Sven is the scientific leader of the Museum of Foteviken with The Viking Town and The Medieval Ships. Sven began his studies to become an archaeologist in 1970 at the university of Lund. As early as 1972 he became a member of Professor Erik Cinthios research group in Medieval Archaeology. In 1974 he was employed as Department leader at the museum of Malmö with the main task to start archaeological activities in Malmö. 1977 Sven became director of the museum, including the medieval Castle of Malmöhus.
In 1995 Sven became the director of information and scientific research at the museum of Foteviken. He has produced 14 books and more than 600 articles on subjects concerning history and archeology.