COLLABORATION. The University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, and former ice hockey star Henrik Lundqvist are part of the team working to promote health and physical activity in the GoCo Active project. Representatives for the University consider GoCo Active as an excellent platform for collaboration.
The initiative is based out of GoCo Health Innovation City at AstraZeneca in Mölndal. The University of Gothenburg already participates in this emerging life science cluster along with other public organizations and private entities.
“GoCo has the potential to become a platform where academia and companies work closely to achieve common successes,” says University of Gothenburg Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg. “I look forward to taking the next step within preventive healthcare and medical services by making pioneering research in sports medicine a central part of promoting health among the public.”
Wiberg, Torbjörn Lundh (deputy vice-chancellor for collaboration) and Sahlgrenska Academy Dean Agneta Holmäng attended the presentation by GoCo Active. The initiative will result in a building and a digital platform. Former NHL star Henrik Lundqvist, a new partner and investor, reported last summer that he was ending his hockey career after 15 seasons with the New York Rangers.
Knowledge and guidance
Lundqvist emphasizes that Sweden’s strong belief in sports for everyone and his many years of experience as a professional in the NHL combined with entrepreneurs, researchers, and creative individuals have the potential to make a real difference.
In a statement, Henrik Lundqvist says: “In Sweden we have a rich history of major athletes and a huge platform for science and research. It is time to combine these. We live at a time when our health, both physical and mental, is very important. Throughout my life, sports and exercise have played a major role. As many of us know, the first step toward living a good life is a healthy lifestyle with physical activity. As children or adults, we all benefit from this. This project will help us create a place for everyone, with lots of information and guidance, with the ultimate goal of high performance and good health.”
Leader in sport and fitness sciences
University of Gothenburg representatives stress the important role of research in sport and fitness sciences in Sweden. According to a report earlier this year, the University of Gothenburg had the most scholarly publications in the field during the 2015 to 2020 period. The research was conducted primarily at Sahlgrenska Academy and at the Educational Sciences Faculty.
Sahlgrenska Academy Dean Agneta Holmäng considers collaboration with the University Hospital and Region Västra Götaland an additional strength. Both she and Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg emphasize the importance of cutting-edge expertise in preventive medicine, physical activity, sport and fitness sciences, psychology, health, and performance.
AstraZeneca’s role in the GoCo Active initiative is also evident. Anders Holmén is the company’s vice president and head of Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D.
“We feel the initiative is closely aligned with our objectives and values. Providing everyone access to health care, especially as preventive care, is at the core of our business, and we view GoCo Active as an important step in this journey.”
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