
Hosted by Lund University · EN

EU funding is a huge asset to research at Lund University, but for many researchers - especially those who are or were recently students - it can be an obtuse system to understand and a daunting prospect to navigate the requirements and expectations that come with funding applications. Fortunately, researchers at Lund University don't have to go it alone, and help is on hand to ensure that they can understand the EU funding framework and keep working on important, cutting-edge research. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere dives into the EU funding ecosystem, speaking to two guests from Lund University's Research Services: Rickard Eksten and John Phillips. Together they discuss their work at Research Services, the support they offer to researchers in crafting funding bids, the role that EU funding plays in furthering research at Lund University, and much more.

Exchange studies at Lund University can be a great way to get a taste of living and studying in Sweden - but how is it for the students who decide to take on a full Master's programme here afterwards, and what encouraged them to come back? In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere speaks to three current international students who previously undertook either an exchange or a previous degree at Lund: Elena from Indonesia, studying the Master's in Service Management (Retailing and Consumption); Fei from China, studying the Master's in Management; Freja from Denmark, studying the Master's in Literature - Culture - Media (English Literature). Together they discuss why they first chose to come to Lund, how their experience made an impression, and what key factors contributed to them ultimately coming back for more.

Lund University was ranked #1 in the world in the QS World University Rankings (Sustainability) 2026. But what does this actually mean for the students studying at Lund? In this special episode of the Lund University International Podcast, we find out directly from five current and former LU international students, who discuss the many ways in which sustainability touches their daily lives, their studies, and their unfolding careers. Many thanks to our host, Megan Phillips, and to panelists Leonie Feick, Fabio Cavaliere, Sayedatun Nesa Sumaia, and Freja Jepsen. This episode was filmed in front of a live audience as part of Lund Sustainability Week 2026, and took place at Lund's Stadshallen on 16 April 2026.

For the international students looking to build practical skills and network during their time at Lund University, there are plenty of opportunities - you just need to know where to look! In this episode, host Timothy Parker speaks to two current international students who have been packing their schedules with practical experiences: Leonie, from Germany, currently studying the Bachelor's programme in Biomedicine, and Sumaia, from Bangladesh, studying the Master's programme in Molecular Biology: Microbiology and Biotechnology. Together they discuss everything to do with their practical experiences: from exchange studies to the UK, tutoring, and summer schools, to an Erasmus+ internship in Norway and participation in the Naturvetarna national student congress. They give tips on finding practical opportunities, preparing for exchange or internships abroad, and their tips for any incoming students looking to make the most of their time in Lund.

Writing a thesis is a well-known part of most degree programmes, but how does it actually work at Lund University, and what's it like to grapple with such a large project? In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Corporate Communications) speaks to two guests about their thesis experiences: Megan Phillips, who graduated from the Master's programme in Applied Cultural Analysis in June 2025, and Julia Hampel, a current student and returning graduate whose thesis for her MSc Environmental Management and Policy will be her third at Lund University. Together they discuss what it's like to write a thesis, from the support and supervision they received, tips on staying motivated, the highs and lows of the project, and that all-important feeling when it's finally submitted.

Accessing healthcare when you need it can be a daunting prospect as a new international student in Sweden, with concerns understandably ranging from where to go and who to speak to, the cost, and how much it might impact your studies if you require prolonged medical care. In this episode we aim to clarify these things and reassure incoming international students, as host Leonie (a current student of BA Biomedicine) speaks to Sumaia, a current student who underwent major surgery for a serious heart problem. Sumaia shares her story, from first contact via the healthcare website and app 1177.se, to consultations with doctors and specialists and her eventual surgery and recovery. Plus, they discuss the academic support Sumaia received from the University to enable her to continue her studies while prioritising her health, and how international students benefit from subsidised public healthcare in Sweden, keeping costs capped to an affordable amount per year.For more information about healthcare as a student at Lund University, check out our website: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/current-students/healthcare

For international students looking beyond graduation to their future career prospects, Lund and the surrounding Skåne region can be an attractive option for jobseeking, offering an international environment, strong links to Lund University, and a high standard of living. But what are the prospects for students looking to stay in Lund and find work? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) speaks to Ronja Karvinen from Finland (BSc Development Studies and MSc Human Ecology) and Laura Vega from Colombia (MSc Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science), two recent LU graduates who are now working in Lund. Ronja now works for the local Lund municipality as a Student Coordinator and Project Leader, while Laura works as a Project Manager for Circle Centre Lund.Together they discuss what they're working with now, how they found their jobs, and how their studies prepared them for their careers. Plus, they consider how necessary it is to learn Swedish, and offer their tips and advice on looking for jobs in a competitive market.

At Lund University, there are nine subject-based student unions that play a pivotal role in politics and student rights at the University, allowing students to get involved and have their say on how the University is run. Through the unions, students are represented in decision- and policy-making boards that concern education at every level within Lund University. And the strength and impact of this representation in good governance has been recognised: the 2026 QS Sustainability ranking gave Lund University top marks in Governance and Equality, both key indicators that contributed to our ranking as the #1 university in the world for sustainability.But what's it like to be active in a student union at Lund? In this episode, join host Leonie Feick (a current student studying the Bachelor's in Biomedicine) and guests Thea Norris (also studying the Bachelor's in Biomedicine) and Veronika Kletečková (studying the Master's in European Studies) as the three discuss their involvement in their respective student unions. Together they explain the role of student unions at Lund, what their responsibilities are, their perspective as international students engaging with the unions, and why it's so important that all students take an interest in their unions and have their say.

Home to the Lund Innovation District and with support from LU Innovation, Lund University offers premiere support for students wanting to turn their business ideas into real, world-changing innovations. But how can a student get started with the often daunting prospect of building their own startup? In this episode, host Megan Phillips (LU Global Engagement) is joined by Feiyu Wu, a Lund student and CEO of award-winning startup business SensoryWind, as well as her innovation coach Nicolas Arriagada, who is Head of Student Innovation at LU Innovation.Together, they discuss Fei's journey with SensoryWind, from the idea's conception in her personal life to getting support from LU Innovation, and eventually winning the Future Innovation Award 2025 and launching her product. Meanwhile Nicolas provides information and advice on you can get support from Lund University in developing your business idea, whether it's direct input from experts at the University, industry links, networking opportunities, or business collaborations with other startups in the region. Don't miss this episode's great insights into the world of innovation at Lund University!

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability has ranked Lund University #1 in the world for 2026, marking an incredible achievement for the many researchers, staff and students who have contributed towards a more sustainable future. But what, exactly, does the ranking mean for current and future LU students? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) is joined by special guests Cicilia Jeppsson and Erika Söderstjerna from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, who explain not just the ranking and the wide-reaching work that has gone into achieving it, but how it relates to everyday student life and why Lund University might be the right place to study for more sustainably-minded students.