Top Stockholm Universities Launch SEK 50 Million Climate and Health Centre

Three major Stockholm universities have launched a new research initiative named Spira. Karolinska Institutet, KTH, and Stockholm University lead this project. The Swedish research council Formas funds Spira with 50 million Swedish kronor. The funding covers the period from 2026 to 2030. It aims to protect public health as the climate changes.

Spira focuses directly on everyday urban life in Stockholm. Researchers will study how heatwaves affect vulnerable medical patients. They will help local healthcare systems prepare for extreme weather. The centre will also work to design healthier residential areas. Another project involves improving food environments for local children and youth.

Petter Ljungman leads the new science centre. He is an associate professor at Karolinska Institutet. He also works as a cardiologist at Danderyd Hospital. Key partners include Region Stockholm and the Public Health Agency of Sweden. International organizations such as UNICEF are also participating in the initiative.