Our Themes are currently all busy with organising their final events, (please read more in the article An eventful spring awaits | The Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies) and precisely at the same time, the cycle of our new Themes begins. “Breathless with anticipation”, the coordinators have started the practical planning for all involved researchers to be able to spend one day a week at Pufendorf IAS, starting in September. Here we briefly describe what they will be working on.
Neurotechnologies: Delivering their Responsible Development and Use
Neurotechnology is rapidly evolving, with applications that can influence brain activity and transform how we understand identity, autonomy, and cognitive freedom. This Theme brings together experts in neuroscience, ethics, law, and economics to ensure these technologies are developed and used responsibly.
Coordinators: Kristina Hug (Faculty of Medicine) and Aurelija Lukoševičienė (Faculty of Law)
Next Generation Healthscapes
Hospitals around the world are aging – and not with grace. New ones are being planned, not only here in Lund. This Theme explores how to think about healthscapes for the future. Moving beyond cost-efficiency and technical performance, the Theme want to offer a vision for more compassionate, inclusive, and resilient healthcare environments – built to meet the complex needs of both patients and staff.
Coordinators: Henrik Loodin (Faculty of Social Sciences) and Jonas Borell (Faculty of Engineering, LTH)
Let’s Talk about Swedish Forests: From Polarisation to Sustainable Transition
Forests play a central role in Swedish identity, economy, and environment – but how we talk about them has become increasingly polarised. While some celebrate efficient forestry practices that support exports, others argue current methods harm biodiversity and cultural landscapes. This Theme explores the roots (!) and impacts of this polarisation, from emotional language to conflicting values. The Theme combines ecological, social, and geographical expertise to better understand forest debates and propose practical strategies to reduce tensions.
Coordinators: Fariborz Zelli (Faculty of Social Sciences) and Maria Johansson (Faculty of Engineering, LTH)