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

Curious about what's going on?

Follow us on LinkedIn: SMHI – Science, Research & Development

We share insights from our research, updates from international development cooperation, and highlights of how we contribute to addressing climate and environmental challenges.

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 time and space 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

CORDEX-kontorets logotyp.

CORDEX

International project office for CORDEX

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

  • Hydrology

    Building resilience through effective operational flood forecasting and alerts – One year of co-development in Burkina Faso

    Since the beginning of 2024, SMHI has been running a project aiming to support in improving the flood forecast and early warning system for Burkina Faso. The project builds on the multiple prior projects that created the FANFAR system for flood forecasts in West Africa. This year’s work has included model development a...
    Group photo of around 25 people taken outside.
  • Co-development kick-off continues decade-long collaboration in West Africa

    SMHI and AGRHYMET join forces in a new project aimed at co-developing a multi-model platform for operational forecasting of hydro-climatic extremes in West Africa. In October three days of efficient co-development kicked off this next episode of the long collaboration between SMHI and AGRHYMET.
    Group photo.
  • Hydrology

    A new approach for flood warnings is being tested in Ethiopia

    Extreme weather is expected to increase with a changing climate. Not least in Ethiopia, where floods and landslides are a major concern. As an important step in climate adaptation, a new approach for flood warnings is being tested during this year's rainy season, from June to September. "It's a great success", says Ric...
    A group of people are standing and discussing outdoors.
  • Research

    In Memory of Nils Gustafsson

    Nils Gustafsson, former researcher within meteorology at SMHI, has peacefully passed away after a period of illness.
    Nils Gustafsson.
  • Climate

    SMHI convened conference debate for young researchers

    Last week a group of SMHI colleagues attended EGU, the European Geosciences Union annual conference in Vienna. Helena Martins, head of climate research at SMHI, convened a panel debate focusing on how young researchers can navigate the policy-research divide and have an impact on society in their early career.
    Silhouette of Gamla stan in Stockholm.

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.