Huvudinnehåll

Research for a sustainable society in a changing world

Several sectors in the society are dependent on or influenced by weather and water. Increased requirements with regard to the environment and a climate in change provide new prerequisites. The SMHI research department provides tools, knowledge and decision guidance for the society.

    Our research provides answers to current societal issues

    SMHI's research and development creates societal benefits in Sweden and internationally. Since the whole of society is affected by changes in weather, water and climate, research and advanced modelling are required to predict developments and create a resilient society. Our research helps decision-makers at many levels of society to make informed and science-based decisions for a future-proof and safe society.

    Our research and development provides science-based knowledge. This research is essential for society to fulfil the global goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

    We work primarily on applied research and development. This means that we conduct research to explain and create knowledge that can help solve current problems and challenges in society. Together with various societal stakeholders, we formulate research questions in a co-creative process that makes us responsive to societal needs. We share our results, data and scientific articles openly so that as many people as possible can use them.

    Research for better-informed decisions

    Research units

    Our collective knowledge covers the Earth system

    SMHI's researchers have wide-ranging and comprehensive expertise in meteorology, hydrology, oceanography and climate. The work is organised into four research units, each with its own subject focus. All units possess extensive knowledge about the effects of a changing climate. Together, they form a strong research environment that builds new knowledge every day for a sustainable society and environment

    Landskapsbild över Mariestad med omnejd med tunga moln som kommer in från höger i bild.

    Meteorology

    Research and development in weather forecasting, climate analysis, atmospheric processes and air quality.

    Forsande vatten i vattendrag i skogsmiljö.

    Hydrology

    We create, compile and convey knowledge about fresh water on different scales.

    Havskust med algblomning som färgar vattnet gulgrönt i tjocka stråk. 

    Oceanography

    Marine research with a focus in marine biology, observations, numerical modelling and remote sensing.

    Fält med graf

    Climate at the Rossby Centre

    Research and development around the climate system and for climate modelling.

    Explore SMHI data with open access for research and development

    International co-operation

    Scientific publications from SMHI

    We publish our research in international peer-reviewed journals and in SMHI reports. The two most recent publications from SMHI's research department are:

    CMIP7 data request

    Alex C. Ruane, Charlotte L. Pascoe, Claas Teichmann, David J. Brayshaw, Carlo Buontempo, Ibrahima Diouf, Jesus Fernandez, Paula L. M. Gonzalez, Birgit Hassler, Vanessa Hernaman, Ulas Im, Doroteaciro Iovino, Martin Juckes, Irene Lake, Timothy Lam, Xiaomao Lin, Jiafu Mao, Negin Nazarian, Sylvie Parey, Indrani Roy, Wan-Ling Tseng, Briony Turner, Andrew Wiebe, Lei Zhao, Damaris Zurell

    In: Geoscientific Model Development, Vol. 18, No. 23

    2025

    DOI: 10.5194/gmd-18-9497-2025

    News

    • Research

      Report from conference in Vietnam highlights the need for robust climate information

      Vietnam offered both storms and flooding when the “Asia Climate Risk and Impact Strategic Workshop” was held in Quy Nhon in late November. SMHI co-organised the workshop with the aim of beginning to outline proposals for pilot projects to strengthen interdisciplinary climate collaboration and knowledge exchange across ...
      Översvämmad gata i Vietnam.
    • Research

      Digital Twin to Help Cities Brace for Extreme Weather

      When a sudden cloudburst floods a neighborhood or a heatwave lingers for days, the impact is felt locally, not just on a regional map. Yet until now, decision-makers have lacked tools to understand what extreme weather really looks like at the urban scale. A new research project, Urban Extreme Climate Adaptation Digita...
      At Rosenlund canal with a view of the cranes at the old Götaverken at Lindholmen in Gothenburg
    • Hydrology

      Flood warning system in place in Denmark – successful collaboration between DMI and SMHI

      For three years, SMHI has supported our sister authority DMI in Denmark in developing a Danish warning system for flooding in lakes and rivers. The initiative has now reached a major goal with the launch of a system that has already been useful in connection with the extreme rain that occurred in July 2025, just weeks ...
      Photo of 10 smiling to the camera, taken outside.
    • Research

      SMHI leads new research project on future Scandinavian heatwaves

      Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe across northern Europe, affecting public health, agriculture, forestry, and energy production. A new SMHI-led research project will combine satellite observations, climate modelling and artificial intelligence to strengthen both seasonal forecasts and multidecadal project...
      En uttrorkad myr.
    • Research

      Time to submit contributions to the Swedish Climate Symposium 2026

      For the third time, SMHI is co-organizing The Swedish Climate Symposium. The symposium is an opportunity for researchers, policymakers, and societal stakeholders to meet and learn about the latest Swedish climate research. The next symposium will take place in Lund in May 2026, and those who are interested can already ...
      Klimatsymposiets temabild med granar i olika färger.

    Contact us at the SMHI Research department

    SMHI Research and development

    Head of SMHI Research and development: Helén Andersson

    Research that anchors SMHI

    SMHI is based on scientific foundations. This means that everything SMHI presents is rooted in scientific processes. We have a number of services based on the results of our research, which play a central role in, for example, studies and monitoring of the ongoing climate change in Sweden.

    Knowledge about climate change impact

    SMHI visualises a wealth of data on future climate. Services are based on data and models from research and development.

    International development cooperation

    SMHI contributes to global sustainable development through international development cooperation. The overall aim is that all countries shall have an equal capacity to handle and plan for the effects of weather, water and climate.

    Value chain from research to weather forecast

    SMHI's forecast and warning service provides information for the protection of life and property. Using numerical weather prediction models, SMHI issues weather forecasts and warnings.