The 2026 Nordea Scientific Prize goes to Gabriel Sas

Gabriel Sas, Professor of Structural Engineering at Luleå University of Technology, has been awarded the 2026 Nordea Scientific Prize. He is recognised for his scientific achievements, leadership, and long-term commitment to sustainable construction and sustainable societal development.

“It is with great joy and gratitude that I receive the Nordea Scientific Prize. The prize recognises the whole subject of structural engineering, our PhD students and researchers, and the partners in industry and society that we work with. Our research is about understanding, strengthening and extending the service life of bridges, dams and buildings. This is a way to build sustainably, with fewer resources and lower climate impact. It means a lot that the prize comes from Nordea’s Norrland Foundation, because much of our work is done for and in northern Sweden", says Gabriel Sas.

Nordea’s Scientific Prize was established in 2006 by Nordea’s Norrland Foundation and is awarded annually to researchers at Luleå University of Technology who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of scientific research and development. The award carries a prize of SEK 100,000.

“Gabriel Sas demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when outstanding research is combined with collaboration, leadership and a genuine commitment to societal development. Research contains many of the important pieces needed to address the challenges of the future and support the development our society requires. He also has the ability to create a working environment that nurtures both his team and the continued growth of the research field,” says Jenny Olsson, Branch Manager of Nordea in Luleå.

The award committee consists of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deans of the Faculty Boards of Science and Technology and of Humanities and Social Sciences at Luleå University of Technology, and the Market Area Manager at Nordea’s Luleå branch, who also serves as Chair of the committee.

Citation:

Professor Gabriel Sas is the Head of Subject for Structural Engineering within the Department of Built Environment and Natural Resources. In this role, he has built a strong and expanding research environment characterised by high scientific quality and close collaboration with industry and public-sector stakeholders. He has taken significant responsibility for the development of the subject area, fostered an inclusive and stimulating working environment, and played a leading role in bringing together researchers, doctoral students and external partners to address shared societal challenges.

Through his research on condition assessment, strengthening and life-extension of structures, he has contributed to the development of safe, sustainable and resource-efficient solutions for buildings, bridges, dams and other critical infrastructure. His work is of great importance to societal development in northern Sweden and supports long-term sustainable investments, risk management and value creation, areas that are also relevant to Nordea’s activities.

Professor Sas’s research and collaborative work are characterised by a strong commitment to society. Through several projects linked to the development of Norrbotten, he has contributed to knowledge creation and innovation within the construction sector. His overarching goal is to promote sustainability in the construction industry through sustainability-conscious structural design, where technical solutions are developed with consideration for both environmental and societal needs.

Through his scientific achievements, leadership and long-term commitment to sustainable societal development, Professor Gabriel Sas is a highly deserving recipient of Nordea’s Scientific Prize 2026.