Food and Nutrition Science

Nutrition and Precision Health

Biomarker discovery

This research area focuses on the discovery and validation of objective biomarkers reflecting dietary intake, metabolic responses to foods, and early cardiometabolic risk. By applying advanced metabolomics and lipidomics platforms in controlled interventions, meal challenge studies, and large prospective cohorts, we develop molecular signatures that improve dietary assessment beyond self-reported intake and enable more precise characterization of individual dietary behaviors and physiological responses. A major emphasis is placed on identifying biomarkers and response patterns that can support precision nutrition strategies, including prediction and monitoring of differential responses to diets and foods. The work integrates large-scale epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials, standardized meal tests, registry linkage, and imaging data to better understand how diet interacts with metabolism and disease development across diverse populations.

Computational metabolomics

This focus area combines computational metabolomics, gut microbiome profiling, machine learning, and systems-level molecular phenotyping to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying associations between diet and health. Research integrates high-dimensional multi-omics data, including untargeted metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics, microbiome sequencing, and clinical phenotyping, with advanced computational and statistical approaches to identify metabolic pathways, microbial functions, and molecular interaction networks associated with cardiometabolic disease risk and dietary exposures. Specific emphasis is placed on understanding inter-individual variability in metabolic responses to foods, identifying molecular phenotypes associated with disease susceptibility, and developing predictive models for precision prevention. The work is closely connected to large population-based studies and infrastructure initiatives, including large national and international cohorts and trials and SciLifeLab-integrated multi-omics platforms, enabling translation of complex molecular data into biologically interpretable mechanisms and clinically relevant risk prediction tools.

Nutritional solutions for disease prevention

This research area focuses on the development, evaluation, and implementation of nutritional strategies aimed at preventing cardiometabolic and other chronic diseases across the life course. Research spans controlled dietary interventions, precision nutrition studies, mechanistic investigations, and population-based cohorts to evaluate how foods, dietary patterns, and targeted nutritional approaches influence metabolic health, inflammation, glucose regulation, cardiovascular risk, and long-term disease development. Emphasis is placed on identifying which individuals or metabolic subgroups benefit most from specific dietary strategies and on developing evidence-based approaches that can support personalized and population-level disease prevention. The work integrates objective dietary biomarkers, multi-omics profiling, microbiome analyses, and advanced phenotyping to evaluate effectiveness, understand mechanisms of action, and improve translation of nutrition science into clinically and societally relevant preventive strategies.

Sustainable and early life nutrition

Food system changes towards a planetary diet and its effects on micronutrient bioavailability are addressed by an interdisciplinary approach combining literature data, validation in human trials and life cycle assessment to inform the design of dietary guidelines and public meals. By means of the NICE cohort (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment), we focus on early life nutrition by investigating immune maturation and allergy development.

Landberg Lab

Sandberg Lab

Wittenbecher Lab

Marine Foods and Blue Biotechnology

Our research aims at harnessing the untapped potential of diverse aquatic biomasses for next generation blue foods and beyond. Through a large portfolio of EU- and national projects, fundamental knowledge is generated underpinning new value chains from e.g., seaweed, microalgae, side streams and underutilized fish species. Innovative stabilization strategies for lipids and other molecules susceptible to oxidation are at heart in our research, embracing e.g., food matrix design and hybridization with plant-based side streams or extracts rich in antioxidants. New projects also focus on algae flavour optimization through tailored cultivation, fermentation and formulation strategies, some integrating omics and machine learning approaches. Biomass upcycling to alternative protein ingredients, alongside lipids, polysaccharides and pigments, is explored through a range of fractionation technologies as well as bioconversion utilizing marine microbial and algal systems. For Baltic resources, we also address safety through the removal of PFAS and other persistent organic pollutants. To optimize nutrient digestibility and accessibility, in vitro gastrointestinal models are applied, currently with a large focus on heme-iron and vitamin B12. Through our research and innovations, we foster a sustainable blue bioeconomy.

Undeland Lab

Plant-based Food Biotechnology

This research area focuses on advancing the transition toward a sustainable food system by integrating food biotechnology with innovative processing of plant-based foods. We harness microorganisms through bioprospecting and next-generation fermentation to improve the flavor and nutritional properties of plant-based products, combining approaches such as high-throughput screening, multi-omics, and data science. A central aspect of our work is the valorization of diverse plant-based and microbial biomasses into high-value ingredients, alongside the development of sustainable fractionation strategies to unlock and functionalize their proteins. We also design hybrid foods that combine plant, microbial, and, where relevant, animal-derived components to optimize nutrition, texture, and consumer acceptance. In parallel, we address food structuring challenges using technologies such as high-moisture extrusion and multi-material 3D printing to create structured, fibrous materials that mimic conventional products. Overall, our research integrates microbial innovation, food engineering, and data-driven approaches to redesign how food is produced and experienced, supporting sustainable diets and future food innovation.”

Abdollahi Lab

Nutritional cell and tissue biology

In this focus area, human cell models (intestinal, hepatic, epidermal, and mononuclear) and tissue cultures are used to investigate mechanistic details of interactions between ionic and molecular compounds and human cells and tissues. This basic research is applied to diverse areas, including nutrient bioavailability, uptake and transport, and regulation of epithelial enzyme activity, as well as toxicological aspects involving induction of growth promotion and pro-inflammatory or oncogenic effects.

Scheers Lab