New research school strengthens Sweden's polar research
The University of Gothenburg has been awarded SEK 40 million by the Swedish Research Council for a new research school in polar research. The initiative is a government mandate to ensure the growth of excellent researchers in the field.
“This demonstrates University of Gothenburg's strong polar research profile. It is very exciting to have the opportunity to create a cross-border and internationally viable research program with a polar focus together with colleagues from other universities in Sweden,” says Hans Linderholm, Professor of Physical Geography and project manager for the research school.
The School of Excellence in Arctic and Antarctic Learning - SEAL - brings together five universities in Sweden: the University of Gothenburg, Uppsala University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, and Mid Sweden University. Together, these institutions contribute a broad spectrum of polar expertise – from glaciology, oceanography, and climate modeling to remote sensing, technology development, social sciences, and indigenous perspectives.
“Through collaboration, we offer a doctoral program with unique infrastructure and international networks that strengthen and advance polar research in Sweden,” says Hans Linderholm.
A research school that crosses subject boundaries
The research school integrates natural sciences, technology, law, and humanities, focusing on the interconnected processes that shape the polar regions.
“The impact of climate change on the polar regions and its effects is an extremely important and multifaceted issue that requires more than just natural science expertise. Today, we must work across traditional subject boundaries to advance research. SEAL will play an important role in this,” says Hans Linderholm..
“We will equip SEAL doctoral students to deal with the ethical, geopolitical, and societal challenges involved in polar research. This will strengthen polar research, not only in Sweden,” says Veijo Pohjola, Professor of Physical Geography at Uppsala University and one of the participants in the project.
The SEAL research school will start in 2026 and the initiative will run for four years. A core group of 15 students from the host universities will follow the entire program. The courses will also be available to students from other universities in Sweden and abroad, in some cases subject to availability. Admission to SEAL will take place in early 2026.
Facts about the research school
The SEAL research school is funded by the Swedish Research Council, call for proposals “Research schools in polar research 2025” (Natural Sciences and Engineering Sciences).
Title of the project: A national research School of Excellence in Arctic and Antarctic Learning (SEAL)
Project manager
Hans Linderholm, Professsor, University of Gothenburg
Participating researchers:
- Leif Eriksson, Professor, Chalmers University of Technology
- Katrin Lindbäck, Doctor, Mid Sweden University
- Kati Lindström, Senior Lecturer, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Veijo Pohjola, Professor, Uppsala University
- Nils Wallenberg, Doctor, University of Gothenburg
- Anna Wåhlin, Professor, University of Gothenburg
Polarregionen omfattar jordens nordligaste (Arktis) och sydligaste (Antarktis) områden. Polarregionerna spelar en avgörande roll i jordens system genom sammanlänkade processer i haven, på land och i atmosfären. Polarområdena hyser unika och känsliga ekosystem och är samtidigt viktiga för globala transportvägar och naturresurser.
De gigantiska istäckena i Antarktis och på Grönland är tillräckligt stora för att påverka den globala havsnivån och innehåller över 90 % av jordens färskvatten. Dessa regioner är bland de som har påverkats mest av ett förändrat klimat och mänsklig påverkan.