Stockholm Trio strengthens collaboration with UCL
Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University, has signed a Letter of Intent with University College London (UCL). The new agreement aims to expand research collaboration between the universities, initially focusing on sustainability, the climate crisis, and mental health.
Geraint Rees, UCL; Clas Hättestrand,Stockholm University; Martin Bergö, Karolinska Institutet and Stefan Östlund, KTH meeting in Stockholm for the signing of the agreement. Photo: Theresia Jatta Kölin
The signing of the agreement took place at KTH during a UCL delegation visit to Stockholm 17 February 2025, led by Professor Geraint Rees, UCL’s Vice-Provost for Research, Innovation & Global Engagement.
“This agreement reinforces our dedication to global collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time,” said Professor Rees. “By working with our esteemed partners in the University Alliance Stockholm Trio, we can leverage our collective expertise to drive impactful research in sustainability, climate change, mental health, and more.”
Representing Stockholm Trio at the signing were vice presidents from Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University.
Stefan Östlund, Vice President for International Relations at KTH Royal Institute of Technology stated:
“At KTH, we look forward to deepening collaboration and strengthening ties between Stockholm Trio and UCL. By harnessing the partnership’s diversity and excellence we can address some of the most complex challenges our societies face.”
Clas Hättestrand, Vice President at Stockholm University, echoed this sentiment:
”We are very pleased that, by signing this agreement, we can join forces with Karolinska Institutet, KTH, and UCL to tackle some of today's most pressing global challenges. Together, we can reach further.”
Martin Bergö, Vice President at Karolinska Institutet added:
“Our long-standing collaboration and joint publication record with UCL have built a strong foundation for this partnership. With our collective expertise, we are better equipped to address complex issues, such as the climate crisis. Also, through our shared efforts in securing EU funding, we aim to enhance student, doctoral, and teacher mobility, which will benefit academic exchange and deepen the collaboration.”
Clas Hättestrand,Stockholm University; Martin Bergö, Karolinska Institutet; Geraint Rees, UCL and Stefan Östlund, KTH signing the agreement at KTH. Photo: Theresia Jatta Kölin
Advancing interdisciplinary research and cross-border collaboration
The Letter of Intent (LoI) builds upon strong existing research links between Stockholm Trio and UCL and extends the legacy of the UCL Cities Partnership Programme, which focused on the city of Stockholm from 2020 to 2023. The LoI underscores the shared commitment of Stockholm Trio and UCL to advance interdisciplinary and cross-border research and education and provides a framework for activities during the partnerships developmental phase, which may include:
- Workshops supporting applications for EU grants;
- Institutional support of workshops and joint scholarship projects in areas such as food security, sustainable aviation, and other areas relating to the climate crisis;
- Exploring further research areas for engagement, starting with mental health of children and young people;
- Exploring further collaboration in education, for example mobility initiatives.
In April 2025 researchers from Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and UCL will convene for a research workshop in London, further advancing the universities’ collaborative efforts.
About Stockholm Trio and UCL
Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University together form a world-leading academic environment offering collaborative opportunities across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including medicine, law, architecture, engineering sciences and technology, the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and more.
University College London (UCL) is a world-leading institution known for its research, teaching, and innovation excellence across a broad spectrum of disciplines. As London’s Global University, UCL fosters a diverse academic environment that spans medicine, law, architecture, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and more. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally, UCL champions independent thought, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to tackling real-world challenges.
Read more
UCL Grand Challenges
External link, opens in new window.
Sustainable UCL External link, opens in new window.
One KI for Sustainable development
External link.
KTH Sustainability External link, opens in new window.
Stockholm University Sustainability External link, opens in new window.