Nature – species and environment

At SLU, we develop knowledge about the environment and ecosystems. Interested in biodiversity, red-listed and invasive species, ecology, climate, nature conservation or the follow-up of environmental objectives? Find your way into SLU’s work in this field.

Erik Öckinger

Contact an expert or find a collaboration partner

Eddie von Wachenfeldt is the coordinator of the environmental monitoring programme Biodiversity. Contact him or other experts in the field of nature.

Knowledge bank: Nature

Research: Nature

Departments: Nature

  • Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment

    We develop knowledge about environmental changes and their causes through research, education, and environmental analysis. The department takes a broad and interdisciplinary approach to water issues, focusing on monitoring, understanding, and contributing to improved quality in Sweden’s aquatic environments.
  • Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies

    We generate knowledge supporting the sustainable use of natural resources in a changing world. Our work enhances the understanding of interactions between plants, animals and humans across the globe.
  • Department of Molecular Sciences

    Revealing the molecular mechanisms of biologically relevant processes.
  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

    We answer questions about how agriculture and forestry can be conducted in a world with changing climate. Key themes include forest and plant pathology as well as nutrient and carbon cycling in agricultural and forest ecosystems.
  • Department of Soil and Environment

    Our research seeks knowledge about the interaction between man, soil, plant and the surrounding environment in forest and agricultural landscapes as well as urban environments. We collect, analyse and report data on the state of the environment.
  • Department of Forest Resource Management

    The department prioritises multilateral cooperation, bringing together expertise from diverse research groups. This creates unique opportunities to develop holistic solutions for the sustainable use of natural resources.
  • Department of Economics

    At the Department of Economics, we conduct research and teaching in business administration and economics with applications to sustainability, food, agriculture, and natural resources.
  • Department of Ecology

    Climate change, biodiversity loss and competition for land are putting growing pressure on ecosystems – and on us, who depend on them. Ecological knowledge has never been more vital than it is today. We develop solutions for sustainable agriculture and forestry, plant protection with fewer toxins and effective conservation and wildlife management.
  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management

    Our mission is to advance scientific understanding of forest ecosystems and the underlying ecological processes, while refining evidence-based principles for their sustainable and effective management.
  • Department of Energy and Technology

    The Department of Energy and Technology conducts research and education on agriculture’s role in a sustainable society. Our expertise includes technologies and systems for sustainable food and bioenergy production, optimal nutrient cycles, and logistics systems.

Collaborative centers: Nature

  • SLU Wildlife Damage Center

    SLU Wildlife Damage Centre (WDC) is a national center for knowledge about wildlife, wildlife damages and society. Our mission is to reduce negative impacts on human livelihoods caused by protected wildlife species, with particular emphasis on large carnivores, common cranes, geese, and swans. We work with:
  • Swedish Centre for Nature Interpretation, SCNI

    - a meeting place, a centre for development and a competence resource for all nature interpreters in Sweden.
  • Higher education institutions' climate network

    Together we work for a better climate
  • SLU and the Baltic Sea Science Center

    Interested in the Baltic Sea? Discover all about it at the Baltic Sea Science Center (BSSC) at Skansen, Stockholm, or join our digital events. SLU proudly contributes to the content of the exhibitions and the aquariums.
  • SLU Fältforsk

    SLU Fältforsk is a joint body between the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and external stakeholders in the agricultural sector. SLU Fältforsk's main tasks are to coordinate the planning of national field research and the processing of results, as well as to ensure the quality of methods and techniques used both in the field and in laboratories.
  • Trees for the future

    In 2026, T4F starts a new program phase "phase IV" and the research coordinator group around program leader Michael Gundale has written a new research plan. Read the new plan and see also what happened during program phase III below.
  • SLU Swedish Biodiversity Centre, CBM

    A centre for research on biodiversity as a critical issue for societal development. We initiate, conduct, and coordinate research, investigations, and communication activities aimed at conserving, restoring, and sustainably using biodiversity.
  • SLU Centre for Biological Control

    We contribute to the development of new knowledge concerning the use of living organisms to control pests and diseases.