NEWS How can we fight deadly viruses, turn nuclear waste into valuable resources, and create almost limitless digital storage? These are just a few of the challenges Umeå University researchers have received EU funding to tackle.
Looking at the outcomes of the 2023 funding calls, 20 research projects at Umeå University will share nearly €5.9 million (around SEK 68 million) in support from various EU research programmes. These projects address some of the most urgent issues of our time, including sustainability, health, technological innovation, and societal security.
EU funding gives researchers at Umeå University the opportunity to advance their pioneering work, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with leading organisations across Europe and globally.
Click on the expandable headings below to discover more about the research and the specific goals our researchers are working towards.
Nicholas Kamenos, professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, is one of the Umeå University researchers awarded EU funding. His research focuses on collaborations aimed at better equipping us to face climate change and improve the management of the world’s water resources.
ImageSimon Jönsson, Inhousebyrån
MagneticTWIST: Twisted light could revolutionise data storage
For decades, magnetism has been the cornerstone of data storage, from cassette tapes to hard drives. Researcher Nicolò Maccaferri is now testing an innovative idea that could, in theory, offer us virtually limitless storage capacity.
He is investigating a phenomenon known as 'twisted light' – light that not only moves forward but also spins around its axis, much like the way Earth rotates on its axis while orbiting the Sun.
As light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, it can influence the magnetism in hard drives. By directing short pulses of twisted light with extreme precision at the nanometre (one billionth of a metre) scale, it may be possible to manipulate magnetism in new ways never considered. This breakthrough could enable vast amounts of data to be stored on tiny surfaces, all while maintaining speed and efficiency.
Maccaferri has received research funding to explore this idea and demonstrate that it is indeed possible to control magnetism with twisted light. If successful, this technology could transform data storage and processing, with significant potential for applied research fields such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.
Nicolò Maccaferri, assistant professor at the Department of Physics, has received just over 2 million euros for the project.
EnteroInfection: One step closer to stopping viruses
Enteroviruses, like polioviruses, do more than infect cells – they transform them into "virus factories." Researchers are uncovering how these viruses hijack cellular structures to replicate, bringing us closer to discovering ways to stop them.
The project EnteroInfection focuses on how enteroviruses exploit autophagy – the cell’s recycling process – to create an environment conducive to viral replication. A key player in this process is the viral protein 2C, which assembles virus components at the right location within the cell.
Researchers have found that autophagosomes, cellular structures usually responsible for cleanup, are instead repurposed to house proteins crucial for the virus’s strategy. By integrating insights from cell biology, biochemistry, and structural biology, the team seeks to map how these proteins contribute to viral replication.
Using tools like cryo-electron microscopy and mass spectrometry, the researchers aim to uncover methods to block viral infections. Their findings could pave the way for new treatments for virus-related diseases.
Postdoctoral fellow Marie Sorin and research leader Lars-Anders Carlson at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project.
EBOVmembrinteract: Advancing treatments for deadly viruses
Filoviruses, including Ebola, rank among the deadliest pathogens, with emerging species posing increasing risks. Researchers are exploring how these viruses invade our cells and why some are more dangerous, aiming to develop effective treatments.
The EBOVmembrinteract project focuses on the virus’s surface glycoproteins – proteins essential for attaching to and entering host cells. These glycoproteins are decorated with specific viral carbohydrates that seem to influence how efficiently the virus spreads.
Using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and biophysical analysis, researchers are investigating how these carbohydrates affect the virus's ability to enter and exit host cells. Understanding these mechanisms could help identify ways to block infection, paving the way for new treatments.
The project’s findings have the potential to significantly enhance global efforts to combat these deadly viruses and bolster preparedness for future outbreaks.
Postdoctoral fellow Malgorzata Graul and research leader Marta Bally at the Department of Clinical Microbiology have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project.
CryoARC: Mapping virus factories to develop new treatments
Alphaviruses, transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions, cause severe diseases in humans. In the CryoARC project, researchers are exploring how these viruses create small “factories” on the surface of cells to replicate and spread infection.
