Strategic research areas

Background

In the government bill "Research and Innovation for the Future – Curiosity and Usefulness" (prop. 2024/25:60), the Swedish government has proposed the introduction of eight new strategic research areas, for which HEIs may apply competitively. The government has based the new strategic research areas, among other things, on the input provided by HEIs, research funders, and other stakeholders in preparation for the bill. The aim of these strategic research areas is to ensure Sweden remains internationally competitive through mobilized efforts and increased profiling of Swedish research. The starting point is that the strategic initiatives should concern research that, in the long term, has the potential to be of the highest international quality or that has already reached that level.

The government intends to allocate a total of SEK 200 million in 2027 and SEK 400 million in 2028 to these areas. The funds will be distributed to HEIs as core funding to for research and doctoral-level education.

The Strategic Research Areas are:

• Health, life sciences, and artificial intelligence
• Quantum technologies
• Polar research
• Climate-related research
• Crisis preparedness and total defense
• Practice-oriented professional research on crime
• Excellence in school
• Research on advanced materials

The increase in funds received by a HEI is coupled with a mission that the institution will develop research in the strategic research area that is of the highest international standard. The mission should be clearly profiled and able to be developed from work that is already in progress. It should be possible for the strategic research area to become one of the most important profiles of the HEI. Striving for scientific excellence should be the foundation for all proposed initiatives.

The Swedish Research Council will handle the call for proposals and the peer review of applications from the HEIs. The government will make the final decisions on which eight areas will be funded, based on recommendations submitted by the Swedish Research Council in March 2026. 1-3 applications are expected to be recommended funding in each strategic research area.

Applicant

The applicant must be a Swedish HEI. The applicant HEI has overall responsibility for the development of the initiative and the HEIs vice-chancellor is responsible for the application.

Two or more HEIs may submit a joint application, where one HEI is the applicant and the other HEIs are participants. Collaboration among HEIs is not mandatory. Depending on the area, however, this may be necessary to achieve the intended mobilized efforts.

Each HEI can only be the applicant for one application per strategic research area. A HEI may participate in one or more applications within the same or different strategic research areas.

Strategic research areas

Health, life sciences, and artificial intelligence

Scientific progress in life sciences is made possible through the development of new tools, techniques, and methods. With high-quality medical research and innovation, Sweden has favorable conditions to become a leader in making personalized prevention, diagnostics, and treatment accessible, contributing to a long-term sustainable healthcare system.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving quality and diagnostic capabilities across a wide range of medical fields. AI can assist in preventive healthcare by, for example, identifying risks, and it also offers opportunities for increased efficiency in various ways. Despite its potential, implementation in healthcare is not progressing quickly enough.

The government is establishing strategic research areas focusing on health, life sciences, and AI to mobilize leading Swedish research in the field and thereby harness the potential that AI can offer. Such knowledge generation is relevant both in Sweden and globally.

For 2027, SEK 31 million is allocated for the initiative in research on health, life sciences, and AI. Subsequently, SEK 61.5 million is projected for 2028 for this purpose.

Quantum technologies

Technological breakthroughs and increasingly complex scientific questions are driving development forward. Quantum technology is rapidly advancing worldwide and is considered a key technology that will influence developments across many sectors of society. To harness the potential of quantum technology, strong basic research is needed as a foundation for technological leaps in various applications expected to emerge from this new technology.

In May 2024, the government tasked the Swedish Research Council with developing a proposal on how a national quantum strategy could be designed. Sweden has a strong research base, but at the same time, global competition in the field is increasing. Altogether, this means that further investments are required, along with increased coordination and a clear national strategy.

The initiative on strategic research areas in quantum technologies aims to further strengthen Sweden's capabilities and international position in the quantum field in both the short and long term, and to enhance the attractiveness of Swedish researchers and research environments as international collaboration partners.

For 2027, SEK 50 million is allocated for the initiative in research in quantum technology. Subsequently, SEK 100 million is projected for 2028 for this purpose.

Polar research

Sweden is highly prominent in polar research, and as a way to secure this position, the government is establishing strategic research areas in the field.

