Field of work

Lundberg’s research concerns the conditions of democracy, civic engagement, and the role of civil society in sustaining a vibrant democracy. He is particularly interested in how young people are shaped into active citizens, how civil society organizations contribute to democracy, and how the relationship between the state and civil society evolves over time.

In an ongoing project funded by the Swedish Research Council, he collaborates with Ali Abdelzadeh and Jennifer Fitzgerald to examine how experiences during adolescence influence political participation in adulthood. The study builds on one of the world’s most extensive longitudinal datasets on youth political socialization and analyzes the mechanisms that strengthen young people’s engagement and democratic participation.

He has also studied civil society’s democratic contributions – how young people’s involvement in associations affects social trust and tolerance, and how local organizations respond to violent extremism. Another part of his research focuses on voluntary work and its transformation in Sweden, where he and his colleagues analyze how volunteer engagement has evolved and how it interacts with the institutions of the welfare state. Overall, his research seeks to understand how democracy is renewed through people’s engagement and participation across different arenas of society.

Lundberg has taught political science at all levels and developed courses on civil society, political participation, public administration, political culture, and social science methods.

He has supervised numerous bachelor’s and master’s theses, many of which explore themes such as democracy, civic engagement, and social trust. By integrating current research into his teaching, he aims to inspire students to understand and contribute to democratic and social change.

Collaboration with the wider society is a central aspect of Lundberg’s work. He actively engages in research-based dialogues with civil society organizations, schools, and public actors to strengthen democratic participation and the understanding of civic engagement.

Alongside his academic career, he has worked in several government inquiries and public agencies, providing him with practical experience of public administration, policymaking, and state–civil society collaboration.