New research network focuses on children and youths

A new inter-disciplinary research network - Next Generation - has been launched at Jönköping University (JU). The network aims to identify and link researchers and research environments at JU that in different ways focus on children and young people.

The aim is to create a platform that increases the visibility of research on children and young adults, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthens links with society - locally, nationally and internationally. The network aims to both further develop existing collaborations and establish new partnerships that lead to innovative projects. The idea is also to integrate the collected knowledge into existing and new education programmes at JU.

On 27 August, the network gathered for the first time at Mariedal on campus. About 30 researchers from JU's four schools participated to identify and discuss research involving children and young adults from different perspectives. JU President Måns Svensson opened by talking about children's rights and children's situation in society, as well as mental health among young people. He also emphasized the importance of looking at the bigger picture and seeing how the knowledge in the network can promote the development of new projects.

"Creating the Next Generation network is timely and clearly ties in with JU's vision of People First and where we see children and youth first," says Karina Huus, Professor of Nursing with a focus on children and young people at the School of Health and Welfare, JU.

Young people exposed to manipulation and disinformation

The research areas span several themes linked to the living conditions of children and young people. One of the themes is cybersecurity.

"We know that young people are particularly vulnerable to manipulation and disinformation, for example, and have a greater need for stronger protection of personal integrity. If I and my colleagues can contribute in any way to improve the situation for young people, it would be great!" says Erik Bergström, cybersecurity expert and Assistant Professor in Information Technology at the School of Engineering, JU.

In the coming years, the network is expected to help JU researchers develop more interdisciplinary collaborations and initiate joint projects focused on the next generation.

"I have already started a discussion with colleagues from the School of Health and Welfare and we will meet in a couple of weeks to brainstorm some concrete project ideas. Of course, I hope that the network can lead to us actually starting some joint multidisciplinary projects in the future," says Erik Bergström.

The network's steering group consists of Karina Huus, School of Health and Welfare, Maria Björk, School of Health and Welfare, Daniel Pittino, Jönköping International Business School, Ulf Johansson, School of Engineering, and Eva Björck, School of Education and Communication.