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
SeRC - Swedish e-Science Research Centre
Area: e-Science
Managing large amounts of data and using high-performance computers for simulations and calculations is today an integral part of scientific research. SeRC provides support to existing and new e-science communities, enabling them to reach scientific breakthroughs in Sweden. Partners are Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, Linköping University and KTH.
Digital Futures and ICT-TNG: Information and Communication Technology, The Next Generation
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 the area of 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 with a focus on research in translational medicine and molecular life sciences. SciLifeLab is a national resource operated by Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University and Uppsala University.
XPRES - Excellence in Production RESearch
Area: Production
XPRES will generate internationally leading research in advanced production and contribute to research infrastructure for digital manufacturing and visualization. Partners are Mälardalen University, RISE and KTH.
TrENoP - Transport Research Environment with Novel Perspectives
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 as well as 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 is integrating 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 the diagnosis and treatment of tumor diseases.
Coordinator: Uppsala University.
MERGE - ModElling the Regional and Global Earth system
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 better understand the uncertainties that remain in assessing climate change and its consequences.
Coordinator: Lund University.
StandUP - Stand-Up for Energy
Area: Energy
STand-UP focuses on long-term sustainable energy supply, which is one of the grand global challenges in the coming decades. The research groups within STand-UP have a common vision for the future of a 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 areas such as wireless communication, advanced sensors and detectors, sensor and information fusion, decision support and coordination for crisis management, but also related ethical issues.
Coordinator: Linköping University.