Marrku Rummukainen – A climate researcher with global influence
Markku is recognised for his outstanding climate research and his involvement in national and international organisations working to understand and manage climate change – one of the most pressing issues of our time. By awarding him the silver medal, the university wishes to highlight a researcher who has not only contributed important scientific insights, but has also worked to translate research into solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our time.
In addition to his academic achievements, he has played a significant role in public debate and politics. He has been a member of the government's Climate Policy Council, served as Sweden's representative on the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and actively participated in the UN climate negotiations. As an expert, he is often consulted on climate policy issues, both nationally and internationally, making him a key voice in the work for a sustainable future.
Markku Rummukainen was surprised and delighted by the award and says that the most important issue he is working on today concerns the climate benefits of forests.
"It's about the interface between forests and the climate. The development of society's climate work has raised new questions and how these are dealt with in society, including as part of politics. This concerns, for example, the carbon sink function of forests, the use of wood raw materials from forests, and related side benefits and conflicting goals.
When asked what he himself is particularly proud of in terms of his professional achievements to date, he replies:
“I spearheaded the early work to establish advanced climate modelling as a field of research in Sweden in the early 2000s. This has led to a great deal of knowledge dissemination, enabled studies of climate effects, and provided a basis for strategies and decisions at several levels. It continues to generate benefits both outside and within research.
Markku Rummukainen has been Professor of Climatology at Lund University since 2011. His research focuses on advanced climate and Earth system models, among other things.
The medals will be awarded at the Lund university's annual ceremony on 23 January 2026.
Text by Anna Mansfeld