Chalmers is to receive SEK 48.5 million to train more engineers and appoint more teachers and researchers in electrification and battery technology. Engineering programmes at Lund University and Uppsala University will receive similar funding.
The government is investing in a permanent expansion of Chalmers’ MSc in engineering and preparatory year programmes and in a strategic research initiative for batteries. The investment means that Chalmers will receive a total of SEK 48.5 million according to the budget bill for 2024.
“To continue to maintain Sweden as a country of innovation and engineering in the face of increasingly fierce international competition, investment in engineering programmes is required. Chalmers has strong expertise in areas that are important for industry’s green transition,” says Mats Persson, the Swedish Minister for Education.
Funds that will help Sweden advance
Part of the investment meets the needs jointly identified by Chalmers, Lund University and Uppsala University: funds to help Sweden advance in battery technology and power electronics. The universities decided last year to collaborate more closely on research, research infrastructure and education in this area. They now collaborate on the Compel platform with the aim of offering Swedish industry expertise and world-leading research. The three universities are proposed to receive a total of SEK 45 million in increased research funding annually from 2025. For Chalmers, this means SEK 15 million per annum to enhance the research and education environments in electrification and battery technology.
“Engineering expertise and cutting-edge research in this area are crucial for the transition to a fossil-free transport sector. This is a matter of national concern for the construction of a sustainable future, and also to enable Swedish industry to stand out in the global competition in this area. With this government support, we three universities will be able to make an important joint contribution to the country’s future,” says Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President of Chalmers.
Engineering expertise and cutting-edge research in this area are crucial for the transition to a fossil-free transport sector.
Investment in engineering programmes
The government is also proposing a targeted investment to expand MSc in engineering programmes in the coming years. In 2024, it is proposed that just over SEK 16 million be allocated to Chalmers to permanently expand the MSc in engineering programmes and for second-cycle education. When the investment has been fully developed in 2029, it is estimated that around SEK 50 million will be allocated to the university.
To enable more people to train as engineers, the preparatory year programme is also being expanded. For this purpose, approximately SEK 8 million is proposed to be allocated to Chalmers in 2024 and approximately SEK 18 million is estimated from 2025.
“The government’s overall long-term approach is very positive,” says Jörgen Blennow, Vice President of Education and Lifelong Learning at Chalmers.
“Both because it creates the conditions for the necessary green transition and because more young people will be given the opportunity to start and complete an MSc in engineering programme. The investment in research also allows for the recruitment of teachers.”
Increase in funding
To improve the quality of engineering programmes, the government proposes to increase the funding for science and engineering programmes. For Chalmers, this will mean a contribution of approximately SEK 9.5 million in 2024, SEK 19 million in 2025 and SEK 29 million from 2026.
“The increase in funding per full-time student is necessary and it enhances Chalmers’ and other higher education institutions’ contribution to society,” says Jörgen Blennow.
Facts | Compel
The collaboration platform Compel (COMPetitiveness for the ELectrification of the transport system) is a collaboration between Chalmers, Lund University and Uppsala University. The platform was established in 2022 in response to the need to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the automotive industry and Sweden as a whole. The transport sector worldwide is currently transitioning to fossil-free operation, and electrification is the dominant strategy. This has led to increasing demand for research and expertise in battery development. Other countries are far ahead of Sweden, with countries like the US, South Korea and Germany investing heavily in battery research.