We congratulate Professor Sofia Boqvist!

Professor Sofia Boqvist, deputy programme director for AgriFoSe2030, works with veterinary public health, focusing on infections that spread through food or between animals and humans, known as zoonoses. Her research looks at aspects of risks and risk management through the food chain, and includes exploring how infections spread and the actions that can be taken to prevent this. Sofia Boqvist also examines how we can modernise food inspections and work to improve the shelf life of food to reduce waste. 

The communication and engagement team in AgriFoSe2030 got the chance to ask some questions. 

Congratulations Sofia! How does it feel to be a professor of veterinary public health?

- I feel truly happy and honoured to have been appointed professor in such an important field as veterinary public health. It connects animal and human health in many ways, for example, through food safety, antibiotic resistance, and diseases that can spread between animals and humans (zoonotic diseases). I’ve been researching these topics for several decades, and it is incredibly stimulating and challenging at the same time. There are many interesting public health issues to address, for example connected to urbanisation, food waste, food security, and nutrition.

What does this mean to you?

- On a personal level, I feel deeply honoured. Being a researcher means following your inner drive and passion for a subject, but the effort you put in isn’t always visible or acknowledged. Becoming a professor feels like recognition, from both the university and society, that my work has made a difference.

It also means I have a stronger platform and greater influence in my field, both at my university and in broader contexts. This applies to research, education, and the application of research in practice—for example, through my work with AgriFoSe2030.

Tell us a little about the project you are currently involved in.

- I am involved in several research projects focusing on food safety and the challenges of urbanisation and production of animal sourced foods. One example is a project we’re running together with Makerere University in Uganda. The overall goal of this project is to improve public health by reducing the spread of antimicrobial-resistant zoonotic infections in urban livestock production systems. More specifically, we’re investigating the presence and diversity of AMR (antimicrobial resistance) Campylobacter strains in poultry in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

The future – how can this open up for new opportunities?

- I will work to ensure this creates opportunities for new research collaborations and increases the chances of securing external funding. The competition for research funding is intense.

Is there anything you want to achieve as professor?

- I am passionate about educating the next generation of researchers and will continue supporting PhD students, undergraduate students, and early-career researchers. I also want my research results to contribute to improved food security and better health.

Thank you Sofia, and once again, congratulations!