Welcome to Karlstad University

News

• 2025-10-01

  The hedgehog is a garden friend in need

  The hedgehog is one of our most beloved garden visitors, but the species is under threat. A new red list for 2025 is underway, and preliminary findings suggest that the hedgehog may be moved from its current status of “Near Threatened” (NT) to “Vulnerable” (V). Petter Sjöström at Karlstad University is analysing thousands of observations from across the country as part of this year’s Hedgehog Awareness Week, initiated by WWF and Nordens Ark.

  – I wanted to write about something that truly matters, says Petter Sjöström, master’s student in biology. People care about hedgehogs, but this is also about biodiversity. By protecting the hedgehog, we protect many other species as well.

  Citizen research in practice
  
  Thousands of individuals reported their hedgehog observations and whether the animals were present (alive or dead) or absent to WWF and Nordens Ark between 11 and 17 August. Petter is now analysing this comprehensive amount of data as part of his degree project.

• 2025-10-01

  Words from our senior management: We are an engine for innovation and growth

  Did you know that since 2010, 314 new companies have been established as a result of our research and education activities – an average of 24 per year? Since 2018, these companies have collectively created over 600 jobs. In recent years, they have generated a turnover of nearly SEK 800 million and contributed to increased tax revenue, from SEK 80 million in 2018 to SEK 196 million in 2023.

  Our contribution to growth and development is already significant, but there is great potential to do even more. Today, our innovation efforts are centred around certain subject areas, degree programmes and dedicated individuals among our staff. So, how do we go from good to even better? We do it by strengthening our ability to support the commercialisation and practical application of research.

• 2025-09-29

  Research groups: What works and why?

  Together with a group of researchers at Charles Sturt University in Australia, the research group SOL* at Karlstad University is running the APPLES project. The aim is to find out what makes a research group successful. Preliminary findings from the Nordic countries show that the factor researchers themselves consider most important is having basic structures in place – without these, it is impossible to build an effective research group.

  – Many researchers belong to research groups, yet little is known about what makes a group effective and how it benefits individual researchers and their ability to produce high-quality research, says Lennart Karlsson, doctoral student in educational work at Karlstad University. Our preliminary findings from the Nordic countries highlight the importance of having basic structures in place. 

  These structures include factors such as technical resources, set times for meetings, regular gatherings and strong leadership with a clear agenda. 

• 2025-09-23

  Music producers have the opportunity to build their own universe

  What does your life actually sound like? Jenny Wilson, adjunct professor at Ingesund School of Music, believes that your personal life journey is the most exciting thing about you as a songwriter, producer, and artist. What is your story, and how do you share it? Daring to experiment with music is something close to Jenny’s heart, and she will continue doing just that with the students in the music production program for another year, with support of the Wettergren Foundation.

  Throughout your career, you’ve created productions and works that reflect your life. Some parts include traumas you’ve experienced. Hasn’t it been scary and difficult to make your experiences public?

• 2025-09-23

  People, culture and society in focus at Humanistdagarna 2025

  Karlstad University, together with Värmland Museum, invites you to Humanistdagarna 2025 on 8–9 October – an open event where researchers, authors and cultural figures share their perspectives on language, history, culture and society. Guest lectures include Maja Hjertzell, writer of children’s and young adult literature, and Leif Stinnerbom, director and manager of Västanå teater.

  Humanistdagarna offers two days of lectures and discussions on a broad spectrum of topics related to the humanities. There will also be poetry readings and music entertainment.

  The programme includes researchers and lecturers from Karlstad University and Värmlands Museum, as well as guest speakers. Maja Hjertzell will discuss challenges surrounding reading habits among children and young adults, and Leif Stinnerbom talks about his perspectives on Västanå teater.

• 2025-09-19

  Transforming Passions – The Geomedia Conference That Unites Research, Place, and Passion

  During three intensive days in September, researchers from around the world gathered at Karlstad University to participate in the international geomedia conference Transforming Passions. This year marks the conference’s tenth anniversary, and interest in geomedia as a research field continues to grow.

  – It’s fantastic to see how engaged and joyful everyone is, says Georgia Aitaki, Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications and Conference Director.

  – We’re celebrating ten years, and it truly feels like a reunion. At the same time, we have many new faces here, which brings a sense of renewal.

  The conference is more than an academic forum—it’s a space for exchanging ideas, building community, and finding inspiration. Film screenings, panel discussions, and parallel research sessions create a dynamic environment where passion for research takes center stage.