Genetic resources and biotechnology

One of SLU's strengths

"Research at UPSC, Umeå Plant Sciences Centre, a joint research centre with Umeå University, encompasses areas ranging from plant cell and molecular biology to the ecophysiology of forest trees. USPC combines a top international ranking in basic research with applied research aimed at the forest industry. The research group at USPC involved with the ultrastructure of wood fibers are world leaders in their field.
 
Plant breeding and plant biotechnology at SLU is particularly strong regarding the development of genetic resources for resistance and for plant quality, as well as in the development of genetic markers and other genetic tools.
 
SLU heads a major EU project involving the development of vegetable oils for industrial applications, and has also taken a leading role in research aimed at the tailor-made synthesis of starches in plants.
 
SLU is a world leader in plant biochemical research, which specializes in the identification of the structure of macromolecules with X-ray crystallography.
 
SLU is also involved in development and educational initiatives at an international level within the area of livestock genetic resources. Within animal molecular genetics, in collaboration with Uppsala University, SLU leads the development of new techniques that involve the use of canines as a model species for research on human disease.
 
SLU researchers were among the first in the world to produce spider webs using biotechnology, which is an area of research considered to have many practical applications."
 
(From The Life Sciences and Knowledge for a Sustainable Future, pdf)