JU professor appointed member of the Swedish Research Council's Technology Committee
The Swedish Research Council has established a new committee for engineering sciences. One of the appointed members is Maria Riveiro, Professor of Computer Engineering at the School of Engineering (JTH), Jönköping University.
“I was really happy when I got the news. There are so many talented researchers in engineering science, so it feels like an honour to be given this responsibility. The Director General of the Swedish Research Council recently highlighted the importance of excellent research as the basis for Sweden’s competitiveness, and it feels fantastic to be able to contribute to that work,” says Maria Riveiro.
In order to keep pace with rapid technological developments and strengthen research in the field, the Swedish Research Council has decided to establish a special committee for engineering science. The decision is a direct result of the government's 2024 research and innovation bill, which highlights the need for greater investment in technology.
“It is wonderful that we at JTH have a representative in the important strategic work that the Swedish Research Council is doing in engineering science. We see this as a result of our long-term strategic work to build an integrated research and education environment in knowledge-intensive product development,” says Kerstin Johansen, Professor of Integrated Product and Production Development and Head of Research at JTH.
Ensuring focus on future technology research
Photo: Eva-Lena Niklasson
In practice, this means that the current Scientific Council for Natural and Engineering Sciences will be divided into two separate councils. As the new Scientific Council for Engineering Sciences cannot be established immediately, a transitional committee has been appointed to serve until 2028.
The Swedish Research Council is responsible for independent basic research of the highest quality, and the committee plays a central role in shaping the direction of future technology research,” says Maria.
“At a time when technological development is advancing so rapidly and affecting all parts of society, it is important that we think long term – that our investments both strengthen the quality of research and contribute to meeting the major societal challenges,” she says.
The committee will consist of eleven members, nine of whom are researchers with high competence in technology and natural sciences and who have already been appointed. Two additional members, with experience from research outside academia, will be added later.
The purpose of the committee is to ensure that engineering science receives a clear and independent focus within the Swedish Research Council's activities, and that research funding in the field develops in line with society's needs.
Diversity in engineering research
Maria Riveiro is the only participant from a ‘högskola’, or university college, who has been invited to join the committee.
“It feels really good to be able to represent a university college on the committee. University colleges play an important role in the research system; we work closely with industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and public actors. I think it is important that the entire breadth of Swedish research is included in these strategic contexts, not just the large universities,” she says.
The Engineering Sciences Committee is responsible for allocating research funding, following up and evaluating research, and developing strategies within the subject area. The commitee also collaborates with the other subject councils and committees, as well as the Council for Research Infrastructures within the Swedish Research Council.
Maria Riveiro's hope is that the committee will work together to contribute to initiatives that strengthen Sweden's position in the field of technology and, at the same time, make research beneficial to more people.
“I am really looking forward to working with colleagues from different parts of the country and from different fields of research. There is enormous strength in the diversity of Swedish technology research,” says Maria Riveiro.
Members of the Committee for Engineering Sciences 1 October 2025 - 31 December 2027
- Hemin Koyi, (Chairperson) Uppsala University
- Roland Larsson, Luleå University of Technology
- Fredrik Lundell, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Klas Markström, Umeå University
- Berit Olofsson, Stockholm University
- Christelle Prinz, Lund University
- Maria Riveiro, Jönköping University
- Maria Tenje, Uppsala University
- Lyudmila Tyrowska, Chalmers University of Technology
Information on the Committee for Engineering Sciences External link, opens in new window.
