Vy från Rákkasorda (Björkliden) mot Ábeskovvu (Abisko) och Čuonjávággi (Lapporten).
ImageIve van KrunkelsvenNorthern Sweden is a large geographical area encompassing both the sparsely populated inland and the more populated coast. This region is rich in natural resources and home to the indigenous Sámi people, but also faces challenges concerning population health and health services. We conduct regionally based research on, for example, cardiovascular disease prevention and health promotion across the life course, service provision in rural areas and equity in health and health care. We collaborate closely with Region Västerbotten and other public health institutions, and also make great use of high-quality Swedish registers. With point of departure in this unique context, and together with our collaborating partners, we contribute to improved regional public health and global health research across the world.
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It is essential to understand how societies organize themselves in achieving public health goals, and how different actors interact in policy and implementation processes to contribute to improved health outcomes. Health systems worldwide are struggling to respond to the needs of populations and provide universal health coverage. We conduct interdisciplinary research in relation to decision makers, service providers and citizens with the aim of contributing to the strengthening of systems and implementation of interventions. During the past decade, the Department has been involved in projects aiming to strengthen the equity, quality and safety of health systems globally, and also in methodological development for more valid and reliable strategies to evaluate health policies and their implementation.
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The world is becoming increasingly globalized and we are faced with challenges to health which transcend national borders. While migration, climate change and ageing populations are emerging health threats, the negative impacts of poverty and social inequalities still persist. Over the course of the past decades, our Department has been collaborating with multidisciplinary stakeholders around the world to address these major global health challenges. Together we strive to fill knowledge gaps by improving our understanding of the dynamic interaction of demographic changes with social, economic and environmental factors influencing population health. Our endeavor contributes to the implementation of policies and actions needed to create sustainable, resilient and healthy societies globally.
Work and health are closely intertwined, and working life offers both opportunities and risks for well-being. Research in occupational health explores how physical, organizational, and psychosocial conditions at work influence workers’ health, functioning, and participation. Using epidemiological, clinical, and intervention-based approaches, we study issues such as musculoskeletal disorders, vibration injuries, ageing in physically demanding jobs, and workplace factors that promote sustainable health and return to work. Collaboration with occupational health services, employers, and social partners ensures that our research contributes to healthier, more inclusive, and productive working environments.
Our surrounding environment and the changing climate are fundamental determinants of human health. Research in this area focuses on the health effects of air pollution, climate change, extreme weather, environmental contaminants, and natural environments. By combining national health registers with unique local data sources such as the Västerbotten Health Surveys and the Medical Biobank, we study environmental exposures across the life course — from pregnancy and working life to ageing. Several projects are carried out within international and EU-funded collaborations. Together with partners in public health and environmental sciences, we aim to generate knowledge that supports preventive action and climate-resilient health systems.
Dissertations from Epidemiology and Global Health
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