Strategic research in focus

​​“It is an honour to be elected to this assignment. As a senior researcher I find it important, and truly my duty, to contribute with knowledge to a larger context than my own research projects,” says Pernilla Wittung Stafshede.

Bridge between research and results utilised in society

The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) creates bridges between basic research and so-called needs-motivated research with the aim to produce results useful to the society. They also encourage researchers’ mobility within academia, and between other important players in society, such as industry and healthcare.

“My background is in basic research, and I hope to be able to contribute to the foundation's focus on technology, natural sciences and medicine,” says Pernilla Wittung Stafshede, whose research focuses on the role of metalloprotein mechanisms (e.g., in cancer) − and protein misfolding (e.g. in Parkinson's disease).

Pernilla Wittung Stafshede also brings experience from many assignments, e.g., the Nobel Committee for Chemistry and the leadership of Chalmers' gender equality initiative Genie​.

"I am looking forward to gain new insights"​

“SSF's board consists of people with different experiences, not just academics like myself, and I am really looking forward to gain new insights through them. I hope this will help develop my own thoughts on how to tackle the big, difficult challenges we face today.”

Pernilla Wittung Stafshede is very positive about the foundation's investments, for example the big investment “Research leaders of the future”.

“Since these generous fellowships also include leadership trainin​g, the young researchers will become well prepared to be successful in the academic world. It also enables them to be ready to take on assignments outside of academia”

More about SSF

• The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, SSF, supports research in science, technology and medicine with several hundered million SEK a year.
• SSF is a free, independent player within the public research funding system.
• The foundation shall promote the development of strong research environments of the highest international class with significance for the development of Sweden's future competitiveness.