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Maria Jansson, Luleå University of Technology and Danielle Woodhouse Johnson, Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity 

ImageStaffan Westerlund

On 22 May, Luleå University of Technology and the Support Office for Life Science and Health project welcomed an international delegation from George Washington University and the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity leadership program. During the visit, researchers and health experts from around the world and northern Sweden came together to share knowledge, experiences and solutions relating to one of the major challenges of our time – health equity.

Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity is a global leadership program that equips health professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand and address health inequalities. Participants come from a range of sectors – healthcare, the public sector, academia and civil society – and are united by a shared commitment to creating fairer societies. The program includes a one-year fellowship and continues thereafter as a lifelong network of so-called Senior Fellows from more than 30 countries.

The visit to Luleå formed part of a thematic study tour in Sweden focusing on sustainability, innovation and collaboration. Sweden is highlighted as an interesting example due to its ongoing work in areas such as equitable healthcare, gender equality and climate transition.

During the day at Luleå University of Technology, participants were introduced to current research from both the university and Region Norrbotten. The program covered a wide range of topics – from nature-based health and accessible outdoor environments to mental health, cardiovascular prevention and digital innovations in primary care. Presentations included studies on COVID-19-related mortality among people with mental ill health, children’s physical activity habits and the health of young Sámi people, as well as the development of AI-supported tools to improve diagnostics in rural and remote areas.

– The visit is an important opportunity to showcase the research and collaboration taking place in northern Sweden, while also allowing us to learn from international experiences, says Maria Jansson, Collaboration Strategist at Luleå University of Technology, who opened the day.

The delegation consisted of professionals from across the globe with broad expertise in global health and health equity issues. It included doctors, researchers, policy experts and social entrepreneurs working to improve health outcomes in different parts of the world.

– The visit to Luleå University of Technology provided valuable insight into how research and collaboration in northern Sweden contribute to the development of more equitable and sustainable health systems, says Anna Helm, PhD, Faculty Director, GW-CIBER, and Associate Teaching Professor of International Business at George Washington University.

The meeting created a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on how research, innovation and collaboration can contribute to more equitable health systems – both locally and globally. At the same time, the visit strengthened Luleå University of Technology’s international collaborations and position within the fields of health and sustainable societal development.