What can partnerships mean for researchers?
A strategic partnership gives you such things as
- easier contact with the right people in the partner organisation through special forums (partnership days) and designated coordinators;
- insight into needs and challenges in other sectors of society, which opens doors for practical application of your research; and
- support in building relations and collaboration over time, such as through seed money.
This can involve everything from co-funded research projects and degree projects to workshops, seminars and the sharing of knowledge.
Would you like to discuss how your research or teaching can be connected to one of the University’s strategic partners? Contact the collaboration coordinator of the partnership in question. Relevant contact details are found under information for each partner.
Our five strategic partners
Volvo Trucks
Volvo Trucks is an important research and development centre within the global Volvo Group. The cab plant in Umeå specialises in new technology for robotics, automation and surface treatment while prioritising work environment, health and leadership.
It offers excellent opportunities for collaboration in technical, medical and social science disciplines.
Focus areas
- sustainable leadership;
- sustainable working life and health;
- and sustainable production and technology.
Contact person:
Katarina Henriksson, Research Support and Collaboration Office
Umeå Municipality
Umeå Municipality works to develop the city sustainably – economically, ecologically, socially and culturally. The partnership deals with such aspects as digitalisation, AI and how the municipality can attract, retain and develop expertise.
Opportunities for collaboration are wide-ranging, from technology and urban, rural and regional planning to education, health, culture and learning.
Focus areas
- digital development and AI;
- sustainable urban development;
- talent acquisition and leadership development; and
- civil defence and security.
Contact person:
Annika Nordstrand, Research Support and Collaboration Office
Region Västerbotten
Region Västerbotten is responsible for both health and medical care throughout the county and for regional development – including business, in
frastructure, culture and education. Collaboration could include such areas as healthcare innovation, public health, digitalisation, gender equality and making the region more attractive to employers and the labour market.
There are good opportunities for researchers in medicine, the social sciences, the behavioural sciences, the humanities and technology.
Contact person:
Annika Nordstrand, Research Support and Collaboration Office
Örnsköldsvik Municipality
Örnsköldsvik combines a strong industrial base with initiatives in the bioeconomy, digitalisation and the tourism industry. The municipality also strives to grow sustainably and leverage research to meet future needs in municipal operations.
Collaboration can touch on everything from healthcare to environmental technology, industrial transformation and skills development.
Focus areas
- bioeconomy;
- municipal health and medical care; and
- sustainable growth.
Contact person:
Martin Englund, Research Support and Collaboration Office
Skellefteå Municipality
Skellefteå Municipality is in the midst of an extensive industrial and societal transformation. The partnership focuses on how the municipality can build a sustainable society with space for more residents and new organisations and businesses.
Researchers have opportunities to collaborate in areas such as AI, education, the labour market, social sustainability, and spatial planning.
Focus areas
- strategic talent acquisition;
- sustainable societal development; and
- artificial intelligence (AI).
Contact person:
Johanna Gardeström, Research Support and Collaboration Office
