Dean B. Carson is a researcher at Umeå University , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health , and the Arctic Research Centre . His work focuses on rural health systems, social care workforce challenges, sustainable rural development, and community-based approaches to healthcare and food security. Rural Health : Explores capacity-building in rural health research and medical education reform. Public Health : Analyzes service delivery models and co-creation frameworks for elderly care. Geography : Investigates spatial dynamics in northern peripheries, including food production networks and micro-urbanization. Recent publications (2024-2025) examine topics such as rural health research capacity frameworks , hospital-to-home transfer systems , and non-commercial food distribution networks . His studies often integrate theoretical models like Rural Nursing Theory and Beyond Periphery while emphasizing stakeholder engagement and policy translation. Grants and Collaborations : Funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas, American National Science Foundation (NSF), and Riksbankens Jubileumsfond. Collaborates with Arctic-FROST networks and Lifestyle Migration Hub researchers.
Fariya Sharmeen is an Associate Professor of Mobility and Urban Planning at KTH Royal Institute of Technology's School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE), affiliated with the Digital Futures Faculty. She holds a PhD from Eindhoven University of Technology and has previously served as Assistant Professor at Radboud University, Lecturer at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and research fellow at institutions including TU Delft and Imperial College London. Her research focuses on sustainable mobility transitions, social network dynamics in travel behavior, and policy responses to emerging transport technologies like MaaS and cycling innovations. Notable honors include the 2017 Piet Rietveld Award for transport research and a 2013 Royal Geographic Society award for transport geography. Sharmeen advises doctoral and master’s students on topics such as urban transformation and mobility governance. She coordinates courses like Sustainable Mobility (FAG3187) and leads projects like Bicification and ENCom. Her work integrates quantitative methods with policy analysis, addressing challenges in both global north and south contexts.
Markus Grillitsch is Professor in the Department of Human Geography at Lund University and Director of CIRCLE (Centre for Innovation, Research and Competence in the Learning Economy). His work spans EU member states, transition economies, and developing countries with focus on spatial transformation processes. His research interests include: Economic Geography and Innovation Studies Regional Development and Knowledge Institutions Place-Based Leadership and Institutional Entrepreneurship Network Analysis and Policy Implementation Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on energy justice transitions, innovation policy limitations, and multi-scale inequality analysis. His work connects theoretical frameworks with empirical studies of regional diversification and agency-structure dynamics. Key recurring themes include sustainable development pathways, capabilities approaches, and institutional transformation processes across diverse geographical contexts. Current research projects include: Multi-level learning journeys for green and just regional transformations (Vinnova-funded) Economic resilience through Swedish hidden champions study Circular value chains and policy dynamics research Klimatneutrala städer 2030 urban climate initiative Grillitsch's work actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through research on economic growth, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, and climate action. His fingerprint analysis shows strongest connections to Innovation (100%), Knowledge (93%), and Regional Development (66%) research domains.
Giuliano Di Baldassarre is a Professor of Hydrology and Environmental Analysis at the Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University , Sweden. He serves as Head of Division for LUVAL (Air, Water and Landscape Sciences) and directs the Centre of Natural Hazards and Disaster Science (CNDS) (2016–2025). His work bridges water, environment, and society through interdisciplinary methods , focusing on disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. Education : Details not explicitly provided in the text. His research examines feedbacks between human activities and hydrological processes , including floods, droughts, and reservoir management . Key themes include social-ecological systems , inequalities in water crises , and policy implications of hydrological extremes . He has pioneered sociohydrology and human-water system modeling . Recent articles highlight global drought-flood interactions , urban water inequality , climate service maladaptation , and sociohydrological modeling . His work spans Nature Sustainability , Science Advances , and Hydrological Sciences Journal . Scientific Awards : International Hydrology Prize (Volker Medal) Plinius Medal (EGU) Witherspoon Lecture Award (AGU) European Research Council Consolidator Grant He led Panta Rhei - Everything Flows (2013–2022), IAHS’s global initiative on water-society interactions. Current efforts include transdisciplinary praxis and climate risk reduction frameworks .
