals on the need for a new form of association for the sector have been heeded. Responsible internationalisation is another basic principle that is highlighted, but without specific, concrete proposals. Incentives for participation in the EU’s framework programme already exist, in that funds from this constitute a new indicator, but it is of course welcome that resources are also being provided to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish higher education institutions, particularly within ERC and MSCA. Most welcome from the perspective of the HEIs, however, are the substantial investments in research infrastructure, to mention just a few of the initiatives that we have argued for such a long time: MAX IV, SciLifeLab, biobanks, national research infrastructure, the Arctic/Oden, and investments in digital infrastructure, including NAISS and EuroHPC, but also Nordita, for which Stockholm University, with the support of several other universities, has requested funding. It is very gratifying that the Government has chosen to listen to the unanimous voices of industry, research funders and higher education institutions that have identified the need for strong new investments in this area, even if the investments in MAX IV and national research infrastructure are probably rather scanty. In addition, there is also a career support initiative at the Swedish Research Council (VR) and a strengthening of innovation support. Finally, VR’s scientific council for natural and engineering sciences is now also being split into two, one for natural sciences and one for technology. It will be necessary to thoroughly analyse several of the changes now being proposed, what they may mean for the university and the best way for SU to act if they become reality through a parliamentary decision. Regardless of such more tactical considerations, however, it must be said that the bill overall shows that the Swedish government takes research policy seriously. Astrid Söderbergh Widding President Read more from the President’s blog

  • Social Anthropologists call for more complexity in biodiversity debate

    Increasingly, animal and plant species are being moved, or migrating to new places as a result of climate change, trade and new infrastructure. While often referred to as ‘invasive’, the researchers behind the BIOrdinary project prefer to speak of migratory species. They want to shift the debate to focus on local contexts and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of biodiversity.

  • Lantis closes for remodelling

    From 18 December Lantis Restaurant will be closed due to moving and remodelling. Lantis Restaurant is moving to new premises in Allhuset and will therefore be closed during the construction period. Lantis will reopen on 1 September 2025. Find alternative places to have lunch on Campus Frescati (su.se/english)

  • Graduated masters celebrated in Aula Magna

    Fantastic, solemn and great. This is how some of the participants described the celebrations in Aula Magna, where the students who graduated in the autumn semester received their diplomas.

  • Old aerial photos provide a new outlook on 20th century history

    Aerial photos from 60 countries across the developing world are now becoming a gold mine for researchers in various fields. This is thanks to a research project in which a large and previously inaccessible archive is digitised and made freely available.

