More international researchers and improved opportunities for companies in the region to recruit internationally – these are some of the goals as Mid Sweden University launches an acceleration program for future research leaders. Three researchers from the strategic environment, Transformative Technologies, will be the first to join the pilot initiative.
“There is a need to improve international research funding at Mid Sweden University, and we want to work dynamically to develop our academic environment at the university,” says Hans-Erik Nilsson, professor and deputy vice chancellor for Innovation and Industry Collaboration at Mid Sweden University.
Mid Sweden University’s vision is to be a global university with regional engagement, which includes initiatives for international collaborations. The goal of the acceleration program is to write at least six successful applications for funding from Horizon Europe, as well as several new international research partners and collaborations in various networks.
“We also hope that more international researchers will start working at Mid Sweden University, and that there will be increased mobility for our researchers, both outgoing and incoming. Another vision is that we can contribute to companies in the region succeeding in recruiting international employees and forming collaborations,” says Hans-Erik Nilsson.
Knowledge Foundation support
The Knowledge Foundation grants SEK 5 million to support the development of the acceleration program within the strategic environment, Transformative Technologies. This will include mentoring from research leaders at Mid Sweden University and the recruitment of an international guest professor with extensive experience in applications to Horizon Europe programs. In total, the initiative involves SEK 14,5 million over three years, including co-financing from eight partner companies and Mid Sweden University.
“It is gratifying that Mid Sweden University is investing in young, future research leaders. TransTech has had successful development over several years and was designated as a Strategic Environment by the Knowledge Foundation in 2022. This acceleration program aligns perfectly with the university’s strategy and the Knowledge Foundation’s ambition for the environment’s development. The initiative has great potential to further strengthen TransTech as a strategic international research and education environment,” says Eva Schelin, CEO of the Knowledge Foundation.
Carol Ann Featherstone from Cardiff University has been recruited as a guest professor and mentor in the program. She is an internationally recognized researcher with extensive experience as a leader of EU projects in co-production with industry.
Three researchers included in the pilot
Three researchers from Mid Sweden University will participate in the pilot initiative. These researchers are Sebastian Bader, Associate Professor in Electronics, Carlos Botero, PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Alireza Eivazi, PhD in Chemical Engineering.
The first projects focus on intelligent structural health monitoring through embedded machine learning, additive manufacturing of tungsten for energy applications, and mineralization of cellulose-based materials using carbon dioxide (CO2).
Industrial collaborations and co-production
The acceleration program includes international collaborations and co-production. It aims to build more knowledge in the selected research areas and prepare both academia and industry for more research collaborations in Europe. There will also be open seminars and events to disseminate knowledge and deepen collaborations. Partner companies in the pilot initiative are Starbit AB, CNET Svenska AB, Freemelt, Sandvik, Wolfram, Sundsvall Energi and SCA.
“Our ambition is to build a globally connected research environment where international collaborations and innovative projects with our industrial partners strengthen both swedish industry and our research leaders,” says Hans-Erik Nilsson.
