Projects within Interdisciplinary Academy (IDA)

Interdisciplinary Academy (IDA) at SLU started in 2022 and is running for the fourth time in 2025/2026. Find out more here about ongoing and completed projects within IDA.

Grazing cows on green grassland. Photo.
IDA 4

New pathways to sustainable milk through interdisciplinary research

How can Swedish milk production become more sustainable – for climate, soil, and animals? One of the two IDA projects 2025/2026 explores whether agroecology could be the key to building more resilient and fair food systems.

A group of people standing on a hill. Photo.
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Interdisciplinary approaches to ecosystem restoration

As Europe works to restore its natural environments, researchers at SLU are exploring new ways to reconnect ecosystems and people. By linking ecology, society and culture, they aim to create landscapes that are both resilient and meaningful.

Some people are walking around in a big greenhouse. Photo.
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Urban food production requires interdisciplinary collaboration

Rooftop greenhouses can provide cities with fresh food, reduce overheating and recycle resources. A collaboration within the Interdisciplinary Academy at SLU has explored how the technology can work in Sweden and what lessons can be learned from European pioneers.

A creek in the forest. Photo.
IDA 2

Nature is better managed with interdisciplinary approaches

The field of natural resource management involves managing the interactions between humans and natural landscapes. “By examining the issue from five different disciplinary perspectives, we achieved a completely new level of understanding,” says Elisabeth Bolund.

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A Journey into Multifunctional Landscapes

The theme of one of the two IDA groups in 2022/2023 was multifunctional landscapes. The group enthusiastically explored different creative methods to better understand each other's perspectives and look at multifunctionality from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Five persons in front of a shrubbery in autumn colors. Photo.
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Assumptions and values influence research

Lack of reflection and dialogue might hamper progress in sustainable agriculture research. A research group from IDA has analysed research on agricultural sustainability from a broader interdisciplinary perspective.

A red building surrounded by greenery with a pond in the foreground. Photo.

About Interdisciplinary Academy (IDA)

The core of IDA is interdisciplinary research groups that for eight months get the opportunity to develop their ability to work interdisciplinary together and in an inspiring environment.