Published: 12-10-2012 00:00 | Updated: 26-11-2013 10:29

KI comment on the research and innovation bill

[NEWS 2012-10-12] Karolinska Institutet president Professor Harriet Wallberg-Henriksson and dean of research Professor Martin Ingvar welcome the government´s research and innovation bill, which, amongst other things, promises a funding boost for research and doctoral education totalling SEK 900 million until 2016.

Karolinska Institutet is to receive an additional SEK 140.5 split over three years, more than any other university.

"It´s great news for Swedish research that the government is prepared to invest like this, and to do so during such austere times when so many other cuts are going on. Belts are being tightened everywhere, especially in the USA, Britain, Europe and Asia. The fact that Sweden can invest like this is fantastic for Swedish research - and great, of course, for our university."

Professor Ingvar says the research bill shows that the government has understood what effective research needs.

"They´ve realised that the combination of fixed and applied-for funding creates a good balance, and enables KI as a university to continue on its path of growth."

"The largest single investment of SEK 200 million for SciLifeLab will make it possible for us to start and plan a competitive, national infrastructure," says Professor Wallberg-Henriksson.

"But a lot will also be expected of us in return," adds Professor Ingvar. "It´s a wonderful opportunity for us, but also a challenge. This rapid scale-up is to be done in harmony with three other universities and our way of making central investments differs from how the other universities go about things."