STAD’s research is interdisciplinary and methodologically based on both a quantitative and a qualitative approach. The research group works together to develop and expand the knowledge in the field of alcohol and drug prevention and is composed of researchers with expertise in the areas of public health, epidemiology, psychology, criminology, social work, biochemistry, and communication studies.

STAD conducts applied research based on a systems theory approach to prevention, which includes interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration between key stakeholders. Together with the stakeholders, we then act to develop and implement methods aimed to have an impact on the availability and demand for alcohol and drugs within the community. Evaluation is a key area of research at STAD. Evaluations are both formative and summative and systematically examine implementation processes and final results of STAD’s work.

A major focus of STAD’s research is to evaluate alcohol and drug prevention interventions at entertainment venues. Effect evaluation and implementation studies are also being conducted at training centers/gyms and digital environments such as the Internet. 

The leaders of the research group are Håkan Källmén and Johanna Gripenberg.