KTH partner in three strategic research areas
KTH is a partner in three strategic research areas – quantum technology, polar research and climate-related research – in the Swedish Research Council’s recommendation to the government regarding which applications should be awarded funding. The initiative aims to create strong, world-class research environments for the long term.
– We are delighted that KTH is a partner in several of the strategic research areas now recommended for funding. This confirms the strength of our research and our close and vital collaboration with other higher education institutions, says Annika Borgenstam , Vice President for Research.
– At the same time, we see that this contributes to fulfilling our vision, as there is a clear societal benefit in all areas.
The initiative on strategic research areas aims to raise the profile of Swedish research through research environments capable of competing globally. The research funded under this call must be of the highest international quality or have a clear potential to reach this level.
Global climate system
In the field of polar research, it is proposed that the “Swedish Centre for Integrative Polar Research” at Stockholm University receive 66.5 million over the next two years. KTH is one of several partners. The aim is to explore the far-reaching consequences of rapid changes in the Arctic and Antarctic for the global climate system, the cryosphere, ecosystems and societies.
In the field of quantum technology, Chalmers is the lead applicant for a project with KTH, among others, as a partner. The “Strategic Research Area Quantum Technology” is proposed to receive 30 million next year and 60 million the year after.
Earmarked portions of research grant.
KTH is also a partner in the “Stockholm Centre for Climate Transitions (ClimTrio)”, with Stockholm University as the lead applicant, which is proposed to receive just over 44 million over the next two years. The project is based on the premise that climate transition is a societal transformation requiring integrated knowledge from multiple disciplines.
In total, the Swedish Research Council recommends that 16 projects be awarded funding under the Strategic Research Areas call. The Government decides on funding and allocates the funds as earmarked portions of the higher education institution’s research grant.
Text: Christer Gummeson ( gummeson@kth.se ) /Jill Klackenberg ( jillk@kth.se )