The new specialization is part of the existing Master’s programme in Computational Science, but opens up a new area: interdisciplinary applications in medicine, biology, and health.
“This is incredibly exciting! The specialization feels both original and innovative. We have looked around internationally, and while similar programmes are starting to appear, this is still something new and unique,” says Charlotta Turner, Vice Dean for undergraduate and graduate education at the Faculty of Science.
The initiative primarily targets students with a background in mathematics and physics who want to find new ways to apply their knowledge to questions related to biology, molecular biology, and medicine.
“Students with a strong interest and solid skills in mathematics get the chance to learn the basics of cell biology and then build on this to solve biological and medical problems. It’s a fantastic opportunity that opens up new ways to combine and broaden their expertise,” says Patrik Edén, Programme Coordinator for the Master’s in Computational Science.
Valuable expertise for research, society, and industry
Computational science has rapidly become an important field in biomedical and health research. Image analysis, bioinformatics, drug design, and advanced modelling of biological systems are just a few examples where the demand for highly qualified expertise is growing fast.
“In the life sciences, there is enormous demand for this kind of expertise. It’s about understanding large and complex datasets, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions that would otherwise be impossible. This is where scientists have an important role to play,” says Patrik Edén.
The specialization also deepens collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, something Charlotta Turner strongly welcomes:
“Students will, for example, have the opportunity to do their thesis in medicine, which strengthens ties to research and builds connections between our faculties. Both faculties truly see the value of welcoming students with strong mathematical and computational skills into medical research environments.”
Strong link to research and future careers
The new specialization is closely connected to doctoral studies in computational science and provides a clear pathway to further research. At the same time, it prepares students for careers in industry, particularly within pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and AI development.
“We see that many of our previous students continue to doctoral studies, but they also find employment in start-up companies working with everything from drug design to biological pharmaceuticals and smart delivery systems. This is a skillset that is in high demand across many areas,” says Patrik Edén.
The initiative is part of a broader strategic effort within the faculty.
“We are investing in the entire field of computational science – in education, research, and infrastructure. This is an important step in showing the breadth and relevance of what we do at the Faculty of Science,” says Charlotta Turner.
The new specialization is planned to start in autumn 2026 and will be offered by the new Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, which will officially be established in January next year.
Read more about Computational Science for Health and Environment (cec.lu.se).