11 Mar 2025

A Northern Expedition: WISE Research School visits Luleå University of Technology

During their three-day trip through northern Sweden, participants explored LTU’s high-tech labs, engaged with leading researchers, and visited top industrial companies. Talga, SSAB, LKAB, Stegra, and SWERIM showcased how materials research drives sustainable solutions across industries.

The WISE Research School is committed to shaping the next generation of researchers in sustainable materials science. Recently, Luleå University of Technology (LTU) welcomed WISE RS participants for an inspiring visit, offering doctoral students and postdocs a firsthand look at the university’s cutting-edge research in materials science and sustainable development.

During their three-day study trip through northern Sweden in mid-February, participants explored high-tech labs, engaged with leading LTU researchers, and visited major industrial companies and research institutes. The program focused on materials for emerging technologies, with an emphasis on sustainable raw materials from mining, wood, and recycling—key areas in the transition towards sustainability. The trip was coordinated by Ida Kero, Associate Professor of Materials Engineering at the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, LTU.

“It was an incredibly exciting visit with so many engaging activities, and it provided a great opportunity to meet researchers from diverse fields. We were exposed to a wide variety of materials knowledge, from metals to wood and beyond,” says Aihemaiti Haireguli, PhD student at the Materials Science and Engineering Department, KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

Among the companies visited, Talga, SSAB, LKAB, Stegra, and SWERIM offered an exclusive look into how innovative materials research is driving sustainable solutions across various industries.

“It is fantastic to showcase the research we conduct at Luleå University of Technology while fostering opportunities for future collaborations. The WISE RS plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of researchers in materials science for sustainability,” says Andreas Larsson, Professor of Applied Physics and Deputy Director of the WISE RS.

Beyond the scientific program, participants also had the chance to experience the winter landscape of Norrbotten, including ice skating in central Luleå—a memorable way to balance research with cultural exploration.

For more visit: https://www.ltu.se/en/research/centres-of-excellence-and-collaborations/wise/wise-notiser/2025-02-24-wise-research-school-visited-lulea-university-of-technology