Lectures and seminars Folk och Forskning (People and research): Expertise in times of crisis – how do we bridge the gaps between research, policy and decision-making in health crises?
In a crisis, everyone needs to contribute. For universities, this may involve quickly adapting research, making resources and premises available, but also being available to advise political actors. How can they contribute relevant knowledge in acute situations, strengthen decision-making and build long-term preparedness? At this year's Folk och forskning (People and Research), the Centre for Health Crises invites you to a roundtable discussion on how we shape Sweden's scientific preparedness.
Please note that the event is in Swedish!
Date and time
6 May 2026. Folk och forskning is on during the whoel day, from kl 09:00 till 16:30, and there is a mingle afterwards. The roundtable discussion is on 14:15-16:00.
Location:
Universitetshuset, Uppsala university
Biskopsgatan 3, 753 10 Uppsala
About the roundtable discussion:
Recent pandemics, extreme weather events and security threats have highlighted the need for rapid and informed decision-making in crises. Universities and similar institutions possess unique knowledge and expertise, but how do we ensure that this benefits the surrounding society?
In this roundtable discussion, the Centre for Health Crises brings together researchers, decision-makers, practitioners and social actors for an in-depth discussion on the role of universities in crises and emergencies. Based on experiences from COVID-19 and other crises, the discussion will focus on how collaboration can be strengthened, how knowledge can be communicated and used more effectively, and what structures and investments are needed for the future. The goal is to contribute to a common understanding of how Sweden's resilience can be developed in the long term and across sectors. Participants will include Johan von Schreeb, Professor of Global Disaster Medicine, and Maja Fjaestad, former State Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and expert coordinator in policy and preparedness at the Centre for Health Crises.
About Folk och forskning:
Folk och forskning is organised by Public and Science Sweden, a non-profit association and expert organisation for dialogue, communication and collaboration on research.
It is a meeting place where participants have the opportunity to take part in round-table discussions and dialogue activities, regardless of whether they are researchers, politicians or representatives of civil society, other organisations or the general public. The day begins with a joint introduction on the theme of evidence-informed decision-making. This year, we are focusing in particular on decisions in crisis situations. This year's overall theme is Knowledge for Resilience. During the day, actors from research, civil society, politics, the public sector and business will gather to discuss different types of knowledge that strengthen society's preparedness, sustainability and resilience in times of crisis and uncertainty.
About the Centre for Health Crises:
The Centre for Health Crises mobilises and coordinates interdisciplinary expertise and know-how with the aim of developing the role of universities in supporting society before, during and after health crises. By driving policy development, gathering and building expertise, developing educational activities and catalysing research collaborations, we build the next generation of health crisis experts, and work to ensure that knowledge and proven experience guide decision-making and preparedness.
Register:
Sign up to participate via Public and Science Sweden’s website.The whole event is free of charge.