The Swedish Research Council has recommended that the Government fund a new Strategic Research Area (SFO) in climate research, with Karolinska Institutet (KI) as one of the participating universities. The initiative, known as the Stockholm Centre for Climate Transition (ClimTrio), aims to develop knowledge on how the transition to a low-carbon society can be effective, equitable and sustainable in the long term.
The investment forms part of the Swedish Government's research and innovation bill and has a total budget framework of SEK 200 million for 2027 and SEK 400 million for 2028. In total, the Swedish Research Council proposes funding for 16 new SFOs.
ClimTrio brings together leading research in the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and medicine within the Stockholm Trio university alliance, comprising Stockholm University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Karolinska Institutet. Stockholm University is the coordinating institution for ClimTrio, and the project is led by Karin Bäckstrand, Professor of Environmental Social Science.
Climate and health
KI researcher Petter Ljungman , Docent at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) , is a co-applicant and leads the medical work package of the project. Through IMM and KI, ClimTrio gains access to internationally leading research on climate and health, including advanced exposure and health data, as well as expertise on how health‑care systems can become climate‑neutral and resilient.
"ClimTrio is a unique opportunity to further develop and strengthen interdisciplinary research aimed at paving the way for a transition towards climate-friendly societies," says Petter Ljungman. "It is extremely rewarding and highly relevant that KI is involved and collaborating within these research environments, which are closely linked to practical application and have a future-oriented vision in which human health plays a decisive role."
Research within ClimTrio is intended to support practical implementation by providing concrete decision-making evidence for policymakers, government agencies, municipalities and the business sector at national, EU and global levels. The research will also deliver improved tools for designing effective and equitable climate measures, identifying synergies between health, environmental protection and the economy, and managing potential goal conflicts.
The Swedish Research Council proposes that ClimTrio be awarded just over SEK 14.6 million next year and SEK 29.6 million in 2028. The final decision on funding will be taken by the Government.
