Strengthened collaboration on ESS and MAX IV creates national and international benefits

Per a Swedish Government assignment, the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova have since 2019 coordinated initiatives to increase the use of the two research facilities ESS and MAX IV. A recently published report establishes that, as a result of this, the facilities have become more visible and have generated greater benefits, both in Sweden and internationally.

“Collaboration between the two agencies has in many ways contributed to creating unified and goal-oriented support for academia, industry, and public actors linked to these infrastructures,” says Katarina Bjelke, Director General of the Swedish Research Council.

A central feature of the work has been the annual ESS/MAX IV Summit conferences, which have gathered together researchers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers from across Sweden. The conferences have contributed to building relationships, disseminating knowledge, and created a consensus on the opportunities offered by the facilities.

During the course of the assignment, several new initiatives have been taken. A technology park function has been established to strengthen the interaction between research and business. Research environments and companies throughout Sweden have received support in using advanced analysis methods. The initiatives have contributed to enabling Swedish companies to take part in procurements for large international research facilities, worth hundreds of millions of Swedish krona.

The report also points out future needs. One of the proposals is a national graduate school to safeguard competence within the methods offered by ESS and MAX IV. This would both broaden the use of the facilities and make Sweden more attractive for international researchers and collaborations.

Darja Isaksson, Director General of Vinnova, underlines how important it is for the work to continue:

“ESS and MAX IV are not just scientific resources, they are strategic assets for Sweden’s competitiveness. To maximise the benefit, continued focus is needed on competence, accessibility, and collaboration.”

The Swedish Research Council and Vinnova see the Government assignment as an important starting point for continued development. The experiences will be developed further in the work on the new assignments relating to ESS and MAX IV included in the Government’s research and innovation bill.

Download the report Redovisning av regeringsuppdraget avseende den europeiska spallationskällan och MAX IV (in Swedish)