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Researchers from various disciplines came together in Umeå in June to discuss their work related to tree ring research (photo: Anne Honsel).
From 15 to 20 June, tree rings were in focus in Umeå during the international TRACE 2025 conference. Around 150 researchers and students from archaeology, climatology and ecology gathered to exchange knowledge and methodologies for tree ring analysis while enjoying the long Swedish summer days.
Read more: Tree rings build cross-disciplinary bridges at TRACE 2025 in Umeå
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Always fascinated by microbes, Tinkara Bizjak-Johansson investigated bacterial and fungal communities in boreal forests during her PhD in Annika Nordin's research group (photo: Anne Honsel).
Microbes like bacteria and fungi are all around us, yet we rarely notice them. Tinkara Bizjak-Johansson studied microbial communities in boreal forests and showed that fertilisation shifts fungal community composition in the soil but does not affect nitrogen-fixing bacteria in conifer needles.
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Jian-Feng Mao led the international team that developed the new long non-coding RNA analysis tool (photo: Mattias Pettersson, Umeå University).
An international research team, led by Jian-Feng Mao, have developed PlantLncBoost, a new computational tool that helps to identify long non-coding RNAs in plants. These RNAs are crucial for numerous biological processes but differ a lot between different plant species. PlantLncBoost addresses this challenge with very high accuracy offering new possibilities for genomic studies in plants. These findings were recently published in the journal New Phytologist.
Read more: New computational tool helps to identify long non-coding RNAs
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Laura Bacete Cano studies how plants perceive and maintain their cell walls, especially during growth, development and in response to environmental stress. Photo: Mattias Pettersson, Umeå University
She wants to help shape the academic environment and highlight the importance of research in plant cell and molecular biology. Laura Bacete Cano, Assistant Professor at Umeå University and group leader at Umeå Plant Science Centre, is one of eight new members that have been elected to the Young Academy of Sweden. In her new role, she will actively engage in research policy discussions, outreach towards young people and other activities the academy is involved in.
Read more: Laura Bacete Cano becomes a member of the Young Academy of Sweden
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Olivier Keech and his collaborators will use microorganisms to turn organic waste into animal feed (photo: Anne Honsel).
What if leftovers of organic materials could become valuable feed for animals? A new research project, led by Olivier Keech, is addressing this question and aims at developing circular solutions for more sustainable and efficient food systems. With generous support from the Kamprad Family Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Research & Charity, the team wants to transform residues from the forest and food industries into high-quality animal feed by combining fermentation and pelleting techniques.
Read more: New project aims to turn residues into high-quality animal feed
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At the ceremony last Friday, SLU's vice chancellor Maria Knutson (left) officially inaugurated Totte Niittylä (right) as professor at SLU (photo: Jenny Svennås-Gillner, SLU).
Last week, Totte Niittylä was officially inaugurated as Professor of Plant Physiology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The inauguration ceremony took place on May 8 and 9 at SLU’s Ultuna campus in Uppsala. It was part of the university’s annual academic celebration welcoming new professors.
Read more: Tracking carbon in trees - Totte Niittylä inaugurated as Professor at SLU
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Taking the next step in an academic careers: Peter Kindgren (left) and Peter Marhavý (right) have delivered their docent lecture at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (photo: Anne Honsel).
The decision has not yet been made, but the final requirement has been fulfilled: the two UPSC group leaders, Peter Kindgren and Peter Marhavý, have delivered their docent lectures this week. The appointment as a docent is the next step in an academic career following the PhD. It shows that the candidates have significantly developed their academic expertise, demonstrated their scientific independence, and proved that they are capable of acting as principal supervisors.
Read more: Curiosity and the ongoing sense of discovery drive their motivation
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Jun Yu (left), Maria E. Eriksson (middle) and Bertold Mariën (right) are discussing their collaboration project in IceLab (photo: Gabrielle Beans, IceLab).
A new study from Umeå University has revealed that the trees’ circadian clock guides their growth and the timing of seasonal events like the appearance of leaves in spring. The researchers investigated the growth of genetically modified poplars in greenhouse and field conditions, combining statistical learning and plant biology methods. Their findings suggest that adjusting clock-associated genes could help trees better synchronize with changing climates, offering new opportunities for forestry.
Read more: Adjusting trees' internal clocks can help them cope with climate change
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Several group leaders from UPSC shared their experiences with the participants of the symposium at a panel discussion highlighting different academic journeys (photo: Anne Honsel).
End of March, the UPSC Early Career Plant Scientists Symposium took place. Six talented young researchers from around the globe were visiting UPSC, presented their research and got to know the research environment. Feedback from the participants highlighted the welcoming atmosphere and the stimulating interactions with group leaders and postdoctoral researchers.
Read more: UPSC Early Career Plant Scientists Symposium receives positive feedback from participants
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Chile is like Sweden a country with extreme climate zones. Photo: Maria E Eriksson.
In January 2026, researchers from Sweden and Chile will meet in Concepción, Chile, for the ACCESS Forum 2026. The aim is to foster networking and exchange between researchers from both countries, with focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development goals. One of the participating scientists is Maria E. Eriksson from UPSC and Umeå University. Together with Luisa Bascuñán from Universidad de Concepción, she will lead the research theme “Resilient plants for the future: Lessons learned from challenging environments” and organise a workshop.
Read more: Fostering International Collaboration for Sustainable Development