Polar research includes studies in or of the Arctic and/or Antarctic and is often multi- and interdisciplinary. The research may address global issues, societal challenges, and sustainable development, focusing on aspects such as climate, environment, security policy, and international law, with individual projects potentially having a local focus. The field of research spans a wide range of scientific disciplines, time periods, as well as geographic and societal structures, and involves many different research performers. Research in polar regions often depends on advanced research infrastructure, extensive logistical support, and large-scale international collaborations.

For 2027, SEK 22 million is allocated for the initiative in polar research. Subsequently, SEK 44.5 million is projected for 2028 for this purpose.

Climate-related research

The scientific consensus is robust in concluding that human activity is the cause of climate change and global warming. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that climate change is increasingly affecting nature and human living conditions around the world. A changing climate, with extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts, is associated with more prolonged conflicts, rising food prices, uncertainty around food and water supply, income loss, and costly damage to buildings and infrastructure. Research and innovation are essential to counteract climate change, manage its consequences, and achieve a successful climate transition.

The investment in strategic areas within climate-related research aims to strengthen the knowledge base for effective measures and technological solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation — such as eliminating or minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing the most effective possible climate adaptation strategies. For the actions informed by research to lead to real change, a comprehensive approach is required, one that also includes social science research — for example, on social acceptance, economic aspects of the climate change, and other societal impacts resulting from climate change.

Within the framework of funding for research and postgraduate education at universities and colleges, SEK 22 million is allocated for 2027 for investment in research on climate change and adaptation. Subsequently, SEK 44.5 million is projected for 2028 for this purpose.

Crisis preparedness and total defense

In an uncertain and rapidly changing global situation, Sweden’s crisis preparedness and total defence are facing swift and extensive growth. New knowledge at the forefront of research is needed to contribute to Sweden’s capacity for innovation and resilience. This may include everything from basic research to interdisciplinary studies with various knowledge focuses and within different fields that are important for Swedish crisis preparedness and total defence.

For 2027, SEK 24 million is allocated for the initiative in research on crisis preparedness and total defense. Subsequently, SEK 47 million is projected for 2028 for this purpose.

Practice-oriented professional research on crime

In light of the societal threat posed by organized crime, the need for knowledge-based practice in the law enforcement field has never been greater. Crime is highly complex and rapidly changing. It also has extensive international ramifications. New technology and digital platforms are being exploited for criminal purposes, while digital information is also a resource in law enforcement that must be used in the best possible way.

In order to meet the increasing complexity and pace of change in crime, excellent practice-oriented research is particularly important. Research needs to follow and drive developments towards better equipped law enforcement authorities, and better crime prevention work in society. There is a great need for practice-oriented and interdisciplinary research that also includes collaboration with other crucial public institutions.

For 2027, SEK 12.5 million is allocated for the initiative in practice-oriented professional research on crime. Subsequently, SEK 25 million is projected for 2028 for this purpose.

Excellence in school

Imparting knowledge is the school’s most important mission. For schools to impart knowledge as effectively as possible, and for students to be able to absorb it in the best possible way, practice-oriented research focusing on educational outcomes is needed. Such an initiative can strengthen Sweden as a nation of knowledge. Education should be grounded in science. Therefore, research that promotes student learning and high-quality teaching is essential. There is also a need for research on school organization and leadership to prepare students for the future. To achieve the goal of a knowledge-based education system where all students are given the opportunity to reach their full potential, a strong commitment to excellent practice-oriented research is necessary.

For 2027, SEK 25 million is allocated for the initiative in practice-oriented professional research on schools. Subsequently, SEK 50 million is projected for 2028 for this purpose.

Research on advanced materials

Advanced materials are crucial for Sweden’s industrial competitiveness and the Swedish economy. To safeguard Sweden’s competitiveness, research that contributes to the industry’s transition and productivity is required. For the industry to transition to fossil-free operations, increased circularity, energy storage, and new innovative materials are needed.

In an international context, Sweden holds a strong position relative to its size in the field of materials research. Technical and natural science research on advanced materials contributes to the industry’s transition and productivity, has a broad range of applications, and is applicable across various technologies. This may involve improved efficiency in the conversion of different fossil-free energy sources, batteries and semiconductors with increased efficiency, or lighter materials that combine reduced energy consumption with increased safety.

In 2027, SEK 13.5 million is allocated for the initiative research on advanced materials. Subsequently, SEK 27.5 million is projected for 2028 for this purpose.