Prime Minister visits SLU in Alnarp – focus on research for future food security
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited SLU Alnarp on October 8 to learn more about research that strengthens Sweden’s preparedness and contributes to a sustainable food system. During the visit, he saw how SLU is developing robust and resilient crops for future food production.
The visit began with a tour of the horticultural collections, where Robert Wenglen, Chair of Lomma Municipal Executive Committee, took part in welcoming the Prime Minister. Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel and Dean Christina Lunner Kolstrup then welcomed the guests and presented SLU’s activities and initiatives in plant breeding, including SLU Grogrund, a national centre for crop improvement.
“As Vice-Chancellor, I am pleased that the Prime Minister recognises the importance of research and education for Sweden’s food security. Our researchers and students contribute knowledge and innovations that strengthen the entire food system – from plant breeding to sustainable production and preparedness for future crises. Today, we had the opportunity to show the Prime Minister some concrete examples of this,” says Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel.
The programme continued with a visit to the Biotron, a state-of-the-art research facility where plants can be studied under controlled climate conditions. Aakash Chawade, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Dean responsible for research infrastructure, presented several ongoing research projects. Alexandra Nikolic, Head of the Cultivation Unit, and Ramesh Vetukuri, researcher and development leader for the Biotron, demonstrated how the facility is used to develop plants with greater resistance to diseases and stress. Five of SLU’s doctoral students from different disciplines also presented their projects in poster format.
During the visit, the Prime Minister also met representatives from several of SLU’s student unions.