Mischa Billing is a Senior Lecturer at Örebro University specializing in Culinary Arts and Meal Science. She is actively involved in research on sensory experiences, wine studies, and food pairing. Her work spans across multiple disciplines including haptics, olfaction, and culinary traditions. Her research interests focus on the intersection of sensory perception and culinary practices. Billing explores how sound affects taste perception, develops haptic attribute models for food design, and investigates improved sensory experiences for the elderly. Her work in sommelier training and critical attribute techniques bridges traditional culinary knowledge with scientific approaches to sensory evaluation. Analysis of her publications reveals a strong focus on practical applications of sensory science in culinary contexts. Her work spans from theoretical explorations of wine tasting as embodied knowledge to practical guides for food and beverage pairing. The recurring themes include sensory integration, cultural contexts of food consumption, and innovative methods for enhancing meal experiences. Gastronomic Academy's Silver Medal Wine Profile of the Year Nose of the Year Honorary Truffle of the Year Billing has served as general secretary of the International Sommelier Association (ASI) and is a member of the Wine Academy in Sweden. She has extensive experience in evaluating diverse products including Swedish tap water and apple juice. Her media presence includes serving as a jury member on TV4's Sweden's Master Chef and delivering radio talks for Sveriges Radio. She leads several research initiatives including the Sense Lab, which focuses on future sensory experiences, and participates in research groups examining meals from social and cultural perspectives. Her projects like 'Rewine The World' demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches to reducing food waste through innovative culinary methods.
Anders Karlström is a Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, specializing in Transport Modelling and Economics. His research focuses on sustainable transportation systems, emissions reduction, and energy efficiency. Key interests include activity-based modelling, dynamic discrete choice frameworks, and policy analysis for urban mobility. He has contributed to studies on travel behavior, infrastructure planning, and environmental impacts of transport systems across multiple international cities. His work integrates advanced methodologies such as recursive logit models, spatial regression, and machine learning for predictive analytics. Notable research areas involve evaluating weather variability effects on travel patterns, optimizing traffic state estimation with sensor data, and developing scenario-based models for future employment growth. Karlström collaborates with industries to enhance the competitiveness of sustainable transport solutions globally.
Jessica Jewell is a Professor in Technology and Society at Chalmers University's Department of Space, Earth and Environment. She holds additional roles including Professor at the Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (University of Bergen), Guest Research Scholar at IIASA, and Senior Fellow at the Breakthrough Institute. Her research focuses on climate action feasibility, energy transitions, and the political economy of decarbonization. She leads projects funded by the European Research Council (ERC), Norwegian Research Council, and EU initiatives like CINTRAN. Key achievements include an ERC Starting Grant and membership in the Swedish Young Academy. Her work spans interdisciplinary approaches to quantify energy transition dynamics, assess coal phase-out strategies, and analyze carbon capture deployment. She serves on editorial boards for journals like Energy Research and Social Science and Oxford Open Energy . Jewell’s recent articles highlight themes like climate justice in energy transitions, feasibility of rapid decarbonization, and global coal reduction pathways. Her research bridges technical, socio-economic, and political dimensions to inform actionable climate policies.
Lars-Olof Johansson is a Senior Lecturer at Halmstad University's School of Information Technology, specializing in Informatics. His research focuses on digital service innovation from a learning perspective, emphasizing collaboration between diverse stakeholders and knowledge exchange in innovation processes. He is actively involved in the LeaDS research program (Learning in a Digitalized Society) and teaches in the bachelor's program 'Digital Business Development' and the master's program 'Digital Learning'. His work bridges educational methodologies and technological innovation, particularly in fostering environments where interdisciplinary learning drives successful digital service creation. Notably recognized as an 'Excellent Teacher in Informatics,' he integrates practical experience with academic rigor, contributing to both scholarly discourse and pedagogical advancements. Key projects include SESMA (2019-2021), exploring sustainable mobility solutions, and ongoing collaborations in boundary practices for ICT innovation. His publications span topics like knowledgeability in digital service innovation, ethics in autonomous systems, and collaborative learning frameworks. His awards highlight his pedagogical impact, while his research addresses systemic challenges in innovation through interdisciplinary approaches.
