From crisis preparedness to health: Researchers shared new knowledge
How can research contribute to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable society? During Researchers’ Night on 24–25 September, visitors had the opportunity to meet researchers from Jönköping University and learn about research adressing new knowledge addressing some of society’s major challenges. The lectures focused on two themes: security and preparedness, and health and well-being.
Researchers’ Night at Jönköping University is part of the European Researchers’ Night initiative, a Europe-wide event that highlights the role of research for society through activities held across Europe during the last week of September each year.
The programme at JU was divided into two days. The first day focused on how society can respond to terrorism, crises, and other challenges. Marco Nilsson, Professor of global studies with a focus on international relations at the School of Education and Communication, spoke about radicalisation and jihadist environments following the fall of ISIS.
Among other topics, he discussed how Swedish authorities and mosques work to counter activities within the Salafi-jihadist environment. He also highlighted how AI is changing the recruitment of jihadists and how the technology enables even smaller jihadist networks to achieve a communications capacity that previously required larger organizations.
Crisis preparedness one of society’s most important challenges
As a guest speaker, Marco invited Emilia Petersson, Advisor at the Swedish Centre for Preventing Violent Extremism. She explained how the organization works to combat terrorist threats, including those posed by young lone-actor offenders.
Joakim Netz, Assistant Professor of Work Organisation at the School of Engineering, spoke about preparedness, sustainability, and competitiveness in relation to today’s societal challenges.
“A great deal is happening in the world right now. Just a few weeks ago, for example, we experienced the hottest August ever recorded. We are also seeing an increase in hybrid threats and attacks. This is something that has been developing over several years, with an intensification in recent months. When these developments occur simultaneously, they serve as a wake-up call. Crisis preparedness is one of society’s most important challenges right now,” says Joakim Netz.
Fia Lindeberg, Executive Assistant at the School of Health and Welfare, found Thursday’s theme inspiring.
Mikael Celinder, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at Jönköping Municipality Rescue Services, also participated in Researchers’ Night and described how the rescue services work daily to strengthen preparedness across the municipality.
One of Thursday’s visitors was Fia Lindeberg, Executive Assistant at the School of Health and Welfare.
“Today’s topic is highly relevant and affects us both personally and professionally, so it is naturally very interesting to learn more about,” she says.
School of Health and Welfare Doctoral Students Presented Their Research
On Friday, the focus shifted to knowledge that can prevent ill health, improve quality of life, and contribute to a socially sustainable society as doctoral students from the School of Health and Welfare presented their research.
Doctoral student Therese Jonsson shared preliminary results from the PhD project “Creating Space for good and close care in residential care homes: Everyday life and care practices. The project aims to understand how residential care homes can be designed to meet the requirements of person-centred and accessible health care while also creating conditions for a meaningful daily life.
Lars Björk, a retiree from Tranås, felt that the themes of both days were rewarding, though in different ways.
“It is valuable that we invite different audiences so that we get a mix of participants. It is rewarding to share research with a broader public. I think my research is something many people can relate to. Most people have an older relative who may be considering moving into residential care,” says Therese Jonsson.
One of the attendees who appreciated both days’ themes was retiree Lars Björk, who had travelled from Tranås to participate.
“I think Thursday’s programme highlighted issues of security and preparedness in a very broad and insightful way. Friday’s programme was especially interesting when you are older yourself,” he says.
Research helps address society’s challenges
Other topics presented during the day included older people’s perspectives on heatwaves in urban environments, how students can contribute to a better school climate, the relationship between sleep apnoea and oral health, and communication about overweight and obesity within child health services.
The short presentations explored health and well-being across different stages of life. A panel discussion was also held on what it is like to pursue a career in research. The day was moderated by Frida Lygnegård, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the School of Health and Welfare, and was organized in collaboration with Science Park Jönköping.
More pictures from the day:
