The research program of the National Swedish Board of Universities and Colleges is concerned with four main areas: the role of higher education in society, higher education as a system (structure and governance), the environment and working methods of research and of teaching. Some work has also been started in research and development organization and planning. The current status of each area, including recent reports, conferences, and current projects are presented. The management of the research program and the program's links to the organization of higher education are described briefly. The budget for 1978-79 and conference plans are included. Appendices deal with the distribution of the resources between university subjects and problem areas, subjects represented by the leading researcher, and the composition of the program's advisory groups problem area meetings. (SW)