Strategic Grants

Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability, WISE
To achieve our climate and environmental goals, we need to reduce our environmental and climate footprints from the materials we use in our day-to-day lives and in industry. The aim of the Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability is to create the conditions for a sustainable society by researching next generation of ecofriendly materials and manufacturing processes. This will also facilitate better technology for energy systems of the future, and to combat pollution and toxic emissions.

Materials science for a sustainable world

Wallenberg Wood Science Center, WWSC
Paper batteries, windowpanes made of wood, solid water, wood fibers stronger than steel – one incredible new sustainable material after another that may become a reality thanks to research being conducted at WWSC. But however fascinating the application possibilities are, the focus is very much on the fundamental science.

They create sustainable new materials from Swedish forests

The research program is a dynamic initiative to support basic research, postgraduate education and recruitment in the field of autonomous systems, software development and AI.

The program is intended to promote the development of know-how and expertise in a large number of fields in which vehicles, robots and complex software-intensive systems with intelligence achieve autonomy in interaction with humans. This knowledge is essential for Swedish research to keep pace with development of the connected society, in which a growing number of systems also become autonomous.

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Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT) is a center responsible for research programs in four areas of quantum technology. Chalmers University of Technology is responsible for quantum computing and quantum simulation; KTH (The Royal Institute of Technology) is responsible for quantum communication, and Lund University for development of quantum sensing.

The aim is to build a 100-qubit superconducting quantum computer, and thereby establish long-term cutting-edge expertise in this field, both in the academic world, and in industry.

Putting Sweden at the forefront of quantum technology

The MAX Laboratory in Lund is a Swedish national laboratory that supports three research areas: accelerator physics, research based on the use of synchrotron radiation, and nuclear physics that uses energy-rich electrons.

The Foundation has granted a total of more than SEK 1 billion to the MAX Laboratory. The latest contribution involves radiation tubes for the new MAX IV facility. They are the first radiation tubes that are custom-designed for spectroscopic studies of various systems under natural conditions. Scientists will be able to examine biological or geological samples in their natural wet environment. They will also be able to monitor corrosion on a surface in a realistic chemical environment and to observe processes in atmospheric gases. The Foundation is also funding a scholarship program to help educate young researchers in the field.

MAX IV – maximum brilliance reveals the innermost secrets of matter

For many years the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has awarded grants in this field, and has been instrumental in developing an excellent life science organization in Sweden.

The Foundation has reserved a total of over SEK 6.2 billion for the period 2014 – 2032 for life science research. 

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Data-driven life science, DDLS
The initiative on data-driven life science spans basic research in fields such as new therapeutics, epidemiology and infection biology, precision medicine and diagnostics, evolution and biodiversity, as well as cell and molecular biology. These fields are central to efforts to improve human quality of life and wellbeing, and also to safeguard biodiversity and create sustainability.

A new research initiative in data-driven life science

Wallenberg Centres for Molecular Medicine, WCMM
The common denominator for research under the auspices of WCMM is “translation” – from molecule to human. In practice, this entails attempting to understand and “translate” the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases. Wallenberg Centres for Molecular Medicine are located at the universities of Gothenburg, Linköping, Lund and Umeå.

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The Wallenberg Centre for Protein Research, WCPR is a leading international centre of excellence in the field of protein research, its emphasis being on studies of human proteins and production of biopharmaceuticals. The centre intends to collaborate with medium-sized and large pharmaceutical companies in developing new production technologies for biopharmaceuticals.

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Genetics and forest management are coming together in a long-term initiative adopting a holistic approach to forest research. The aim is to develop forest management and cultivate new varieties of conifer that will produce greater yields even in the face of climate change.

A holistic approach to tree DNA and environment

Since the turn of the millennium many of Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation’s strategic initiatives have helped to build up an extensive network for the furtherance of expertise in basic science in the Swedish scientific community and in Swedish industry, in fields such as life sciences, mathematics, data, materials science and AI and quantum technology.

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WISDOME - Wallenberg Immersive Science Communication Dome

A Jubilee donation of SEK 150 million to five science centers to build dome theaters and produce stories and experiences that explain how the world works based on cutting-edge research. The productions will be on display at Visualization Center C in Norrköping, Curiosum in Umeå, the Technical Museum in Stockholm, the Science Center Malmö Museums and the Universeum in Gothenburg.

Wisdome – gateway to a fascinating hidden world

WASP-AI and WACQT – Grants to artificial intelligence and quantum technology research

At the end of the Foundation’s anniversary in 2017 a jubilee donation in quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI) amounting to SEK 1.6 billion was launched.

The development within these two fields are predicted to have a major impact on research activities and society as a whole. Through WASP-AI and Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology comprehensive competence centers will be built.

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