Different actors in society - municipalities, regions, ministries and companies - often face major and complex challenges. Our researchers provide scientific input to enable decision-makers to make the best possible decisions. In this way, we contribute to increasing the sustainability of society as a whole.
SMHI's research relates to weather, water and climate. More formally, the subjects are referred to as meteorology, oceanography, hydrology and climatology. The research also touches on neighbouring areas, such as the state of the environment, and some of the issues need to be approached from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Information from SMHI is scientifically based and can be trusted. We're not just guessing.
Helén Andersson has been Director of Research at SMHI since 2018. With a background as a researcher in oceanography, she knows the organisation well, both from a research and management perspective.
Helén Andersson is currently Director of Research at SMHI. Her path into science began when, as a scuba diver, she became interested in the sea and started studying oceanography – and eventually completed a doctorate and undertook research on the subject.
Basis for decisions large and small
Helén Andersson emphasises that research is important to enable decision-makers to make informed decisions.
‘’Societal planning is about major assets such as infrastructure and about making sustainable use of resources such as the sea. But research is also behind the technology that gives us weather forecasts so that you and I can decide whether to wear rubber boots or trainers on our walks in the woods.”
SMHI conducts applied research. This means that the research addresses and offers solutions to current problems in society.
“This means that we need to know what the various users in society need, and that we need to identify how best we can meet those needs.”
The scientific basis
The whole idea of science is based on researchers developing hypotheses that they test to understand how the world works. Researchers use a problem and a structured methodology to gain knowledge about something.
“It is about testing the hypotheses systematically. At SMHI, we work with models, methodology, data and knowledge - and everything is scientifically developed. In addition, the results are further quality assured by being published and scientifically reviewed by other researchers.”
Models are important tools
In simple terms, a computational model is a collection of formulae to calculate things.
“We develop a lot of models, and our models make us unique. We have built up an infrastructure that is important for Sweden and also internationally. We provide many other researchers and organisations with simulations from our models. Researchers need to know what data to input and how to ask the model to calculate it.”
“It's a lot to keep track of and researchers need to know the programming, maths, physics and other earth science processes involved - and be able to evaluate the numbers that come out and compile the data for different users. Models are our ‘labs’ for new knowledge and new products. They help us to understand the planet as it is today and to look into the future. The models are the tools we have to make different scenarios of future developments and new environmental authorisations.”
Supercomputers – a key to success
Large-capacity supercomputers are needed to perform the extensive calculations. They are the foundation for most of SMHI's research activities.
“At SMHI, research comes close to the end users. We realise that there is a great demand for our knowledge both nationally and internationally. I like being in the research world and the fact that we are constantly moving into unknown territory, developing new knowledge and exploring the world,” concludes Helén Andersson.
