Lund University participated in the U21 Global Research and Senior Leaders’ Meeting 2025, hosted by the University of Johannesburg from 5–7 November. The theme of the event “Universities as Global Anchors: Trust, Value, and Equitable Progress”, brought together senior leaders and research leaders from across the U21 network to examine how universities can strengthen public trust, demonstrate societal value, and advance equitable progress through international collaboration.
Representing Lund University management were Per Mickwitz, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Sustainability and Campus Development, and Victor Öwall, Pro Vice-Chancellor for research infrastructure, PhD-education, IT and external engagement. They contributed to strategic dialogues on research leadership and global engagement. Also attending were Richard Stenelo, Director of Global Engagement, and John Phillips, Research Funding Advisor.
Nature Positive Coalition – getting the metrics right
A key discussion focused on the U21 Nature Positive Coalition, which brings together several member universities to support global efforts to halt and reverse the biodiversity loss by 2050. The coalition collaborates with the Nature Positive Initiative to test and refine “State of Nature” metrics designed to measure biodiversity outcomes – especially in emerging biodiversity markets – ensuring that nature-positive claims are credible, equitable, and scientifically robust.
“For U21 and the participating universities, this project is an experiment in how a global network of universities can work together with global networks of companies and investors, international conservation organisations, and parts of the UN. If the project succeeds in these ambitions, it could pave the way for similar initiatives in other areas,” says Per Mickwitz, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Lund University.
With three days of high-level sessions, networking, and cultural exchange, the meeting emphazised U21’s role in scaling collaborative research that delivers trust, value, and equitable progress.
Learn more about the U21 Nature Positive Coalition – universitas21.com