The virus forms tiny spherical structures, known as spherules, where it rapidly multiplies. By mapping how these factories are built and how they function, the researchers aim to develop new drugs that block the virus’s replication, offering protection against these diseases.
A central tool in this research is cryo-electron microscopy, which allows scientists to study the virus at the nanoscale. By uncovering which components of the cell’s machinery the virus exploits to build its factories, the team hopes to identify ways to disrupt its spread.
The CryoARC project could become an important step forward in combating diseases caused by alphaviruses, providing new tools to protect people in vulnerable regions.
Postdoctoral fellow Dinesh Dhurvas Chandrasekaran and research leader Lars-Anders Carlson at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics have received just over 222,000 euros for the project.
MitoDNASen: Towards healthier ageing
Could mitochondria hold the secret to healthier ageing? Researchers in the MitoDNASen project are diving into these vital parts of our cells to find ways to combat age-related diseases and harmful inflammation.
When our cells face stress, such as DNA damage or shortened telomeres, they can enter a state where they stop dividing. This process, called senescence, is a natural defence mechanism that prevents the development or spread of cancer. However, as senescent cells accumulate in the body, they can trigger inflammation and contribute to conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
The MitoDNASen project investigates how mitochondrial DNA changes during this process. The researchers have found that mitochondria play a much larger role than previously understood in driving the inflammatory responses linked to these diseases. By unravelling how mitochondrial DNA is affected during senescence, they hope to develop new treatments that mitigate the negative effects of these cells and promote better health in older individuals.
The project holds the potential to become a key piece in alleviating diseases caused by cellular ageing, ultimately improving the quality of life for many.
Postdoctoral fellow Valentin L'Hôte and research leader Sjoerd Wanrooij at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project.
ATOPS: Using light and magnetism to revolutionise electronics
What if magnetism could be controlled by light at unprecedented speeds? Researchers at Umeå University are pursuing this groundbreaking idea, with the potential to unlock faster, more energy-efficient technologies.
The ATOPS project investigates how ultrafast light pulses, lasting just a few femtoseconds (one quadrillionth of a second), can influence magnetic properties. The aim is to create faster and more precise electronic devices by using light to manipulate magnetism.
The researchers are focusing on MnPd2, a material with unique electronic and magnetic properties that can be controlled with light. They believe it has the potential to accelerate data storage and improve information processing efficiency.
Using advanced optical methods, the team hopes to demonstrate how MnPd2 can enable ultrafast magnetic control. If successful, their work could pave the way for next-generation technologies, including quantum computing.
Postdoctoral fellow Lakshmi Das and research leader Nicolò Maccaferri at the Department of Physics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project.
UNID: One light source to transform multiple industries
Imagine a lighting solution that is sustainable, cost-effective to produce, recyclable, and versatile enough to be used in healthcare, packaging, architecture, and fashion. Too good to be true? Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) could make it a reality.
LEC technology relies on a simple layer of organic materials mixed with electrolytes, enabling the creation of thin, flexible, and biodegradable light sources that emit a soft glow. However, LECs have faced challenges, including short lifespans and low efficiency. This is due to the ions that power the light also degrading the organic material.
Researchers in the UNID project are working intensively to understand and control this process, aiming to extend the lifespan and improve the efficiency of LEC lighting. If successful, this groundbreaking technology could offer not just a sustainable light source but also transform multiple industries by making lighting both eco-friendly and cost-efficient.
Postdoctoral fellow Anton Kirch and research leader Ludvig Edman at the Department of Physics have received just over 222,000 euros for the project.
ENDAMR: Fighting antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing global health threats, contributing to millions of deaths each year. The ENDAMR project is empowering young researchers with the tools and knowledge to better understand and tackle the rise of resistance – an effort that could ultimately save lives.
As part of the EU Doctoral Networks, ENDAMR provides PhD students with the opportunity to participate in international, interdisciplinary research. Participants not only contribute new insights into antibiotic resistance, but also gain skills for future careers in both academia and industry, with a focus on entrepreneurship, teaching, and science communication.
