In Memory of Uno Svedin
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Uno Svedin on Friday, 30 January 2026. Uno was a pioneer in transdisciplinary science, whose work spanned multiple dimensions of sustainability and resilience, with a special focus on systems, agriculture, and urban issues. He was a true systems thinker, who held a deep philosophical perspective on systems analysis. As we remember this remarkable scientist, we would like to honor his contributions to IIASA’s research community and to highlight the significance of his work.
Uno Svedin was a dedicated supporter of IIASA and previously held the position of Secretary of the Swedish National Member Organization. Throughout his life, he also held many other reputable positions, including: International Director at the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas); Professor at Linköping University and later Stockholm University; Senior Researcher at Stockholm Resilience Centre; Chair (and earlier Board Member) of the EU Consultative Forum on Sustainability and the Environment; Chair (and earlier Board Member) of the International Group of Funding Agencies in Global Change Research (IGFA); Board Member at the European Agricultural Research Initiative (EURAGRI); and Member of the Foresight Advisory Board (FAB) for the EU CHIST-ERA research program, among others.
He made major contributions to transdisciplinary science. He was an author and co-author of multiple internationally renowned and influential articles, which helped to establish sustainability science as a distinct research discipline and ensure its rapid expansion. In 2010, he was awarded Doctor honoris causa by Linköping University, with special reference to the promotion of interdisciplinary research in Sweden and internationally.
As we grieve his passing, we also reflect with gratitude on the enduring mark Uno left on IIASA and on the broader global effort to strengthen sustainability and environmental research. His influence continues through the many colleagues, students, and collaborators he inspired, and through the forward-thinking ideas he brought into the scientific community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him and sharing in his commitment to building a more sustainable world.