Don't miss out on this year's most dynamic meeting place in Umeå.
Umeå University invites researchers as well as stakeholders in society, politicians, business and culture representatives to our annual meeting place Perspectives. Together we create a platform for dialogue allowing as many perspectives as possible.
Our focus will be on the natural resources of wind, water, minerals and forest – and the ongoing extensive transformation of society.
The day will be held in Swedish.
Please note the date or register today here (In Swedish)
You will want to be there!
Preliminary programme
08.00-09.00 Registration and coffee
09.00 Welcome
Dieter Müller, Vice Rector of Umeå University, welcomes you.
09.15 Keynote – Åsa Persson: Sustainable development: tailwinds and headwinds as the world transitions
Åsa Persson is Head of Research at Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and Chair of the Climate Policy Council. In this session, you will find out more about how Sweden and the world are doing when it comes to the global sustainable development goals and in which direction the winds are blowing. What are the synergies in the work and what are the conflicting goals that need to be managed and what are the tools to do it in a systematic way?
09.45 Conversation: Wind and hydropower – how far will it take us in sustainable development?
Access to energy is one of several prerequisites for the ongoing societal transformation in the north. In this talk, we will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with an increased need for sustainable energy.
Thomas Wågberg, Head of Department and Professor at the Department of Physics at Umeå University
Jerry Westerstedt, Project Manager Vattenfall Hydropower
Stefan Forsgren, Business Area Manager Power Systems, Skellefteå Kraft
10.15 Coffee break
10.45 Keynote – Markus Mannström: The world's first large-scale green steel plant
Markus Mannström, Head of Boden Operations Stegra (former H2 Green Steel), will talk about the establishment of the world's first large-scale green steel plant in Boden and its three supporting green platforms where hydrogen, iron and steel will be produced.
11.15 Keynote – Nicholas Kamenos: Using the oceans to mitigate climate change
Nicholas Kamenos is Professor and Director of the Umeå Marine Research Centre. He will talk about how the ocean can be used to mitigate climate change. This keynote is in English.
11.45 Lunch
12.45 Discussion: Society's need for metals
Technological development and a green transition rely heavily on access to different types of minerals and metals. In this dialogue, we will explore society's complex needs for access to these natural resources.
Helena Kjellson, Chief Mining Officer at Bergsstaten
Pär Weihed, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Luleå University of Technology and Professor of Ore Geology
André Månberger, Programme Director Mistra Mineral Governance
Nicholas Kamenos, Professor and Director of Umeå Marine Research Centre.
13.20 Keynote – Janina Priebe: New game board requires new rules - about the development of forestry
Janina Priebe, Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in the History of Ideas at Umeå University, will talk about if a transition in forestry is to be possible, it is necessary to review and update the rules that were created based on the conditions that prevailed in the 1990s. And also that the climate transition needs to take place on several levels simultaneously – both in the forest and in society.
13.40 Discussion: The future of forests – which path should we follow?
Forests are an important natural resource from several perspectives. It stores carbon dioxide, provides a habitat for a wide range of species, and is used as an important raw material in several industries and for recreation. In this talk, we will explore the future of forests from the perspective of forests today.
Daniel Metcalfe, Professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science
Pär Lärkeryd, CEO of Norra Skog
Irma Olofsson, Future forests and affiliated as research fellow at Department of Geography, Umeå University.
Martin Servin, associate professor at Department of Physics, Umeå University.
Micael Jonsson, associate professor at Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University.
14.05 Discussion: The impact of sustainable development on ecosystems
Sustainable ecosystems and biodiversity are the basis of our life on Earth. In this dialogue, we will explore how humans, in pursuit of sustainable development, affect nature and ecosystems in different ways.
Tim Horstkotte, researcher in socio-ecological systems at the Department of Ecology, Environmental Science, Umeå University
Lina Polvi Sjöberg, researcher in Physical Geography at the Department of Ecology, Environmental Science, Umeå University
Daniela Nedelcheva, project coordinator and administrator Biosphere area Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka
14.30 Coffee break
15.00 Discussion: Nerve growth and reduced extraction for a green transition
In pursuit of the green transition we often talk about the increased need for natural resources and raw materials in order to transform society. In this talk, we will explore issues related to finding more efficient ways to utilise the natural resources available to us.
Stina Jansson, Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University.
Linda Lundmark, Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geography, Umeå University
Jon Moen, Professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science
15.30 Artist and cultural perspective: Josef Eriksson
Based in Piteå, Josef Eriksson has been writing songs and playing with the duo Northern Indians for several years. With humanism and the present in focus, he accurately portrays his surroundings.
15.45 After-talk, mingle with snacks
(The day before, on 21 November, there will be a day aimed at academics. This day will be held in English. You can register for that day in the form above as well).