FAO-SLU meeting on innovation and collaboration
SLU welcomed Vincent Martin, Director of the FAO Office of Innovation, to Ultuna for an afternoon dedicated to deepening collaboration around innovation, sustainability, and science based solutions for global food systems.
The visit showcased how the university’s research, innovation ecosystem, and international programmes contribute to global agricultural transformation.
SLU’s commitment to innovation for people and planet
The meeting opened with remarks from Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel, who emphasised SLU’s responsibility to drive innovation that supports both environmental sustainability and societal well‑being.
”Not all universities have a holding company, and it sets SLU apart. We can offer our researchers the support they need to convert their ideas to something useful for society”, said Maria Knutsson Wedel.
”Not all universities have a holding company, and it sets SLU apart. We can offer our researchers the support they need to convert their ideas to something useful for society”, said Maria Knutsson Wedel.
Vincent Martin emphasised the importance of partnerships between universities and FAO in accelerating transformative change in agriculture and food systems.
”I am happy to be here and to hear how you translate science into practical and useful solutions. I look forward to learning more about your model and exploring how we can deepen our collaborations”, said Vincent Martin.
Turning science into solutions
The programme showcased a range of SLU and SLU Holding AB initiatives, including VentureLab@SLU and GigaCow — all demonstrating how research and entrepreneurship can move from idea to impact. SLU researcher Elisabeth Rajala presented the AgriFoSe2030 approach by showing how the programme bridges scientificresearch with practical, evidence-based solutions for policymakers and smallholder farmers, ensuring that knowledge is translated into real-world impact.
The visit concluded with reflections from Pro Vice-Chancellor Ylva Hillbur, underscoring the value of continued collaboration between SLU, FAO, and Swedish partners.
A warm thank you to all participants from FAO, the Swedish Government Offices, SLU, and SLU Holding for an inspiring and forward‑looking discussion.
Contact
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SLU Global
SLU Global supports SLU's work for global development.
SLU Global
Division of Planning and Research SupportPO Box 7005, SE-750 07 Uppsala
Visiting address: Almas Allé 7
global@slu.se www.slu.se/slu-global
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