International exchanges that make a difference

LTH’s research and study programmes have an international dimension and aim to benefit the climate, digitalisation, industry, built environment and life. We educate engineers, architects and designers who are the future problem-solvers and often in high demand on the labour market. We also attract leading researchers and doctoral students from every corner of the world. It is both urgent and necessary to recruit the international ‟best”, if we are to make a difference and strive for a sustainable world.

About one-third of LTH students travel out into the world on internships and exchanges – and students from virtually all countries apply to LTH for a solid education. Many of our doctoral students and researchers have an international background. The international elements benefit the quality of degree programmes and research in several ways.

At a time of global challenges, we need to examine complex problems from various perspectives and starting points – to find the solutions that work best. In that perspective, it is obvious that the connections formed between all LTH students, and with staff from all over the world, lead to benefits for industry and society.

Besides the will to contribute to global and societal solutions – why do LTH students and staff want to travel out into the world to complete part of their education and research in other countries? And why do students and researchers want to come to LTH and our study programmes and research environments?

As I understand it, there are many reasons, but mainly a drive towards personal development and learning new things in a new environment, with the opportunity to gain new perspectives, develop language skills, and deepen their knowledge and insights into other cultures and ways of thinking. The students may tailor their education, while acquiring experience for life – and researchers and doctoral students probably choose LTH because the research environment here is unique or world-leading.

When students and researchers come to LTH from other countries and continents, they also contribute knowledge and international experience to the students who do not travel abroad for part of their studies. They also reinforce our environments in both teaching and research.

A world-class university, and a Faculty of Engineering that wants to contribute to a better world, need to recruit the best students and researchers. That is why I am happy that LTH is a creative melting-pot of students and researchers from all corners of the world, where we try to ask many curious questions, based on sound knowledge, and sometimes find completely unexpected answers.

Now, as LTH’s 60th year ends, I would like to welcome all friends of LTH – our valuable students, staff, alumni and collaboration partners – to take the opportunity to support international students through scholarships, so that they can achieve their dream of studying at LTH. It feels great that we can help one another and give more people opportunities.

I would also like to express my warmest thanks to all those who take part in realising LTH’s vision: Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

Annika Olsson

Dean of LTH