Animals and nature for human health

Research investigating how animals and nature affect human health is conducted at several SLU departments and spans various research areas. Here, we present a selection of current projects and publications in the field.

A selection of projects, publications and research groups

Animals, nature and human health

A selection of scientific publications by SLU researchers from the SLU publication database (SLUpub) on how animals and nature influence human health.
Visit SLUpub to explore our scientific publications

Anthrozoology

How do animals affect us – and how do we affect them? Researchers at SLU study the interactions between humans and animals.
More about the research group (in Swedish)

Forest and health

Researchers at SLU conduct interdisciplinary research on how animals and nature affect human health.
More about the research group
Watch webinars, films and other recordings

#1: Urban Health – Diverse perspectives on health in urban settings

How can we understand the term Urban Healthscapes? Watch the recorded Urban Health webinar, aiming to bring together diverse perspectives on health in urban settings. Organisers: SLU Future One Health and SLU Urban Futures.

Humans and their animal companions - comparisons in health and disease

Professor Bodil Ström Holst talks about how we are affected by similar diseases and how we humans are affected when our animals become ill. The lecture is in English.

Social service dogs

Social service dogs can make a valuable contribution to society. The webinar provides examples of their impact and practical tips for those involved in procuring dog teams (in Swedish).

Read/download reports and other related materials
Report cover. Image.
Report

Social working service dogs

What is a social service dog? What tasks do these dogs perform, and how might their welfare be affected by their work? Read the report to find out.

Cover of a policy brief. Image.
POLICY BRIEF

Animal-assisted interventions for children’s mental wellbeing

At Uppsala Health Summit 2021, one focus was how animal-assisted interventions can support children facing mental health challenges in school – with insights and policy recommendations.