International collaboration and scientific impact – CIRCLE annual report 2024
CIRCLE’s 2024 annual report offers a look into a year of continued research, collaboration, and engagement – the 20th anniversary, extended international reach and impactful ties to drive change.
– Published 8 July 2025
Work at Lund University is rooted in the vision: to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition. This perspective is deeply embedded in the work of CIRCLE which continues to grow as a hub for innovation research within the University as well as internationally.
In 2024, CIRCLE celebrated its 20th anniversary – two decades of innovation research, international collaboration, and societal engagement. The 2024 annual report captures a year of interdisciplinary dialogue, fruitful partnerships, and a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable future.
During the year, CIRCLE researchers came together for seminars, research talks, the annual retreat, and the “Innovation Research Day.” These gatherings strengthen the sense of community and further the intellectual exchange across faculties and borders.
Important collaboration initiatives in 2024 were the launch of the SIRI platform – a strategic initiative that connects researchers, policymakers, and practitioners – and the new partnership with Region Skåne established to advance knowledge and expertise in innovation, to strengthen regional development and sustainability efforts.
CIRCLE Director Markus Grillitsch reflects on the centre:
“The CIRCLE community thrives on a shared commitment to research excellence. Scholars come together to pursue ambitious interdisciplinary collaborations and by fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and mutual support, CIRCLE holds the potential of creating substantial scientific impact.”
CIRCLE 2024 in numbers
- 150 researchers from over 30 countries come together to make a difference in society.
- 195 articles, books and editorials were published by the members.
- 20% of the articles were published in the top 5% most-cited journals.
- 360 different organisations in 36 countries across the globe were involved in CIRCLE-collaborations in projects and publications.