Magnus Linnarsson is a Professor of History at Stockholm University's Department of History, specializing in political history with a focus on early modern and modern Sweden. His research examines institutional change, public-private service organization, and the evolution of the welfare city. He leads undergraduate programs and supervises students at all levels. PhD in History (2010), Lund University Associate Professor (2017), Stockholm University His research spans four centuries of political conflicts over public services, state formation, and urban development. Key works include analyses of Sweden's postal, customs, and welfare systems, comparing hierarchical and contractual state organization models. Recent publications (2024) in Nordic Welfare Cities explore urban citizenship and inclusive welfare systems since 1850, challenging national narratives by emphasizing local governance. Earlier studies (2022–2018) dissected regime shifts, mercantile-state relations, and publicness concepts in tramway and telecom debates. Current projects include: Skiftande regimer (2021–2025): State formation and administrative reform (Vetenskapsrådet-funded) Olika vägar till välfärdsstaden (2021–2025): Nordic urban welfare debates (Riksbankens jubileumsfond-funded) He advocates for interdisciplinary analysis of political economy, institutional loyalty, and spatial dynamics, connecting historical debates to modern policy challenges.
Robert Pettersson serves as an Associate Professor and Researcher at Mid Sweden University, affiliated with the Department of Economics, Geography, Law and Tourism (EJT) and the European Tourism Research Institute (ETOUR) in Östersund. His academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to tourism studies, particularly in indigenous tourism, event management, and outdoor recreation. Pettersson's work bridges theoretical research with practical policy applications, focusing on sustainable development in northern contexts. His research centers on indigenous cultural tourism , where he has pioneered studies on Sami festivals and heritage in northern Sweden; event management , with expertise in hallmark events, social impact assessment, and evaluation frameworks; and outdoor recreation , examining environmental sustainability and social integration through sports and nature-based activities. Pettersson employs innovative spatial analysis techniques including GPS tracking to study tourist mobility and behavior, contributing methodological advancements to the field. His work consistently addresses the tension between cultural preservation and tourism development. Analysis of Pettersson's publication trajectory reveals an evolution from foundational research on Sami tourism (early 2000s) to contemporary studies on event portfolios, non-use value, and immigrant integration through outdoor activities. Recent work emphasizes holistic evaluation tools addressing social, environmental, and economic dimensions of events. This progression demonstrates his responsiveness to emerging challenges in sustainable tourism while maintaining focus on marginalized communities and northern regional development. No specific scientific awards are documented in the provided information. However, Pettersson's leadership in major research projects and extensive publication record in high-impact journals like Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events and Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism underscores his scholarly impact. His co-authored review on event evaluation (2015) remains a seminal reference in the field. Pettersson actively contributes to applied research through projects including Mistra Sport and Outdoors and Östersund CCI (Place development through cultural and creative industries). He has produced practical guides on event evaluation covering social effects (2024), environmental impacts (2023), and tourism economics (2023), translating academic insights into tools for event organizers and policymakers. His collaborative work with organizations like the Nordic Symposium in Hospitality and Tourism demonstrates commitment to knowledge exchange. As a core member of ETOUR, Pettersson participates in a multidisciplinary research environment focused on tourism's role in northern societies. The institute facilitates collaboration between tourism, geography, economics, and law scholars to address complex regional challenges including sustainable resource management and community well-being. Pettersson's ongoing projects continue to explore how events and outdoor activities can drive inclusive regional development.
Jonas Monié-Nordin is an Associate Professor at Stockholm University's Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies , specializing in Sámi archaeology , global historical archaeology , and critical cultural heritage studies . His research spans from the High Middle Ages to contemporary societal issues, with particular focus on resource colonialism in Sápmi and Scandinavia's role in early modern globalization. Academic Credentials: PhD in Archaeology (2005, Stockholm University), Docent in Historical Archaeology Ongoing Project: Shared Spaces – Separated Past? (Swedish Science Board funded) investigating Sámi history in Central Scandinavia His interdisciplinary methodology combines material culture analysis, landscape archaeology, and historical source criticism. Recent fieldwork includes excavations of Sámi settlements in Dalarna, Hälsingland, and Uppland. He co-edited Scandinavian Colonialism and the Rise of Modernity (Springer 2013) and authored The Scandinavian Early Modern World (Routledge 2020). Beyond academia, he serves on the Truth Commission for the Sámi People (KU2021.02) and contributes to public debates through media outlets like Dagens Nyheter and Svenska Dagbladet . His work demonstrates how archaeology bridges historical injustice and contemporary reconciliation processes.
