Annika Östman Wernerson: We will make it easier for KI's researchers to take part in EU projects

On 11 November, we were able to finalise our decision on bolstering our support of EU-financed research projects with a funding package of over SEK 200 million over the next five years.

This investment is an important step towards realising the goals laid out in our Strategy 2030. In investing in EU projects, we’re convinced that we’ll be better able to tackle the most pressing societal challenges. We’re now able to reward successful research projects that attract large external grants and make KI more competitive and visible on the international arena.

The package comprises three parts:

1. Co-financing: Each department will receive additional funding corresponding to ten per cent of its EU project income from previous years. This funding will cover costs that fall outside EU funding, such as for premises and other such indirect costs.
2. Funding after ERC projects: Researchers concluding their ERC projects will receive a one-off payment equivalent to one year’s contract value by way of contribution to their continued frontier research and staff costs.
3. Project coordinators: We will be recruiting two new project coordinators to reduce the administrative burden and create a more uniform and efficient way of working within the organisation.

These measures will make it easier for our researchers to take part in and lead EU projects, which in turn will strengthen our long-term research and make KI more attractive for the very best scientists.

A wonderful Nobel week

Following a wonderful Nobel week, I’d also like to give a special mention to the Nobel lectures, during which Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine Gary Ruvkun and Victor Ambros talked about their pioneering work on micro-DNA, which has revolutionised our understanding of gene regulation and showcased the value of curiosity-driven research. Gary Ruvkun’s fascination for science began as a boy, when he built a simple radio and realised the power inherent to understanding and manipulating the laws of nature. Victor Ambros’ scientific journey began with a family outing to observe a total eclipse, which piqued his curiosity and passion for research.

Free, curiosity-driven research is essential to scientific breakthroughs and our trust in knowledge and facts. It gives researchers the freedom to pursue their ideas and intuition, which often leads to unexpected and groundbreaking discoveries. Let us remain steadfast in our support of these values, which, at heart, are a question of academic freedom. And to likewise stand up for well-founded knowledge and evidence in a world in which we otherwise risk leaving the field open for opinion and disinformation. 

Thank you for taking part in the dialogue meeting

I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone who took part in the dialogue meeting on 3 December. Your engagement and insights are important to us. Regrettably, we had to cancel the 5 December meeting, and look forward to meeting you instead on 22 January in Flemingsberg.

Martin, Veronika and I would like to thank you all for your hard work and commitment over the past year. Together, we help to solve serious global societal problems and promote better health through our education, research and outreach activities. We look forward to continuing these endeavours with you in 2025. With our warmest wishes for a relaxing and joyful holiday!