The research within ENDAMR spans several key areas. One team is investigating how antibiotic resistance affects bacteria in the gut microbiome and exploring microbiome-based treatments to help control infections. Another team is mapping the spread of resistance between bacteria, examining the genetic and environmental factors at play. Additionally, researchers are studying mechanisms such as tolerance and heteroresistance, aiming to develop more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. The project also explores the potential of antibiotic combinations to improve patient care and reduce the risk of resistance.
The ENDAMR project is training a new generation of researchers who are committed to developing innovative solutions to combat antibiotic resistance – today and for the future.
Andre Mateus at the Department of Chemistry has received nearly 294,000 euros for his part of the project.
ForskarFredag: A chance to explore the world of science
What does a scientist actually do? How does research shape our daily lives? During ForskarFredag, Sweden’s largest science festival, the public gets to meet researchers, participate in exciting experiments, and discover why science matters for society.
Held annually across the country and online, ForskarFredag invites people of all ages to explore science under the motto: "Researchers are ordinary people with extraordinary jobs." From debates and science shows to hands-on experiments, the festival offers something for everyone. Children and young people can even "borrow a researcher" for their classrooms or join real citizen science projects.
As part of the EU’s European Researchers’ Night, the festival shines a spotlight on how research helps tackle global challenges. This year’s theme focuses on sustainable development and future technologies, with activities developed in collaboration with research projects from across Europe.
ForskarFredag is coordinated by the non-profit association Vetenskap & Allmänhet, which has been connecting organisers nationwide since 2006 to create an inspiring and educational celebration of science for all ages.
Gabrielle Beans Picón, staff scientist at Curiosum, has received nearly 15,000 euros for her contribution to this initiative.
Infra4NextGen: Gathering data and young voices for a better Europe
The Infra4NextGen project aims to make it easier for policymakers to access and use social science data. By bringing together information scattered across national registries, the project seeks to support a stronger, more sustainable Europe in the wake of the pandemic.
The Next Generation EU recovery fund is all about building a better future – greener, more digital, healthier, fairer, and more resilient. But achieving these goals requires reliable data that is easy to interpret and use. This is where Infra4NextGen steps in.
Led by the European Social Survey (ESS), the project brings together top social science institutions to collect, harmonise, and share data. This information will be accessible to policymakers, analysts, and even the public. Interactive tools and training materials will also be created to make the data as useful as possible.
A special focus is on Europe’s youth. Their voices will help shape discussions around the EU’s priorities, ensuring young people’s perspectives are part of the decision-making process for a more inclusive future.
Mikael Hjerm, professor at the Department of Sociology and Swedish coordinator for the European Social Survey, has received just over 105,000 euros for his part in the project.
AQUASERV: Pooling resources for a sustainable blue economy
Our waters are vital to life and livelihoods, but protecting them requires a collective effort. The AquaServ project is creating a network that allows researchers and businesses across the EU to share tools, facilities, and expertise to study and improve sustainable water management.
This initiative will provide access to cutting-edge resources – from lab equipment to expert advice – for those working on freshwater and marine ecosystems. Whether online or on-site, these resources will help accelerate discoveries and solutions for managing our seas and lakes sustainably.
Beyond research, AquaServ is focused on ensuring a lasting impact. Networking, training programmes, and outreach activities will ensure that the project’s benefits extend well beyond its funding period, empowering not only researchers but also policymakers and technical teams.
Nicholas Kamenos, professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, has received just over 272,000 euros for his part of the project.
IRISCC: Joining forces to tackle climate change
Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Addressing it requires a deep understanding of the complex factors at play – from extreme weather events to social and economic impacts. This is where IRISCC aims to make a difference.
IRISCC is an EU initiative that unites leading research infrastructures from diverse scientific fields to create a shared platform. This platform will enable researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to exchange data and resources, driving sustainable solutions to climate challenges.
