FRIST, Forum for Risk Investigation and Sustainable Technology, is involved in the research and development of cost-effective remediation techniques and methods for investigating and assessing the need for measures at contaminated sites.
Remediation of contaminated sites is one of the largest expenditures of the Swedish Ministry of the Environment. In addition, the remediation field is characterised by a relatively low, albeit growing, degree of innovation. There is a great need for research that is useful to the problem owners, the authorities and those carrying out investigations and remediation work. We need a greater degree of collaboration between different disciplines, including technology, law, finance and the natural sciences.
Researchers, problem owners, contractors and authorities have a joint responsibility for carrying out transdisciplinary research and development, and this is where we believe FRIST has an important role to play, in extending our knowledge of contaminated sites!
FRIST was launched in early 2004 and have collaborated with numerous companies and organisations in research and development project during the years.
Opportunities for collaboration
The main methods for collaboration between us and our partners are:
- Industrial Doctoral Student - A person employed by a company who pursues graduate studies at Chalmers and works on a doctoral project. Chalmers provides the supervision, but the doctoral student remains employed by the company.
- Industrial Assistant Professor - A person with a doctoral degree who is employed by a company, but does research at Chalmers on a part-time basis. We provide the premises and a place on a research team but the employer pays the salary and any associated costs.
- Commissioned research - Senior researchers work on issues identified as important by one or more organisations.
- Student theses - We set up student degree projects according to your wishes and with close connection to research. In exchange, you benefit from our expert knowledge as we supervise the work.
Achievements
Since the start in 2004, we have examined doctors and licentiates of technology with focus on ‘Cost-effective sampling’, ‘Alternative sorption materials’, ‘Decision support for assessing the sustainability of remediation measures’ and ‘Project risk assessment of remediation measures in the built environment’.
We have published approximately 30 scientific articles internationally, attended conferences and seminars, and been the examiners for a large number of student theses. FRIST has also completed four projects, involving mainly risk assessments, within the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s knowledge program, Sustainable Remediation. We have also carried out commissioned research of an experimental nature and pilot projects looking at remediation of contaminated waters.
We have launched new Master’s level courses at Chalmers, where remediation of contaminated sites is an important component. We also provide training on basic statistical data analysis for consultants, authorities and remediation companies. To be able to start and develop educational initiatives within this area is important to ensure a future supply of knowledgeable problem solvers. Further education is needed to communicate our knowledge to those who may benefit from it. All education must be based on well-founded scientific research.