  • Well-attended career seminar on strategic academic publishing

    At a packed and highly appreciated career seminar organized by the Forum for Doctoral Students, Professor Linus Salö shared invaluable insights into achieving success in academic publishing. Audience design and portfolio thinking The seminar, titled ”Strategizing academic publishing”, provided doctoral students with perspectives and practical advice for navigating the complex publication process. Professor Linus Salö, research leader and director of studies at the Centre for Research on Bilingualism, underscored the importance of audience design and portfolio thinking. This is why having a well-thought-out publication strategy is essential.  One of the participants, Andrés Hurtado, took from Salö’s presentation the possibility of conceiving oneself as an author, and to adopt a strategy to communicate ideas to different publics. Strategies for publishing Linus Salö divides his publication strategies into two categories: big and small strategies. The big strategies involve producing knowledge that has significance and reaching the right audience. The small strategies are more concrete and cover aspects such as understanding and navigating journal processes, including peer review. "The foundation of my strategy has been the realization that science has many stakeholders – the public, policymakers, students, and research colleagues. It matters to whom you communicate and to reach out, you need to think in terms of audience design. Therefore, research needs to be communicated in different ways, in various genres, and in multiple languages," explained Salö. Increase your chances Salö encouraged doctoral students to view each idea as an opportunity for multiple publications, tailoring each piece to fit the intended journal. He highlighted the importance of choosing the right journal and carefully adapting manuscripts to align with its requirements.   “Not everything we produce is equally good or equally interesting. Save your best work for the most reputable journals,” advised Salö. “And remember, never submit a manuscript to more than one journal at a time.”   He also encourages doctoral students to try reviewing manuscripts themselves to better understand the process from the reviewers’ perspective. Professor Salö further highlighted the importance of collaboration and co-authorship. Collaborations can be both temporary and long-term, creating opportunities for new networks and increased publishing activity. “Strive for balance. Keep a mix of single-authored and co-authors publications. Make sure to have transparency and frankness to avoid conflicts, especially regarding author order.” The seminar concluded with enthusiastic applause, as participants left inspired and better equipped to publishing their own texts. Some of them are now going to apply to the Forum for doctoral studies mentorship program. How to succeed with your publication – A step-by-step guide Here is a guide for those who want to publish strategically and successfully, based on advice from Professor Linus Salö. Good luck! Step 1: Clarify your ideas Much is gained if, early on, you can give concreteness and direction to your ideas. What do you want to achieve with your publication? What is its main purpose or argument? Once you have a reasonable idea of what you wish to convey and accomplish, the foundation is laid. Put it in writing – at the beginning, it doesn’t matter how. Step 2: Identify your audience Consider who you want to reach with your publication – well-informed colleagues, researchers in other fields, students, policymakers, practitioners, or the general public. This will help you choose the right forum and adjust the tone and language of your text. Step 3: Choose the right journal Journal articles are often a good format for scholarly exchanges. If so, take time to choose the right journal. Where are the discussions you want to contribute to taking place? Where have the works you cite been published? Review previous issues to understand the focus, format, and typical timeline. Save your best manuscripts for the most reputable journals. Step 4: If you experience writer’s block If you get stuck in your writing, leave the text for a while. Move the thought forward in other ways. Build a PowerPoint or visualize your points in other ways. Return to the benchmarks you initially set for your text. Step 5: Write and structure your manuscript When writing your manuscript, study how others structure their texts in the same journal and learn from experienced colleagues. Practice and aim at your level. Skill comes with time. Step 6: Work towards a review-ready version Use your network of colleagues and supervisors to gather constructive feedback on your manuscript. Take the comments seriously – if several people find the prose too unclear, it likely is. The goal is to submit a version that is “review ready”  – neither premature nor overworked. Step 7: Submit a prepared manuscript Prepare the manuscript carefully according to the journal’s guidelines. Then submit it according to the journal's instructions, and only to one journal at a time. A well-prepared manuscript gives a professional impression and increases the chances of progressing in the process. Step 8: Handle feedback and revise thoroughly When feedback comes back from reviewers and editors, it is essential to take the comments seriously and revise the manuscript accordingly. Show the editor that you have considered the feedback. Respond clearly to each comment in a revision summary. The adjustments should demonstrate that you value the time and effort they have invested. Step 9: If necessary – adapt for a new journal If your manuscript is rejected, don’t feel disheartened. Scholars get rejected. Evaluate the situation, ideally with the help of colleagues and supervisors. Consider how to adapt the manuscript to fit another journal. Revise and resubmit. Remember that the process can take time, and a rejection does not mean that the work lacks value.   Professor Linus Salö  Professor Linus Salö's webpage Forum for Doctoral Students The purpose of the project Forum for Doctoral Students is to provide additional guidance so that more PhD students finish on time and feel good a long the way. Forum for Doctoral Students Communicate your research  If you, as a researcher, need help with disseminating your work internally and externally, support is available on the staff website. Communicate your research Researchers’ Friday Researchers’ Friday is a national event where researchers demonstrate what science is, how research is conducted, and how fun, exciting, and relatable research can be. Researchers’ Friday

  • ERC grants 20 Million SEK for research on Increased Social Mobility

    What is behind the increased social mobility that defines today's economic systems in Europe in historical comparison? The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded Arash Nekoei, Associate Professor at Stockholm University, over 20 million SEK to answer this question.

  • Alpine World Cup in Åre partners with scientists to address climate change

    Winter sports are increasingly affected by climate and environmental crises. Researchers from Stockholm Resilience Centre therefore partners with the Alpine World Cup in Åre in March 2025. Athletes, researchers and representatives from business, politics and civil society will come together to address how we can sustain future white winters.

Cookie settings

By allowing third-party services, you accept their cookies and the use of tracking technologies necessary for them to function properly.