Me You We – Exploring Human Behaviour

Growing polarisation, a planet in crisis and societies in transition. But how did we get here? And how do we move forward? The exhibition series Me You We – Exploring Human Behaviour examines what shapes our actions, from biology and culture to social structures.

Change begins with understanding how our actions shape the world. As individuals and societies, we have the power to heal and restore balance.

Human behaviour is shaped by our fundamental needs – how we eat, sleep and interact. Our relationships are influenced by biological, cultural and social factors. Through our actions, we express care, hatred and love – a mix of innate instincts and learned behaviours.

We are shaped by the interplay between the individual and the collective. Our actions affect our emotions, and our emotions influence how we act. Personality, values and attitudes are reflected in our behaviour and affect how others respond to us.

Norms are constantly changing. They can create a sense of community, but also draw boundaries around who is included. When norms are challenged, questions of identity and belonging emerge. Our ability to adapt has been crucial to our survival, but it has also contributed to divisions and conflict. Breaking destructive patterns requires awareness and a willingness to change.

In a world of differences, empathy becomes essential. Understanding and accepting one another’s differences can break down barriers and build bridges. Through openness, we can create a culture where collaboration replaces division.

The exhibition is divided into three themes:

• Me, exploring the individual and identity (on display until December 2025).
• You, focusing on our relationships with others (on display until 18 June 2026).
• We, exploring the collective, society and our shared future (opens 31 August 2026).

We

In the final part of the exhibition series Me You We – Exploring Human Behaviour, We explores collective behaviour. Weopens on 31 August 2026 and runs until May 2027.

The exhibition explores encounters between people and the choices we make together – how communities are formed, how conflicts arise and how responsibility is shared. By examining both collaboration and failure, the works raise questions about democracy, participation and our shared responsibility for the future.

These questions are crucial both to society at large and to the development of research.

Meet the Scientists

Kristina Gemzell Danielsson, senior consultant and professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health. Kristina has a particular interest in migration-related reproductive health.

Shervin Shahnavaz, psychologist, psychotherapist and senior lecturer at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. His research includes psychotherapeutic interventions for unaccompanied refugee children and young people. He is also a member of Karolinska Institutet’s Council for Environment and Sustainable Development.

Peter Stenvinkel, senior consultant and professor at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology. Peter is the author of the popular science book Nature’s Intelligence – Biological Intelligence as Inspiration for a Sustainable Future.

Andreas Olsson, professor of psychology and head of EmotionLab at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. Andreas is co-author of the book The Grip of the Group – How We, as Prejudiced Herd Animals, Can Learn to Live Together.