Research making a difference

Curiosity, the wish to know more, is at the heart of all research. What makes Linköping University special is the openness between different subjects and faculties. Our interdisciplinary approach has taken the search for knowledge one step further and created world class research environments and companies.

We realised early that traditional academic subjects did not suffice when it came to studying complex social problems. In 1980, LiU revolutionised research in Sweden by introducing interdisci-plinary thematic research at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. By working together, researchers from different disciplines could find new ways to tackle the issues.

A cross-subject, interdisciplinary perspective also characterises our graduate schools for PhD students. LiU was first in Sweden to introduce this model for excellence in scientific training.

The wide scope of interdisciplinarity does not lead to a lack of specialisation. Linköping University has several world-class research environments within e.g. materials science, bioelectronics and the interdisciplinary research of migration, ethnicity and society.

The LiU way of working is well suited to research within the environmental area. Our sustainability research is distinguished by a comprehensive view, where the researchers examine flows of material and energy and how surplus products can be handled.

Future Research Leaders—LiU postdoc research fellows—is a successful initiative where we annually recruit four to five young research associates amid intense international competition.

The applicability of research has always been a matter of course at LiU. This has made us one of the leading Swedish universities when it comes to commercialisation of innovations.

Research at LiU