SEI is an independent international research institute. We have been engaged in environment and development issues at local, national, regional and global policy levels for more than 20 years.
The Institute was formally established in 1989 by the Swedish Government and celebrated its 20th anniversary in October 2009. SEI has established a reputation for rigorous and objective scientific analysis in the field of environment and development.
Our goal is to bring about change for sustainable development by bridging science and policy. We do this by providing integrated analysis that supports decision makers.
What makes us different
We combine the qualities of:
- a non-profit and non-partisan research institute
- an honest broker in handling complex environmental, developmental and social issues
- a research institute committed to rigorous and objective scientific analysis to support improved policymaking
- an agent for change that promotes transitions to a more sustainable world.
SEI works from seven main locations, with additional offices linked to these. Project teams generally span locations.
Our researchers are gathered into the following research programmes:
- Reducing climate risk
- Managing environmental systems
- Transforming governance for sustainable livelihoods
- Rethinking development
The SEI foundation and associated centres
The SEI foundation in Sweden consists of SEI Stockholm, SEI Asia, SEI Africa and SEI Oxford.
SEI Tallinn, SEI US and SEI York are separate entities and associations under the SEI umbrella and governed by the same Board of Directors. In Sweden, the foundation’s organisation number is SE802014076301. Since 1988 the foundation has produced annual audited financial reports.
Download and read the 2009 audited financial report here (pdf, 1,1 MB)
SEI Tallinn is a non-profit research organisation incorporated in Estonia as a foundation.
SEI York is a self-funded research unit in the Biology Department at the University of York.
SEI US is a non-profit research organization with 501c (3) status in the United States and is a research affiliate of Tufts University in Massachusetts.