Director's Word
The past year has been both demanding and rewarding for LUCSUS. Embedded in a broader context of increasing political and societal instability and intensifying environmental challenges, academic organisations such as LUCSUS are increasingly expected to demonstrate their relevance and impact amid declining public trust and changing political priorities. Against this backdrop, my second year as Director has been a continued period of learning, adaptation, and commitment to the unique structure and values that define LUCSUS as an engaged, collaborative, and successful academic centre.
A major highlight of the year was the celebration of LUCSUS’ 25th anniversary in late September. This milestone brought together students, staff, University leadership, alumni, longstanding collaborators, and potential new collaboration partners. The celebration provided an opportunity to mark a significant moment in our history and to reflect on LUCSUS’ role in addressing urgent sustainability issues. The presentations and discussions of the day demonstrated the continued relevance of our work, built over the past decades, and the directions forward for sustainability science.
In August, we saw an important milestone in education with the launch of the Climate Change and Society Inter-national Master’s Programme (LUCAS). This programme strengthens LUCSUS’ international profile and equips students with interdisciplinary perspectives on climate change as a social, political, and ethical challenge. LUCAS builds on the existing educational strengths of LUCSUS and reflects our commitment to academically rigorous, socially engaged teaching. Thanks to all who have made this programme happen.
We also received an early holiday gift for 2025 with the release of the QS World University Rankings in Sustainability, placing Lund University number one among approximately 2,000 universities worldwide. The recognition is not merely a testament to Lund University’s academic excellence, but, more importantly, it highlights LUCSUS’ longstanding commitment as a novel centre.
Our research activities remained strong throughout the year. In addition to the ongoing research projects at the centre, staff secured new project funding to support innovative research initiatives in an increasingly competitive funding environment.
Several PhD defences took place, marking significant achievements for the candidates and highlighting LUCSUS’s support for early-career researchers. These milestones are the result of our “village” effort, involving supervisors, colleagues, and administrative staff, and demonstrate the societal relevance of our research.
Organisationally, 2025 was shaped by ongoing discussions and work regarding LUCSUS’ possible reorganisation within the Social Sciences Faculty. These efforts will continue. There is a recognition that the process creates uncertainty among staff, requiring patience, openness, and a sharper focus on what LUCSUS wants to be in the future.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic. While multiple external pressures on the organisation remain, I am confident that, together, we will continue to navigate these challenges and thrive as a leading centre for sustainability research, education, and societal impact.
/Barry Ness