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News

• 2026-05-13

  The Swedish Defence University’s premises inaugurated with drums and a toast

  On Wednesday 13 May, the Swedish Defence University’s new premises at Karlstad University were inaugurated with speeches by the vice-chancellors and the county governor, as well as drum rolls by students from the Ingesund School of Music and a joint toast with non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

  – The first steps towards this collaboration were taken in 2024 when we met at a gathering of vice-chancellors. I believe we both feel it is entirely right and natural, said Jerker Moodysson, Vice-Chancellor of Karlstad University, who concluded his inaugural speech by thanking everyone involved in the co-location of the two institutions.

  Thanks were also expressed by Robert Egnell, Vice-Chancellor of the Swedish Defence University, who explained that his own dream of co-location had in fact begun even earlier.

• 2026-05-13

  AI Robots, Work Environment and the Future of the Hospitality Industry in Focus at BFUF’s Research Meeting

  This year’s meeting was held at the Spirits Museum in Stockholm and included presentations from several ongoing research projects – including studies on wine tourism, work environments in restaurant kitchens, and AI robots as colleagues.

  The Swedish Hospitality Industry’s Research and Development Fund (BFUF) annual research meeting is a platform for knowledge exchange and networking, where researchers, industry representatives and BFUF’s board meet to discuss current research and future development opportunities within the hospitality sector. The aim is to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, generate new ideas, and contribute to a sustainable and competitive hospitality industry.

• 2026-05-11

  New research clarifies tipping points across systems

  What exactly is a tipping point—and how can we better understand it across different systems? Climate Scientist Avit Bhowmik at Karlstad University contributed to a new scientific publication that addresses growing confusion around the concept of tipping points, which is widely used to describe abrupt and potentially irreversible changes in complex systems such as the climate, ecosystems, and societies.

  “While the concept is increasingly used, it is not always clearly defined. This can make it harder to identify and respond to real systemic risks,” says Avit Bhowmik.

  A clearer definition of tipping points

  In the article Integrating tipping point concepts across diverse systems, the authors provide a cross-disciplinary synthesis of the literature and identify three key characteristics that define tipping dynamics:

• 2026-05-11

  Pulp can replace plastic in future packaging

  Through green chemistry and smart processing, cellulose can be given new properties that result in stronger paper and improved barrier materials. This is demonstrated in a new doctoral thesis from Karlstad University.

  Plastic is currently widely used in paper‑based packaging, such as milk and food cartons, to protect against air and moisture. However, plastic is fossil‑based and difficult to recycle together with paper. In her doctoral thesis, Mozhgan Hashemzehi shows how pulp can be modified in a more sustainable way to reduce the need for plastic in packaging.

• 2026-05-11

  The University square will become greener and more pleasant

  The University square is set to be developed into a more vibrant and welcoming space, with added greenery and new paving. Akademiska Hus will begin setting up barriers from 11 May, and work will commence on 18 May.

  – It's great that this area will now also be given new life, just like the square outside Building 11 in 2024, says campus manager Olle Lilliestierna.

  – We have developed these ideas through working groups linked to Campus Plan 2040, involving staff, students and representatives from Akademiska Hus.

  The entire square outside the main entrance will be affected by the development, but the changes will be most noticeable in the area south of the fountain and along the north–south pedestrian route between the library building and Building 1 (see sketch).

• 2026-05-08

  In Virtual Reality Yet Still at Home – How VR-technology Is Changing Our Relationship with Places

  Immersion is the feeling of being absorbed in such a way that perception of the surrounding environment diminishes – as if you were transported elsewhere. Virtual Reality (VR) is often described as the ultimate immersive medium, since it shuts out the physical space for both sight and hearing. Linnea Saltin, newly minted PhD in cultural geography and affiliated with Geomedia, has researched the topic.

  The feeling of losing track of time while scrolling on your phone is an example of how effectively digital technology can envelop us, while analogue experiences such as reading a book can also be highly immersive.