About us
Welcome to the Agenda 2030 Graduate School, dedicated to addressing societal challenges in line with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are training young researchers who will help advance research and knowledge on the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
The Graduate School's activities are based on the premise that interdisciplinarity is essential to address today's societal challenges, including achieving sustainable development within the framework of the UN Global Development Goals. Doctoral students from all faculties of the University are involved. Doctoral students are enrolled in a research programme in each faculty and participate in the interdisciplinary doctoral courses and activities organised by the Graduate School.
Both courses and many activities are also open to other doctoral students at the University to further disseminate knowledge on sustainable development.
Our vision
Our primary goal is to educate and empower young scientists to address the challenges inherent in the 2030 Agenda. By fostering collaboration, scientific development and research initiatives, we aim to make a significant contribution to advancing knowledge and understanding of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our vision is outlined in three key points:
- A world-class, interdisciplinary and innovative graduate school
- A school that educates world-leading scientists who can address the multiple challenges inherent in the Sustainable Development Goals
- A graduate school which contributes to advancing the sustainability research and knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
International recognition
Lund University is internationally recognised as a leader in sustainability. In the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability (2024), the university was ranked third in the world out of over 1,750 institutions – second in Europe and first in Sweden. This recognition reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to addressing global challenges through research, education, and collaboration – a mission that is embodied in the Agenda 2030 Graduate School.
Our background
In 2018, Lund University established funding for a graduate school dedicated to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This funding includes PhD student positions with 2030 Agenda-connected research projects, course development, and seminars fostering scientific development.
In 2019, the first 17 PhD students were recruited to the graduate school. They come from all faculties of the university and their areas of research vary, but are all related to one or more SDGs. By securing additional funding in 2021, we have reaffirmed our commitment to shaping the next generation of scientists dedicated to addressing the challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda. A further 13 PhD students were recruited.
In early 2025, the Agenda 2030 Graduate School welcomed 13 new PhD candidates from seven faculties, further expanding the scope of its interdisciplinary research efforts. Unlike previous cohorts, these candidates were not newly employed but were instead selected from existing PhD students at Lund University, adding their ongoing research to the program.
The introduction of this new cohort marks a significant step in the graduate school's ongoing efforts to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and research. With 31 active PhD candidates and 12 alumni, the Agenda 2030 Graduate School continues to contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable development and the challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda.
Read more about the sustainability ranking
Read more about the PhD students and the alumni