"Through this repatriation grant, we want to attract more excellent researchers to Sweden "

21 September 2022

These words are Tuula Teeri’s, CEO of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, IVA. As a board member of ÅForsk foundation, she is one of the initiators of the research foundation's repatriation grant.

This is the second time the grant, aimed at researchers who want to re-establish themselves in Sweden, has been awarded.

– With this call for proposals, we want to attract excellent researchers to return to Sweden. People who were educated here, but who have since gone on to do their doctorates and research in other countries. They have knowledge and experience that is needed in Sweden, so we want to offer them the opportunity to re-establish themselves in the Swedish labour market," says Tuula Teeri.

Why is the call for repatriation grants important?

– Currently, Swedish industry is suffering from a growing skills shortage. That threatens growth and also competitiveness and prosperity in our country, making measures such as this grant necessary, explains Tuula Teeri.

IVA is one of the stakeholders represented on the board of ÅForsk foundation. What is the most enjoyable part of the job?

– It’s very inspiring to see all the applications, and to be involved in the selection of the recipients of our research grants. ÅForsk foundation really has an important role to play in supporting quality research in areas that are relevant to industry', says Tuula Teeri.

What areas does IVA consider important for Sweden to gain knowledge in, and where ÅForsk foundation repatriation grants can make a contribution?

– ÅForsk foundation supports research in a number of core areas; sustainable development in areas such as energy, environment and materials as well as process development, infrastructure and safety. All of these areas are relevant to transition to a sustainable future, in Swedish industry and society says Tuula Teeri. She continues;

– Now we are hoping for many applicants who want to come back and work in Sweden!

Since its inception in 1985, ÅForsk foundation has awarded around SEK 670 million in research grants, travel grants and scholarships to innovators. IVA is represented on the ÅForsk foundation Board along with AFRY, The Swedish Forest Industries Federation and Swedenergy - Energiföretagen.

About the repatriation grant

ÅForsk repatriation grants can be applied for by researchers who wish to re-establish themselves in Sweden after conducting research abroad. The research must be focused on one of ÅForsk foundation's core areas: Energy, Environment, Safety & Sustainability, Infrastructure, Materials Technology, Development of Processes, and Products from Renewable Raw Materials. A call for applications for the repatriation grants was open during 2022 and the deadline for applications was 30 September 2022. Read more at: https://aforsk.com/ApplicationInformation