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Supporting the next generation of researchers

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Five early‑career researchers are now being given the opportunity to further develop their academic careers. Through the programme Early academic career, the Knowledge Foundation is awarding a total of SEK 14 million to research projects at five Swedish universities.

The funding allows the researchers to independently conduct and further develop their research, while working closely with companies and other actors in society. The aim is to support the career development of researchers at the start of their academic careers.

" The years following a PhD are often decisive for how a researcher’s career develops. That is why funders have an important role to play in creating opportunities for talented researchers to establish themselves early on and continue to develop.
Maria Dollhopf
Programme manager at the Knowledge Foundation

Beyond supporting individual career development, the projects will generate new knowledge in areas of clear relevance to both society and industry. The funded projects address a range of pressing challenges – ranging from energy and industrial digitalisation to medicine, working environments and organisational adaptability.

Granted projects

  • Energy companies are currently facing major challenges, as rising biomass prices and increasing demands for transition affect both planning and operations. In close collaboration with seven companies, the project focuses on three key challenges in district heating systems: production, flexibility and resilience. Together, the project partners will co produce knowledge on new system solutions and operational strategies, which will then be tested, refined and transferred to the companies’ own planning environments.

    Key facts

    Project manager Puneet Saini
    Project partners Five district heating utilities (Borlänge Energi, Falun Energi och Vatten, Växjö Energi, Söderhamn Nära and Jönköping Energi), as well as ECOP and EcoDataCenter.
    Funding SEK 3 000 000

  • The project explores how the peptide TCP 25, which has both anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can be used more effectively in the treatment of chronic wounds and certain skin conditions. A key focus is the development and evaluation of hydrogel based patches for topical peptide application.

    Key facts

    Project manager Aryane Alves Vigato
    Project partners Redoxis AB and Xinnate AB
    Funding SEK 2 996 915

  • As Industry 4.0 continues to evolve, there are growing demands for reliable network communication, even in challenging industrial environments. Use cases include real time monitoring and control of machinery, as well as portable automation units. The project develops and evaluates new technical solutions and compares different technologies for reliable industrial wireless communication.

    Key facts

    Project manager Zenepe Satka
    Project partners Scania and Arcticus Systems
    Funding SEK 1 980 000

  • How can leaders stimulate proactivity among employees? This project aims to strengthen proactivity as a means of enabling organisational adaptation, change and transformation in a rapidly changing world. In collaboration with the School of Engineering and the School of Health and Welfare at Jönköping University, and companies such as IKEA and Nobia, the project will develop knowledge and practical tools to support more sustainable leadership and work practices in industry.

    Key facts

    Project manager Erik Waltré
    Project partners IKEA and Nobia
    Funding SEK 2 999 999

  • The project is developing an AI based tool for ergonomic assessments in industrial settings. By combining computer vision, sensor technologies, and large language models, work postures, physical load and movement patterns can be analysed more objectively and efficiently. In collaboration with industrial partners, the project aims to develop solutions that contribute to improved working conditions, preventive health measures and increased productivity in the manufacturing industry.

    Key facts

    Project manager Aitor Iriondo Pascual
    Project partners Skandia Elevator, Alfa Laval and KTH
    Funding SEK 3 000 000

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