A new start for PRECISE – new leadership and new directions in precision health

After an evaluation of the university’s future areas, PRECISE at Luleå University of Technology is making a fresh start. New leaders have been appointed, the graduate school is taking on a clearer role – and the initiative is being steered towards two profile areas: Timely Digital Healthcare and Healthy Spaces.

“This is more than an organizational change. It is an opportunity to rethink and build a research environment that truly makes a difference for both individuals and society,” says Anna-Karin Lindqvist, Scientific Director of PRECISE.

Together with Maria Larsson Lund, Deputy Scientific Director, Anneli Nyman, Director of the Graduate School, and Kevin Lau, Coordinator for Healthy Spaces, she leads the effort to establish precision health as a strong profile area.

Two profile areas for the future

Timely Digital Healthcare is about developing accurate digital solutions that meet people’s needs and are delivered at the right time and in the right context. Supported by data, AI, technology and scientific knowledge, the aim is to create information-driven, innovative and sustainable methods that promote health and wellbeing throughout life. The challenge is not only to develop the technology, but to make it work in practice and bring real benefits to society.

Healthy Spaces prevents disease and enhances wellbeing by shaping everyday environments so that healthy choices become the natural ones. Through precise, context-aware interventions – from neighborhood to city, from community to society – measurable individual outcomes are connected to living labs and decision-support tools. In this way, the right action can be taken at the right time and in the right place.

“The interdisciplinary approach is absolutely crucial. Health cannot be solved by a single field of research. We need the interplay between technology, social sciences and health sciences – and we need to work closely with society at large,” says Maria Larsson Lund.

The graduate school at the center

Doctoral education is the engine of the initiative. Through new courses, closer collaboration and an active alumni network, the graduate school will not only educate doctoral students but also create an environment where experiences are shared and new ideas can grow.

“The restart gives us the opportunity to think bigger. We want to create an environment where researchers and doctoral students from different disciplines can meet and develop new innovative solutions that truly make a difference to people’s health – and can actually be implemented,” says Anneli Nyman, Director of the Graduate School.

Looking towards 2029

The action plan runs until 2029, with a clear ambition: PRECISE should be the natural partner for those who want to collaborate in precision health, both nationally and internationally. Through workshops, cooperation with the region and new international projects, PRECISE aims to become a hub for research, education and societal development.

“We want to be the natural choice when it comes to research collaborations in precision health. Making a difference in people’s lives – that is what drives us,” says Kevin Lau, Coordinator for Healthy Spaces.