Published 2019-10-07

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Mistra funds research on sport, friluftsliv and the environment

Mistra’s new programme on sport, friluftsliv (‘open-air life’ or outdoor activities) and the environment is being assigned to a consortium in which Mid Sweden University is the main contractor. Mistra’s funding for the research will amount to SEK 56 million over four years.

The environmental effects of sport and friluftsliv have received relatively little attention, and new research in the area can provide significant insights and contribute to new alternatives and practices. The research programme will further develop knowledge and understanding of sustainability in the context of sport and friluftsliv, and help to reduce their negative environmental impact.

The programme proposal approved by Mistra was submitted by a research consortium that, besides Mid Sweden University, includes KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the University of Gothenburg, Dalarna University, Chalmers University of Technology, Malmö University, Stockholm University and a number of relevant stakeholders in sport and friluftsliv.

‘It’s an exciting area, where we see great potential for interesting new questions and research results,’ says Åsa Moberg, Programmes Director at Mistra.

The programme will focus on various aspects of sport and friluftsliv, such as transport and mobility, land and water use, materials and equipment, and events. The programme includes a historical perspective, and a focus on changing practices, products, management and governance.

Of the total four-year budget, SEK 70 million, SEK 56m is to come from Mistra and SEK 14m from participating organisations.