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:

    News

    • Research

      SMHI recruits Nedjeljka Žagar to its professorship in meteorology

      Following a thorough recruitment process in which five candidates reached the final stage, Nedjeljka Žagar has been appointed Professor of Meteorology at SMHI. She will take up the position on 1 September 2026.
      Nedjeljka Žagar
    • Hydrology

      A strategic tripartite partnership to improve flood forecasting in West Africa and the Sahel

      The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the AGRHYMET Regional Climate Center for West Africa and the Sahel (AGRHYMET CCR-AOS) of the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) have established a strategic tripartite ...
      Aerial view of a flooded neighborhood.
    • Meteorology

      Time to realise the new EPS-Sterna satellite programme

      It is time to take Europe’s new satellite programme EPS-Sterna from the drawing board into space. The programme will provide a significant addition of satellite data that SMHI will benefit from in its societally critical work on weather forecasts and warnings, as well as for research.
      A woman and a man look into the camera after signing an agreement.
    • Research

      New AI model aims to improve forecasts for clouds and wind

      Recent years’ advances in AI-based weather forecasting show that AI methods can create concrete societal benefits. In a new research project, SMHI will use AI to meet the need for faster forecast production, delivering more up-to-date forecasts for clouds and wind. Key concepts are machine learning, data-driven methods...
      A power line pole seen obliquely from below against a sky with a white cloud cover of varying thickness in the background.
    • 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.

    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.