Successful inauguration of the WISE research program

Approximately 120 invited guests were attending the event. The attendees of the inauguration enjoyed several talks by industry experts and top scientists in the area of materials science for sustainability and included also an exhibition with research demonstrators, lunch and mingle dinner.

– We are proud to start this research program. The official launch of WISE is the start of Sweden, now taking a leading position in materials science to empower sustainable technologies. New, fundamental knowledge is needed to derive materials that reroute civilization onto a pathway towards a sustainable society that lives in balance with our valuable and limited resources, says Prof. Magnus Berggren, WISE Director, Linköping University.

-The mission of the innovative research program is to perform basic and need-driven materials science research at the international forefront to empower sustainable technologies with positive impact on society and to train future leaders in society, industry, and academia, says Prof. Olle Eriksson, WISE Co-director, Uppsala University.

About WISE

WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at seven of Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The aim is to create the conditions for a sustainable society by researching the next generation of ecofriendly functional materials and manufacturing processes. Efforts will be devoted to identifying new or significantly improved materials, which provide a distinct advantage in physical, chemical, biological, or functional performance when compared to existing materials and technologies. This relates to materials that demand fewer resources, are less environmentally hazardous, and enable sound and efficient recycling processes.