The funded projects each receive a maximum of SEK 150,000 to develop the innovative potential of their ideas. Twenty applications were submitted in this year’s round. The applications were assessed by six people with expertise in the innovation process and sustainability challenges who were appointed by the Sustainability Forum and LU Innovation. Funded projects are the following:
Inner compass – a well-being lesson in elementary school
Farida Rasulzada, Department of Psychology
The integration of well-being into elementary school can strengthen pupils’ mental health in the short and long term. The aim of the project is to produce course material that will provide pupils with tools for greater happiness, reduced stress and strengthened resilience. Hopefully, it can also reduce bullying and social conflicts, and thereby lead to higher attendance and a better school environment. The first phase of the project will identify needs and gauge interest in developing a model that can be integrated into teaching.
CONNECTED: A new model for bridging community and care for seriously ill and frail older people and their significant others
Jamie Woodworth, Institute for Palliative Care, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund
The project will develop a model for cooperation between healthcare and civil society based on an international public health strategy. The aim is to improve support for seriously ill older people and their families, who often suffer from loneliness and stress. Previous research has shown that the model can reduce care costs and the burden on caregivers, and enhance the work environment for healthcare staff. The model will be adapted to the Swedish care system and tested to examine the potential for reducing suffering and unnecessary healthcare interactions.
Bacteria Don't Lie: A Sustainable Solution for Public Safety Through Microbial Tracking
Eran Elhaik, Department of Biology
The researchers have developed a groundbreaking AI tool, Microbiome Geographic Population Structure (mGPS), which can determine the geographical origin of microbial samples. It can be used internationally (where 92% of the tests showed the right city of origin) and on a local scale (where the right subway station in Hongkong was identified with 82% accuracy). In a collaboration with the police in Malmö, mGPS will be tested by collecting microbial samples from different materials to see if it can be used in forensics. It is hoped that the tool can link individuals, objects and places in a way that assists the fight against crime.
Assessing pollinator physiology in the laboratory using a novel 3-D flight virtual reality assay
Abel Corver, Department of Biology
Pollinating insects have remarkable navigational ability, but studies have shown that certain pesticides can disrupt their memory and learning. The project will develop a new laboratory method for studying the flying behaviour of bumblebees using virtual 3D-flight. This makes it possible to study their behaviour in a more realistic way. The aim is to see how bumblebees find food over long distances and how their navigational ability is affected by different substances in the environment.
Proof-of-concept for cost and energy-efficient production of an important biobased platform chemical for a carbon-neutral industry
Rajni Hatti Kaul, Department of Process and Life Science Engineering (PLE)
The project will develop and verify a resource-efficient process for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), an important cornerstone in the biobased industry that processes waste products from agriculture and forestry. The aim is to reduce energy consumption by 25% and greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared with today’s fossil or biobased technologies. HMF is used in the production of a wide range of biobased chemicals, fuels and pharmaceuticals.
Establishing an innovative cell cultivator for advanced cell therapies to enable sustainable ATMP development for lung transplantation
Franziska Olm, Clinical Sciences, Lund
The aim is to develop a sustainable and efficient method to cultivate cells for advanced cell therapies, with a focus on improving lung transplantations. Through an innovative cell cultivator, which creates a body-like environment for the cells, genetically modified stem cells will be cultivated to help in the renewal of damaged donated lungs and reduce complications after transplantation. This method could make cell therapies more scalable, lead to better results for lung transplantation patientsand increase access to viable organs.
ROOTING IN SKÅNE – Sustainable food innovation through novel perennial grains
Stefan Schüller, LUCSUS
At present, the world’s agricultural land is dominated by annual crops such as wheat, maize and soya. These must be resown every year, which takes its toll on the soil, causes nutrient leaching and contributes to greenhouse emissions. Perennial crops – which are planted once but harvested for several years in a row – could be a solution in future sustainable food systems. One of the most promising is Kernza®, a grain with deep roots that can bind carbon, reduce erosion and improve soil health. In cooperation with local food innovators, the project will examine the next step for how the crop can be used in food and how it can be launched commercially.
Combustion of scrap Aluminium/Silicon alloy in steam for energy regeneration and material recycling – CAlSi
Zhongshan Li, Department of Physics
The project examines how waste products from the aluminium industry can be converted into energy and recycled at the same time. When aluminium is combusted in steam, heat and hydrogen are released – without carbon dioxide emissions. By using silumin, an aluminium alloy with a high silicon content that is often regarded as scrap, the aim is to both extract energy and recycle aluminium and silicon. The aim is to achieve a circular system with climate benefits and efficient use of resources
XAQT DSS: A data-driven Decision-Support System for sustainable water resources management
Nikolas Benavides Höglund, Department of Geology
Research in hydrogeology – which concerns the movement and characteristics of groundwater – has shown that today’s environmental assessments are often based on outdated methods. A digital decision support tool will help experts and decision-makers to make better and more well-informed decisions on water management. The system is based on modern cloud technology and combines advanced computational models, interactive data analysis and risk assessment in one easy-to-use interface. The aim is to make research-based methods more accessible and contribute to more efficient water management worldwide.
About the Lund University Sustainability Fund
Since autumn 2022, all students and staff members have had the opportunity to apply for funding for the development of ideas from the university-wide Sustainability Fund. The fund supports ideas covering all areas of sustainability, including ecological, social and economic aspects. By supporting ideas at an early stage, the research can contribute to a positive societal transition.
Lund University Sustainability Fund | Innovation at Lund University