Penn State University

Penn State University, today often referred to simply as Penn State, is a renowned public research university located in Pennsylvania, USA. With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1855, Penn State has grown to become one of the nation's leading educational institutions. Known for its diverse academic programs, cutting-edge research, and vibrant campus community, Penn State offers students a wide range of opportunities for intellectual growth and personal development. The university's commitment to excellence in education, combined with its strong tradition of innovation, has earned it a prominent place among the top universities in the United States.

The Pennsylvania State University is a 1862 Morrill Act, land-grant college signed into law by then President Abraham Lincoln “where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the legislatures of the States may respectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life.” Today the university offers a broad range of educational opportunities, from undergraduate to graduate and professional education, both in-person and online learning. Its research efforts span various fields, promoting human and economic development while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Penn State University consistently ranks among the top universities, showcasing its commitment to academic quality and rigorous educational programs. In the U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" rankings (2022-23), Penn State is positioned 31st among national public universities, showcasing its strong academic standing. The university shines in specific fields, particularly in business and engineering. It holds high rankings for its undergraduate programs in areas such as Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, and more. Penn State's strengths span a wide range of disciplines, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Public Affairs, Sciences, and Law. The university's impactful contributions in various fields underscore its commitment to comprehensive education and research. ​​​​​​​

Penn State's involvement in hosting international students and its robust study abroad programs contribute to its global impact, fostering cross-cultural learning and understanding. International cooperation through student, researcher, and faculty exchanges expands opportunities for learning and contributes to mutual understanding of other societies and cultures, which the world needs.

The SIREUS Affiliation program will serve as a catalyst to identify research and teaching partners across Swedish universities as well as other SIREUS affiliated U.S. universities, and possible collaboration with Swedish-American business partners for research and technology transfer across fields of study and sectors of the economy.

A step that builds upon Penn State’s strength in security related research and teaching and coordinated through the Center for Security Research and Education, is to organize a multi-stakeholder workshop in Washington D.C., which will address the current and future challenges and opportunities that advances in science, technology, and engineering systems create for peace and security.

Peace and security challenges are also related to sustainability and the digital transformation of societies and address fundamental issues of democratic governance and human rights.

The SIREUS Affiliation is about people so that spending time at each other’s university is a main way to get to know the research and teaching cultures that ground the development of long-term partnerships.
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Penn State at University Park is in the geographic center of Pennsylvania, and almost equidistance to Philadelphia to the southeast and to Pittsburgh to the southwest so that in a few hours one can be in either city. Penn State is also about five hours to Washington, D.C., and to New York City.

Penn State is also located just south of the Pennsylvania Wilds – a rural and rugged wildness area which is home to Sweden Valley, PA settled in 1807.