The project will develop a comprehensive catalogue of research resources, including a collaborative lab for transdisciplinary studies and demonstrators showcasing the benefits of integrated approaches. IRISCC will also offer targeted services for policymakers and risk management professionals.
The goal is to accelerate research, make resources accessible to all, and support faster, more effective action against climate change. All data will be openly available and aligned with FAIR principles to benefit both research and policymaking.
Nicholas Kamenos, professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, has received just over 113,000 euros for his part of the project.
NEMESIS: Protecting against hormone-disrupting chemicals
Certain chemicals in the environment can disrupt metabolism and increase the risk of diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The Nemesis project aims to develop new insights and practical tools to understand and counter these risks.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), found in products ranging from plastics to cosmetics, can interfere with essential bodily functions. Studies show these chemicals affect organs like the liver and pancreas, contributing to conditions such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Exposure during critical early life stages can be especially harmful, with potential effects passed on to future generations.
The Nemesis project brings together experts from diverse research fields to investigate how EDCs impact human health. Researchers will explore whether these chemicals alter gut bacteria composition, which can influence metabolism, and develop biomarkers for early detection. The project will also create new testing methods to reduce reliance on animal studies.
By involving the public and key societal stakeholders, Nemesis aims to ensure that the research findings inform future decisions on chemical management, ultimately protecting health and reducing the risks associated with harmful chemicals in our environment.
Sophia Harlid, docent at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, and Marie-Therese Vinnars, assistant professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences, have received just over 212,000 euros for their part of the project.
ELECTRA: Electrification could make cement production fossil-free
Cement and lime are essential building materials, but their production is a major source of global CO₂ emissions. The Electra project explores whether electric heating could replace fossil fuels in the process, potentially cutting emissions to near zero.
Instead of burning fuel to heat limestone to the necessary temperature of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius, Electra aims to use electricity from renewable energy sources. This shift could enable fossil-free production of cement and lime. The technique, currently under development and upscaling, is flexible enough to suit both new factories and retrofitted older facilities. Researchers estimate it could eliminate fuel-based emissions entirely in these industries, cutting total carbon dioxide emissions by more than 90 percent.
Given cement’s global importance as a construction material, this innovation could significantly lower the industry’s carbon footprint. Electra is also accelerating the transition to electric-powered production through scalable platform solutions designed for rapid implementation.
If successful, the project could revolutionise cement and lime manufacturing, bringing us closer to a fossil-free future.
Markus Broström, professor at the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, has received just over 201,000 euros for his part of the project.
ILLUQ: Addressing the threats from thawing permafrost in the Arctic
The rapid thawing of permafrost due to climate change is releasing harmful substances that pose a significant threat to both people and infrastructure in the Arctic. The interdisciplinary Illuq project seeks long-term solutions to mitigate these risks.
Currently, permafrost covers over a fifth of the Northern Hemisphere’s landmass. As it thaws, large amounts of organic material and hazardous substances, including heavy metals and microorganisms, are released. This creates serious risks for both human and animal life, as well as local infrastructure, with far-reaching consequences for public health, the economy, and society.
While these challenges are well-recognised, they have often been studied in isolation, resulting in solutions that fail to address the full scope of the issue. The Illuq project takes a holistic approach, bringing together researchers and local communities to develop effective tools and knowledge to tackle future Arctic challenges.
The project aims to deliver concrete results for managing the risks associated with thawing permafrost, including its impact on health, pollution, and infrastructure – and contribute to a more sustainable future in a rapidly changing world.
Matthias Siewert, associate professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, has received just over 330 000 euros for his part of the project.
The META Trial: Hoping to prevent diabetes in people living with HIV
People living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. In Tanzania, researchers are studying whether metformin, a medication for type 2 diabetes, can prevent or delay diabetes in this group.
Launched in October 2021 in Dar es Salaam, the study is a randomised, placebo-controlled trial in people on antiretroviral therapy with pre-diabetes. Participants are being followed for three years to evaluate whether metformin reduces the risk of diabetes in this high-risk group.
The study is a collaboration between Tanzanian and European researchers, conducted in close partnership with Tanzanian health authorities.