Maricela De la Torre Castro is a Professor of Natural Resource Management at Stockholm University , affiliated with the Department of Physical Geography . Her research focuses on coastal and ocean governance through a social-ecological systems lens, emphasizing gender dynamics , seagrass conservation , and climate change adaptation in tropical coastal communities. BSc in Oceanology (Universidad Autonoma de Baja California) MSc, PhD, and Docent in Natural Resource Management (Stockholm University) Her work examines seagrass ecosystem services , small-scale fisheries governance , and gendered impacts of marine protected areas . Recent studies analyze: 2025: Habitat loss risks from seaweed cultivation 2024: Gender-poverty dynamics in Zanzibar MPAs 2022: Adaptive capacity differences between genders 2021: Blue Justice frameworks for fisheries governance Active projects include SEAgender (Swedish Research Council) analyzing gendered effects of MPAs . She supervises PhD candidates in tropical marine systems and has extensive experience with EU Erasmus programs and UNDP collaborations . Research emphasizes hybrid methods , cultural value mapping , and interdisciplinary monitoring of coastal initiatives.
Susann Baez Ullberg is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology at Uppsala University's Department of Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology. She holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from Stockholm University and is an affiliated researcher at the CNDS Centre of Natural Hazards and Disaster Science. Her work focuses on environmental and disaster anthropology, with a regional emphasis on Latin America, particularly Argentina and Peru. She currently leads the C-URGE project, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-funded initiative training climate anthropologists across Europe. Her research explores disaster memoryscapes, crisis temporality, and groundwater politics, combining ethnographic fieldwork with interdisciplinary collaborations. Notable projects include studying water infrastructure in Peru's Majes Siguas Project and analyzing recovery processes after wildfires in Sweden. She coordinates Uppsala University's Water Initiative and directs the undergraduate program in Cultural Anthropology. Awarded for her 2013 thesis on Santa Fe's flood management, she supervises three PhD students and contributes to policy-relevant research on climate resilience. Her publications span environmental governance, megaprojects, and the socio-political dimensions of disasters.
Linda Ryan Bengtsson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, Media and Communication at Karlstad University. She holds roles as a research advisor and collaborates with public/private entities, including Hagfors municipality, Visit Värmland, and Uddeholm. Her work focuses on geomedia studies, exploring the interplay between place, media practices, and digital culture within cultural industries and tourism. Education: She completed her doctoral dissertation on public art installations and interactive experience in 2012. Teaching includes undergraduate and advanced courses in visual culture, digital design, and design methodology. Research Interests: Her interdisciplinary research combines human geography, tourism studies, and business administration. Key projects include the 'Bruksort 2.0' ecosystem initiative (2024-2025) and the 'Music Ecosystems' EU project (2018-2021). She co-edits the book Geomedia Studies: Spaces and Mobilities in Mediatized Worlds (2017/2018). Collaborations: She serves on boards for the Baltic Sea Foundation and Visit Värmland, emphasizing strategic research environments and funding. Recent articles (2024) address geomedia futures in tourism, pandemic impacts on music industries, and virtual reality immersion. Awards: No specific prizes mentioned, though her work receives grants from Vinnova, EU, and regional agencies. Her research environment development focuses on co-creation with industry partners. Advising/Grants: As a research advisor, she strengthens funding opportunities and national/international collaborations. Projects like 'Experience Industry: Geomedia Technologies for Live Performance' highlight her focus on applied research. Labs/Teams: Central to the Geomedia Studies Research Group, she leads projects like 'Digital Place-Based Experiences' and 'Crisis Communication' initiatives in rural tourism sectors.
Ståle Holgersen is a part-time lecturer at the School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Örebro University , Sweden. His work focuses on the intersections of capitalism, class struggle, and environmental crises, particularly in urban contexts. Holgersen critiques neoliberal urban planning, housing policies, and climate governance, emphasizing the need for ecosocialist alternatives. Academic Rank: PartTime Lecturer Email: stale.holgersen@oru.se Research Interests include political ecology, far-right environmentalism, urban sustainability critiques, housing justice, and Marxist theory. His recent publications analyze Sweden's climate policy shifts, urban housing crises, and the rise of eco-fascism. The 15 most recent articles (2021–2025) span themes like far-right ecologies , urban capitalism , class-based housing struggles , and ecosocialist strategies . These works often employ dialectical and critical theoretical frameworks.
