NEWS A university in a modern society that takes responsibility for the future and is internationally recognised for quality, impact and attractiveness. This is how Umeå University wants to meet the major global challenges of our time.
The vision: By 2035, Umeå University will be internationally recognised for its quality, impact and attractiveness.
Image Ida ÅbergThe climate crisis, a difficult international security situation, shifting politics and new demands from employers and students affect how the University needs to develop to meet the future. At the same time, there are opportunities for improving the quality of education, increasing collaboration with third-parties and making the University even more relevant and attractive for students, staff and partners.
“In a time of major societal challenges, it is more important than ever for the University to take more responsibility and contribute knowledge, perspective and determination – locally, nationally and globally. The new vision highlights our role as a hub of development where northern Sweden is seen as an attractive place for developing new ideas that lead to more research breakthroughs and innovations,” says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor.
Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University.
ImageMattias PetterssonThe vision stakes out the path for the University’s development through 2035 and is intended to make Umeå University one of Sweden’s leading institutions of higher education and internationally recognised for quality, impact and attractiveness.
The University will also provide important perspectives and solutions to the societal challenges of our time from our position in Northern Europe.
The work with developing the vision has been ongoing since autumn 2025 with the support of a working committee led by project manager Mikael Elofsson, Professor at the Department of Chemistry.
“The enthusiasm out in the organisation has been great, which says something about the power of the finalised vision. It increases the potential that students, employees and partners experience the vision as meaningful and feel pride in being a part of it,” says Mikael Elofsson.
Mikael Elofsson, Professor at the Department of Chemistry.
ImageMattias PetterssonThrough dialogue with employees and students, workshops, and discussions in various forums, the working committee has collected perspectives and ideas from throughout the organisation. These dialogues form the basis for and have shaped the vision as adopted by the University Board in February 2026.
The vision also includes a number of strategies that describe how the University will act concretely as it works toward 2035. These strategies describe how Umeå University will use its breadth to achieve excellence, such as through strong national and international research collaborations, prioritised research areas and cutting-edge education for students from around the world.
Through attractive research and educational environments, clear career paths, modern infrastructure and a unique culture of collaboration, Umeå University will create the conditions for achieving excellence, innovation and lifelong learning. At the same time, the University must take clear societal responsibility by being a regional development engine, strengthening the innovative power of research and safeguarding democracy, academic freedom and critical thinking.
Discover the Vision for Umeå University.