The project aims to determine metformin’s effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, while also generating valuable knowledge to inform future health policies and manage the dual challenges of diabetes and HIV in Africa.
Anni-Maria Pulkki-Brännström, associate professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, has received nearly 76,000 euros for her part of the project.
WIDE AcrossEU: Collaboration to strengthen research capacity across the EU
Through the WIDE AcrossEU project, researchers in the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, and Ukraine are receiving support from Sweden and Finland to build capacity and foster networking. The goal is to improve their chances of participating in the EU’s largest research programmes.
Spanning 40 months, the project focuses on enhancing skills and creating new opportunities for researchers in "widening countries" – nations that have historically had lower participation in EU research programmes.
By mapping the researchers' needs and offering training and networking opportunities, the project aims to increase their ability to engage in EU-funded projects. It also seeks to help these countries better utilise the research and infrastructure already funded through regional EU programmes like ERDF and Interreg.
In the long term, WIDE AcrossEU hopes to contribute to a more equal and inclusive research environment in Europe, where more people can both contribute to and benefit from EU collaborations in research and innovation.
Agneta H. Plamboeck, EU expert at the Research Support and Collaboration Office, has received nearly 135,000 euros for her part in the project.
MaLaR: New method turns nuclear waste into a resource
Nuclear waste poses a significant environmental challenge, but the Malar project is pioneering a sustainable solution. Researchers aim to develop a method that manages nuclear waste while recycling valuable metals – a breakthrough in resource management.
The project focuses on lanthanides, rare earth metals vital for technologies like mobile phones, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. Traditional methods of extracting these metals from nuclear waste are costly and inefficient. By utilising innovative 3D structures made from 2D materials, the project seeks to revolutionise the process, making it more efficient and eco-friendly.
This innovation simplifies the separation of lanthanides from nuclear waste, enhancing waste management and enabling the recycling of valuable metals. The project brings together leading European institutions, including Umeå University, known for its expertise in material design.
With its cutting-edge approach, the Malar project addresses the dual challenge of nuclear waste and sustainable materials, paving the way for a greener, resource-efficient future.
Alexandr Talyzin, professor at the Department of Physics, has received nearly 567,000 euros for his part of the project.
CriticalMaking: Fighting digital misinformation through hands-on teaching
In a world where misinformation spreads quickly online, educators need practical tools to help their students separate fact from fiction. The CriticalMaking project is giving teachers the skills and confidence to do just that.
Through creative 'makerspaces' – hands-on learning environments – educators in science, technology, engineering, and maths will explore real-world scenarios and learn how to use experiments to counter false information. This practical approach equips teachers with tools to fight misinformation not just through arguments but through demonstrations, inspiring their students to think critically about the information they encounter online.
Part of the EU Digital Education Action Plan, CriticalMaking is also about building a sustainable future. The project will develop teaching materials and training programmes for teachers and policymakers, helping Europe’s educators prepare the next generation for the digital age.
Madelen Bodin, associate professor at the Department of Science and Mathematics Education and director of Curiosum, has received nearly 215,000 euros for her part in the project.
Good Game: Promoting better mental health in esports
While esports offer exciting opportunities, they also present significant mental health challenges. The Good Game project aims to combat these issues by developing and implementing targeted interventions across Europe.
Esports, where individuals or teams compete in popular video games, has grown rapidly, attracting players of all levels. However, research highlights that the pressure, long training hours, and competitive environment can negatively impact players’ mental well-being. As such, new tools and strategies are needed to support mental health within esports.
The Good Game project will develop an online-based psychoeducational intervention, combining psychological education with practical tools. The programme targets both amateur and professional players and consists of modules focused on emotion management, sleep improvement, mental training, and coaching for players, coaches, and parents.
The goal is to provide players and their support networks with the tools to manage the psychological challenges of esports, fostering a more sustainable and positive future for everyone involved in this rapidly growing field.
Michael Trotter at the Department of Psychology has received nearly 30,000 euros for his part in the project.