The green energy transition is central to solving the climate challenge, and the electricity sector plays a crucial role. Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions are important for achieving the energy and climate policy goals, at both European and national level. One of Sweden's climate goals is to have electricity production by 2040 that is 100 percent renewable. Listen to Mats Billstein, research manager for hydropower at Vattenfall R&D and new adjunct professor of fluid mechanics at Luleå University of Technology, when he talks about what research is needed to achieve the goals, what research is conducted today and in what way Luleå University of Technology can contribute . The electrification of, among other things, the industrial and transport sectors is a prerequisite for the transition to a fossil-free society. In 20-25 years, the need for electricity is estimated to have increased by more than 30 percent, and these forecasts do not include the electricity-intensive changes recently announced by the mining and steel industry. The real electricity demand can, more realistically, increase by up to 100 percent. An enormous amount of work is currently underway to adapt the power system. Both wind and solar power are expected to play a significant role in the future, and what role will hydropower then play?

Digitization and AI are being used successfully to tackle the great challenges of our time and make society simpler, safer and more efficient. With increasingly powerful data centers, mobile computer networks and built-in computer systems, new services, automation solutions and innovations are made possible. Fredrik Sandin, new professor of machine learning, talks about research in the field and gives examples of how machine learning is used in the university's collaborative projects. The computer capacity required to train the best AI models has increased tenfold per year for a decade and digital technology is becoming increasingly energy-intensive. Therefore, a new type of AI and computer system is now being developed that, on a physical level, mimics the brain's extremely energy-efficient information processes.

Satellites and space applications are part of our daily life - even if we don’t notice - but places where space engineering and research are performed are rare. René Laufer, new professor in Space Systems, will in his lecture describe why Norrbotten is a space place, which space activities are taking place right now and how much more exciting activities we can expect in the near future.

When the earth's natural resources are rapidly depleted, and the world's population demands a higher quality of life, does it require researchers to look for viable solutions? Isabella Concina, a new professor of experimental physics at Luleå University of Technology, asks herself this question during her installation lecture, in a constant shift between experimental results and scientific ethics. The interaction between light and matter has always been one of the most exciting subjects in science, which has enabled complex processes. Nature has taught us this through photosynthesis, through which trees and other plants can convert light energy into oxygen from carbon dioxide, so that we can breathe. As matter is reduced on the nano-scale, the interaction with light changes drastically, and this opens up new perspectives in the use of very small amounts of matter in useful applications, such as solar cells for electricity production, fission of water to produce hydrogen as pure fuel and accelerated chemical reactions for purification of polluted water.

The opportunity to make one's voice heard is central from a democratic perspective. For adults in need of communication support and children and young people in vulnerable situations, it is therefore important to remove obstacles to participation in society. Åsa Gardelli, new professor of pedagogy, talks about her special education research that is related to the situation of people with various disabilities and how their quality of life can be improved. The research also concerns school activities with children and young people in need of support.

The pipelines that exist for water and sewage management in cities and urban areas are of great importance for the functioning of society. To a large extent, the water system is invisible and is especially noticeable when it is not working. Today's system is old and in need of renewal, at the same time as our world is changing. Climate change is affecting, society needs to become more resource efficient and digitalisation places new demands. Annelie Hedström, new professor of Urban water engineering at Luleå University of Technology, gives a brief look back at how the water system has developed over time, what it looks like today and what we need to think about for the future – in Sweden and in those parts of the world that today lack a toilet.

Steel is one of the most important construction materials in today's society and its use has increased from 800 to 2,000 million tons per year in recent decades. The production of steel requires large amounts of energy and carbon dioxide emissions are significant. Therefore, efforts to reduce environmental impact are important. Esa Vuorinen, new Professor of Engineering materials, shows how new heat treatment methods can improve the properties of steel and thereby contribute to a more sustainable society.

How are work environments created where people feel good, want to be active and perform? Johan Larsson, new Adjunct professor of Human work sciences, has in his research chosen to focus on leadership and employees based on the positive scale of work environment work with health factors that contribute to health and efficiency.

On a quick journey through the solar system, Axel Hagermann, new Professor in Atmospheric science at Luleå University of Technology, will introduce some of the obscure forms of ice found, for example, on the surface of Mars – and farther away from the sun. He will present a few of the somewhat unexpected results from recent space missions, showing the surprising variety in the ices, rocks and soils in other parts of the solar system.

The number of older people is increasing and more and more people are active and healthy well into old age. At the same time, the number of people diagnosed with dementia and other diseases that require increased care and support is increasing. Karin Zingmark, new professor of Nursing, describes how she, through her research and collaboration with healthcare and other care providers, develops new knowledge that contributes to good and dignified aging.

Only in Swedish.