Stakeholder Reference Group
MERGE has, together with the SRA BECC, a stakeholder reference group. It consists of high-level experts, representing government authorities, branch organisations, companies and NGOs in areas of agriculture, forestry, nature conservation and climate change.
The Stakeholder Reference Group convenes annually with the Boards of BECC and MERGE. As one basis for the choice of research problems addressed in BECC and MERGE, the group explicitly focuses on identifying societal needs for scientific knowledge and knowledge transfer, and on matching these against research foci and expertise of BECC and MERGE and its networks.
Stakeholder dialogue is based on mutual learning, with the principle of academic independency permeating all activities. The reference group thus functions as a sounding board for BECC and MERGE and contributes as such to the long-term strategic development of our research areas.
Outcomes from meetings with the Stakeholder Group are for example arranged seminars with joint researcher and stakeholder involvement and trans-disciplinary collaborations around research questions.
Members of the reference group
Sweden's expert authority in the areas agriculture, fishery and rural areas with the mission for Sweden to produce food in a sustainable and profitable way.
Member: Olof Johansson, Head of Department, agriculture and analysis
The national agency in Sweden that is responsible for environmental issues. The Agency carries out assignments on behalf of the Swedish Government relating to the environment in Sweden, the EU and internationally
Member: Anna Engleryd, Senior Policy Advisor and chair of the UNECE Air Convention at the Agency
Member: Cecilia Lindbald, Senior Scientific Officer responsible for IPBES (national focal point)
The national authority responsible for forest-related issues. Their main function is to promote the kind of management of Sweden's forests that enables the objectives of forest policy to be attained.
Member: Hillevi Eriksson, Climate and Bioenergy Expert
A non-profit environmental organisation that spreads knowledge, chart environmental threats, propose solutions and influence politicians and authorities, both nationally and internationally
Member: Louise Karlberg, Head of Department, forest and agriculture
Sweden's largest forest owner and sells sawlogs, pulpwood and biofuel. Sveaskog also works with land transactions and develops the forest as a venue for hunting, fishing and other nature-based experiences.
Member: Olof Johansson, Forest Policy Director and Director of Environmental Affairs
Axfood is a leading food retail group in Sweden and the second largest player in the Swedish food retail market with a market share of approximately 20%.
Member: Åsa Domeij, Head of environment and social responsibility