Strategic Research Area Advanced Materials
Within the research area “Material 4.0 Sweden, the Lund and Chalmers alliance for advanced semiconductors and intelligent materials”, NanoLund contributes to the development of new semiconductor materials and components for future electronics. The initiative is led by Lars‑Erik Wernersson, Professor of Nanoelectronics at the Department of Electrical and Information Technology. The proposed funding amounts to SEK 7.4 million for 2027 and SEK 15.1 million for 2028.
“This offers fantastic opportunities for future semiconductor development. It’s especially exciting that we’re connecting with MAX IV much more clearly than before through advanced characterisation of new materials. This creates international opportunities,” says Lars-Erik Wernersson.
The research includes, among other things, the development of semiconductors with ultra‑wide bandgaps, enabling fast and energy‑efficient power electronics, as well as increased use of AI‑driven methods for materials development.
A central component of the research area is the advanced characterisation of new materials and components at MAX IV, where the use and methodological development of X‑ray‑based characterisation techniques are central.
"This research area enables us to connect materials development, AI, and advanced characterisation in a way that is essential for the next generation of sustainable materials", says Rainer Timm, Professor at the Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics.
Strategic Research Area Quantum Technology
Lund University and KTH contribute to the Chalmers‑led “Strategic Research Area in Quantum Technology”. The proposed funding amounts to SEK 30 million for 2027 and SEK 60 million for 2028, whereof LU’s share is 30 per cent.
Lund has long hosted a broad and internationally visible research environment in quantum technology. The research spans from fundamental quantum physics to applications in future quantum technologies. The activities include, among other areas, ultrafast quantum physics, quantum technology with rare‑earth atoms, quantum states in nanosystems, quantum information theory, ultracold atomic gases, quantum materials for quantum technology, and time‑dependent quantum processes.
“The strategic research area creates better conditions for long‑term and groundbreaking research and makes it possible to strengthen the quantum technology environment further”, says Peter Samuelsson, Professor at the Division of Mathematical Physics.
The initiative is also expected to create scope for new recruitments. This will further reinforce Lund University’s position in quantum technology.
Lund University’s representation in the strategic research areas stays strong
The first generation of strategic research areas, to which NanoLund belongs, was established in 2009 as a long-term initiative to stimulate new knowledge development and foster excellent research environments. Lund University has long been the institution with the broadest involvement in the strategic research areas. In total, the university is involved in 11 of the 20 existing strategic research areas (SRAs), eight of which are coordinated by the university.
If the Swedish Research Council’s recommendation is implemented, an additional six will be added to the list, and Lund University will coordinate or participate in 17 of 36 national research environments.
- Lund University proposed to receive funding in six of eight new strategic research areas (Lund University’s website)
- Strategic research areas (The Swedish Research Council’s website)