Strengthening Scotland-Sweden collaboration: University of Uppsala delegation visits UHI campuses for global health discussions
A new chapter in Scotland-Sweden research collaboration unfolded this March as the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) welcomed a delegation from the University of Uppsala, Sweden. The visit, part of the Scottish Government-funded Education Exchange Programme Test & Learn, reinforced joint efforts to tackle global health and environmental challenges.
From 2 to 6 March, the visit brought together researchers, healthcare professionals and regional development leaders from Scotland and Sweden, strengthening collaboration across key sectors. The exchange builds upon ongoing work between the UHI partnership and the University of Uppsala, focusing on ‘One Health’—a multidisciplinary approach addressing the interconnected health of humans, animals and the environment.
The visit featured a series of strategic discussions across campuses in Thurso, Dornoch and Inverness, focusing on regional development and innovation. In Thurso, the delegation met with regional development and enterprise leaders, staff and research teams at UHI North, West and Hebrides to explore key topics such as One Health, water pollution, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
University of Uppsala delegates visit to the Engineering, Technology and Energy Centre at UHI North, West and Hebrides Thurso campus with Adrian Mackay, Engineering Curriculum Leader.
The University of Uppsala has a campus on the Baltic Island of Gotland and the visit also allowed opportunity to discuss specific challenges and common interests in sustainability, tourism, culture and heritage. In a visit to UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Dornoch campus, the group also met with staff and students from the golf degree programmes.
Much of the programme was directed at coupling interests in human health and environmental quality. The delegation engaged with the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Association (SULSA), with UHI and NHS researchers at the Life Sciences Innovation Centre in Inverness to discuss sustainable pharmaceutical practices and innovative healthcare solutions.
University of Uppsala delegates exploring Dunnet beach in Caithness.
The visit concluded at UHI House in Inverness by laying the foundation for long-term collaboration. Discussions focused on securing funding, expanding PhD opportunities, and formalising partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring lasting impact for both institutions across a range of disciplines.
Professor Stuart Gibb, Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange at UHI North, West and Hebrides, talking to delegates at the Life Sciences Innovation Centre, Inverness.
Professor Stuart Gibb, Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange at UHI North, West and Hebrides, commented on the recent visit:
“Strengthening our partnership with the University of Uppsala demonstrates UHI’s dedication to international collaboration. By working together, we can drive research that improves public health, protects the environment, and fosters sustainable innovation for future generations."
Professor Bjorn Wettermark, Professor of pharmacoepidemiology at University of Uppsala, talking to delegates at the Life Sciences Innovation Centre, Inverness.
Professor Bjorn Wettermark, Professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Uppsala, commented on the recent visit:
“Our trip to the Highlands was really inspirational and has given us many ideas for research, education and multi-professional collaboration around sustainable development. The Highlands share many similarities with the island of Gotland, but there is also a much wider potential with this Scottish-Swedish collaboration and we look forward to further developing a partnership with UHI.”
The partnership will continue through joint research initiatives, funding proposals, and student exchange opportunities, ensuring that Scotland and Sweden remain at the forefront of sustainable healthcare innovation.