Research for Sustainable Development

Although all research conducted at KI contributes to improving human health, the research that highlights the links between health, socioeconomic factors and human environmental impact is of particular importance for sustainable development.

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the science of occurrence of diseases in the population. Major steps forward have been made with regard to factors that play a role for disease occurrence and disease risk. This includes studies on causal factors in environment, life style and genetic factors.

Public and Global health

KIs research in public health studies inter alia the links between health and our living, working, school and built environment. The research in international and global health relates to health problems that are often related to poverty in low income countries.

Infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance

Control of communicable diseases is crucial for a sustainable future. Global warming, increased populations, migration and deforestation alters the spread of pathogens creating new challenges. KI researchers are contributing to solutions at many levels.

Understanding the spread of disease at hospitals and in society helps alter behaviour. Basic research on pathogens (parasites, bacteria and viruses) can help developing new drugs and vaccines. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem where KI structural biology researchers provide important structural templates for drug development.

Climate and health

Health effects of the ongoing climate change is a new area of research at KI within the fields of global health and environmental medicine. The goal is to build the KI research capacity in areas such as climate change, natural disasters and health care; climate change and infectious diseases; and climate change and health effects in exposed areas.

Environmental medicine

At KI, extensive environmental medicine research is conducted in the fields of toxicology, epidemiology, physiology, and occupational medicine. The research aims to improve understanding of how exposure to various environmental factors affects human health and how adverse health effects can be prevented.

The studies address exposures in the general environment, through food and drinking water, as well as in workplaces and homes. Research investigates the impact of environmental factors on common diseases such as allergies, cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, obstructive lung diseases, and mental health disorders. A key focus is the identification of risks for particularly vulnerable groups within the population.

The research also provides the scientific basis for risk assessments and for the development of national and international guidelines and limit values for toxic substances and other environmental pollutants.