The University has received a private donation to the Societal Impact Lab, an arena for research development at Malmö University. The donation, which comes from local resident and former banker Mats Kjaer, will enable greater commitment to social development, enabling the continued development of the Societal Impact Lab.

The lab started in 2024 with five researchers from Malmö University who, for one day a week for ten months, are supported in various ways in the utilisation of their research results. The lab activities are run by experienced process developers and innovation advisors at the University who tailor the programme to the participants and their projects.

The focus is primarily on individual idea development, interspersed with counselling, co-creative activities, workshops, guest lectures and study visits. The aim is for the research results to be implemented and disseminated in society for sustainable long-term social benefit.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the lab and an honour to contribute to the development of society. The leaders are fantastic with their knowledge and experience, they also have important contacts to get the work established outside the university,” says Associate Professor Ylva Holmberg, one of the participants in the lab.

Holmberg teaches music and movement at the teacher training programme and collaborates with colleague Åsa Sahlée, both in her research and in the development of an idea to strengthen preschool children's music making.

Between 2024 and 2027, the Societal Impact Lab is funded by Mau Innovation and a major donation from Swedbank's Ägarstiftelse Skåne.

Read more about the Societal Impact Lab

Text: Communications Department