KTH takes over the chair of Stockholm Trio

Anders Söderholm, President of KTH, has taken over as chair of University Alliance Stockholm Trio until July 2027.

Anders Söderholm, President of KTH. Photo: Magnus Glans

Hello there, Anders Söderholm External link.. Which joint issues should the alliance give particular priority to over the coming year?

“The EU’s forthcoming Framework Programme for Research and Innovation will enter its final negotiations over the coming year. Creating opportunities to influence that process is therefore a key priority, the Stockholm Trio’s joint representation in Brussels External link. is an important resource in this work.”

“We also need to continue highlighting the crucial role our three universities play for the Stockholm region and Sweden. Our contribution to growth and academic excellence needs to remain firmly on the agenda.”

At Stockholm Trio’s seminar “World-class research External link.” during Almedalen week, you highlighted SciLifeLab and MedTechLabs as examples of how long-term investments and collaboration create strong research environments. How can the three universities work to create more research environments of this kind?

“When our three higher education institutions collaborate, we create strong research environments. In addition to successful collaborations, such as SciLifeLab External link. and MedTechLabs External link., we are now working together to establish a Centre for Medical Radiation Science External link., with the aim to strengthen Stockholm's and Sweden's position in precision radiation therapy for cancer.

The Swedish Research Council has also recommended that the government award strategich research area funding (SFO) to the Stockholm Centre for Climate Transition (ClimTrio) External link.. This initiative will bring together leading research in the social sciences, natural sciences, technology, and medicine across our three universities, with the aim to provide knowledge and evidence to support the transition to a fossil-free society.”

In a recently published opinion piece External link., you and the Presidents of Stockholm University and Karolinska Institutet warn that high premises costs risk diverting resources away from research and education, particularly in the Stockholm region. What consequences could this have for the Stockholm region?

“The current system is both dysfunctional and harmful to Sweden, particularly when it comes to developing Stockholm as a leading knowledge and innovation region. Our three universities pay significantly higher rents per square metre than universities in many other parts of the country, without receiving any corresponding compensation in their funding. “

“The detrimental effects of the model for the provision of premises have become apparent in recent years. This issue must be addressed by our funding bodies so that that the quality of research and education is not put at risk.”