Strategic research areas
KTH has a leading role in five national strategic research areas: IT and mobile communication, molecular biosciences, transport, production, and e-science.
In 2009, the government decided to invest in SRA's, and the decision aimed at creating the best conditions for the generation of world-leading research. It was based on the recommendation of the Swedish Research Council, FAS, Formas, Vinnova, and the Swedish Energy Agency.
KTH participates in 10 of 20 designated strategic research areas (SRA) and coordinates five of these:
- e-Science
- IT and mobile communication technology
- Molecular life sciences
- Production
- Transport
Areas coordinated by KTH
Swedish e-Science Research Centre, SeRC
Area: e-Science
Today, managing large amounts of data and using high-performance computers for simulations and calculations is an integral part of scientific research. SeRC supports existing and new e-science communities, enabling them to reach scientific breakthroughs in Sweden. Partners are Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, Linköping University and KTH.
Information and Communication Technology the Next Generation (ICT-TNG), Digital Futures
Area: IT and mobile communication technology
Digital Futures is an interdisciplinary research center with the vision to create a sustainable society through digital transformation. It was founded in 2020 based on an expanded significant long-term grant to IT and mobile communication. The research built up within ICT-TNG that contributes to solving crucial problems in future energy consumption, climate change, affordable healthcare, efficient transport, and an inclusive society, will be included in the Digital Futures center in the future. Partners are KTH, Stockholm University, and RISE.
ICT TNG impact cases: 5G and beyond and Conversational Social Robots
SciLifeLab, Science for Life Laboratory
Area: Molecular life sciences
SciLifeLab is a national center for molecular life sciences focusing on research in translational medicine and molecular life sciences. SciLifeLab is a national resource operated by Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University and Uppsala University.
Excellence in Production RESearch, XPRES
Area: Production
XPRES will generate internationally leading research in advanced production and contribute to digital manufacturing and visualisation research infrastructure. Partners are Mälardalen University, RISE, and KTH.
Transport Research Environment with Novel Perspectives, TrENoP
Area: Transport
The research is focused on land transportation. TRENoP explores innovative technology and policy concepts, intelligent systems for decision support at the tactical, operational, and strategic level, and implementation processes. Partners are Linköping University, the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI), and KTH.
Strategic research areas where KTH contribute
StratNeuro
Area: Brain
Brain disorders are among the most common causes of disability in high-income countries. The European Brain Council has estimated that one-third of Europe's residents will be affected at some point during their lifetime. StratNeuro integrates research in clinical and basic neurosciences, aiming to reduce the burden of disease from brain disorders.
Coordinator: Karolinska Institutet.
U-CAN
Area: Cancer
The research community U-CAN collects and structures data, biomolecules, tumor, and blood samples from cancer patients before, during, and after treatment. The material is used to develop methods and drugs for diagnosing and treating tumor diseases.
Coordinator: Uppsala University.
ModElling the Regional and Global Earth system, MERGE
Area: Climate changes
Even though we already have sufficient knowledge of climate change today to justify emission reduction actions, there is still a need to understand better the uncertainties that remain in assessing climate change and its consequences
Coordinator: Lund University.
Stand-Up for Energy, StandUP
Area: Energy
STand-UP focuses on long-term sustainable energy supply, one of the grand global challenges in the coming decades. The research groups within STand-UP have a shared vision for the future of society with access to renewable, reliable, and cost-effective energy for housing, trade, transport, and industry.
Coordinator: Uppsala University.
Security Link
Area: Security and Emergency preparedness
Security and emergency preparedness cover wireless communication, advanced sensors and detectors, sensor and information fusion, decision support and coordination for crisis management, and related ethical issues.
Coordinator: Linköping University.