Maria Malmer Stenergard visited Luleå University of Technology with, among others, Norrbotten County Governor Lotta Finstorp.
1 June 2026
Minister for Foreign Affairs visits with a focus on the Arctic
In connection with the launch of the Government’s new Arctic Strategy, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard visited Luleå University of Technology to learn more about research and education focusing on the Arctic and space.
On Monday, 1 June, Maria Malmer Stenergard presented the Government’s new Arctic Strategy at the Defence Museum in Boden. The presentation was followed by visits to Luleå University of Technology and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.
Vice-Chancellor Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn presented the university’s activities, with a particular focus on the Arctic and related fields, including mining and space.
“One of our strengths as a university is our strong research areas, combining excellence with interdisciplinary breadth and collaboration with key external partners. Space is a good example. We conduct cutting-edge research in atmospheric science and space systems, but can also collaborate with other disciplines such as robotics and health,” said Vice-Chancellor Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn.
Research and collaborations
The university’s collaborative networks for Arctic research and space were also presented, including UArctic, Arctic Six and UNIVERSEH. Dag Avango, Professor of History, introduced the Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic, which he heads, as well as ongoing research projects. These include research on land-use conflicts in the Arctic and total defence in the Arctic region.
Niklas Lehto, Head of the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, spoke about education and research in the field of space and presented, among other things, a full-scale model of a CubeSat – a very small research satellite.
Finally, Jens Lundström, CEO of the incubator Arctic Business, described how, together with other Swedish incubators within ESA BIC Sweden, they support start-ups in the space sector. So far, they have helped around 60 companies, including businesses developing software for space communications and satellite components. Arctic Business is an important part of the innovation ecosystem surrounding Luleå University of Technology.
The Government’s Arctic Strategy
According to the Government’s new Arctic Strategy, the overarching long-term objective of Sweden’s Arctic policy is a peaceful and secure Arctic, characterised by sustainable, resilient and attractive communities, and reduced environmental and climate impact.
The strategy encompasses five priority areas: peace, security and stability; economy and trade; climate and environment; sustainable, vibrant and resilient communities; and strategic resources.
Luleå University of Technology and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat presented their activities to Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard. From left: Katarina Gårdfeldt, Director of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat; Mattias Karlsson, Member of Parliament; Lotta Finstorp, Governor of Norrbotten County; Jens Lundström, CEO of Arctic Business; Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs; and Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor of Luleå University of Technology.
Published:
Updated: