New initiative to advance brain-healthy and cognitively more ergonomic work environments in the Swedish metals and minerals industry
A new research and innovation initiative, Sustainable Human Work Index in the Swedish Mining Industry – Phase 2 (SHWI), will be launched this month with the goal to develop and scientifically validate an advanced method for measuring and strengthening brain health, cognitive performance and social sustainability in industrial work environments.
The project, funded through The Swedish Metals & Minerals Innovation Programme, a joint venture of the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas and the Swedish Innovation Agency, Vinnova, brings together leading partners from research and industry: CDE, flow²thrive, RISE, Luleå University of Technology, LKAB and Protoduck.
Over the next three years, the consortium will transform the SHWI method from a conceptual framework to a validated prototype tested in real-world industrial settings, including control rooms at LKAB.
SHWI will combine applied neuroscience, cognitive ergonomics and AI-driven data analysis to capture both subjective and objective factors in the physical, digital and social work environment. The ambition is to create a first-of-its-kind index that enables organisations to predict risks, strengthen employee wellbeing and support sustainable, high-performance workplaces.
‘‘I am thrilled that flow²thrive is a core partner on this project, bringing our corporate brain health knowledge and data-driven insights into the industry. By applying neuroscience and deep-tech to how we collect, analyse and report on factors related to brain health and cognitive performance, we can support the industry in building workplaces that are genuinely more brain-friendly, resilient and sustainable.”
— Linda Jarnhamn, Founder of flow²thrive
“At CDE, our focus is to design work environments where people can think clearly, act safely and stay healthy over time. Through SHWI, we can tie that work to a solid, evidence-based index for brain health and cognitive ergonomics. It gives the mining industry a better basis for decisions about control rooms and other critical workplaces – with human wellbeing as a central performance factor”
— Hampus Schäring, CDE
“We’re excited to be part of the SHWI project, where our research in socially sustainable work systems and cognitive ergonomics can make a real difference. By contributing scientific expertise and guidance, we aim to help the mining industry apply new knowledge on more brain-friendly, healthy, and sustainable workplaces.”
Professor Lena Abrahamsson, Luleå tekniska universitet
The initiative supports Sweden’s leadership in sustainable industry and contributes directly to Agenda 2030 goals for health, equality and decent working conditions. It also aims to position the Swedish mining sector as a global frontrunner in brain-friendly and socially sustainable work practices, with strong potential for future adoption across sectors and markets.
For information on the award: Socialt Hållbart Arbetsindex inom svensk gruvindustri - Fas 2 | Vinnova
For more information on the SHWI project and its potential impact, please contact:
flow2thrive: Linda Jarnhamn
CDE: Hampus Schäring
Articles and information
Article about our project on the Swedish Metals & Minerals Website here
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