Published: 16-10-2026 08:39 | Updated: 16-10-2026 09:01

A thousand upper secondary school students filled Aula Medica to learn about the environment and health

Record attendance was achieved when the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) hosted its third annual Young People’s Environment and Health Seminar. On 6 October, Aula Medica was filled with upper secondary school students eager to learn about current research, meet researchers, and discover educational and career opportunities in environmental medicine and public health.

Maria Kippler, IMM

The seminar is aimed at upper secondary school students enrolled in science and technology programmes. This year’s event quickly reached full capacity, and several school classes had to be placed on a waiting list.

“The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of current societal and environmental health challenges, showcase ongoing research, and inspire young people to pursue studies at KI,” says Maria Kippler, Associate Professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine.

During the afternoon, researchers from IMM, together with representatives from the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Swedish Poisons Information Centre, delivered short presentations on current environmental medicine issues of particular relevance to young people.

One particularly well-received element was when several researchers from IMM were able to introduce themselves and their research on stage.

Strong interest in research and education

The students appreciated the laboratory activities.

Afterwards, a networking event was held where the students could meet the researchers, ask questions and learn more about their work. Interest was high, and multiple queues quickly formed as students waited for the chance to ask questions and discuss with the researchers.

At the event, students also had the opportunity to meet representatives from KI’s study programmes, including the Master’s programmes in Toxicology and Nutrition Science, as well as representatives from KI’s student recruitment team.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden, the Swedish Food Agency, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Work Environment Authority, the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Swedish Poisons Information Centre were also present. IMM also hosted three hands-on laboratory stations, giving students an opportunity to experience the research more closely.

Anna Beronius and Mattias Öberg, today’s hosts.

At times, it was very crowded around the exhibitors’ tables as students took the opportunity to ask questions and discuss everything from research to future studies and career choices.

"For us as researchers, it is extremely rewarding and inspiring to meet these curious young people and hear their thoughts and questions about future education and career paths", says Maria Kippler.

Sofia Carlsson answers questions from students.

Very high ratings in evaluation

The event received a very positive response from both pupils and teachers. In the follow-up participant survey, the pupils gave the seminar very high ratings.

The seminar was organised as part of Nobel Calling, a week when the Nobel Prize Museum, together with universities and research institutions, invites people to take part in activities that inspire, engage and spread knowledge about research and science.