Luleå University of Technology hosts Sweden's largest graphene conference

Luleå University of Technology recently hosted the Swedish Graphene Forum, the country’s largest meeting place for graphene and other two-dimensional materials, where researchers and companies shared groundbreaking research results and innovations in the field.

On October 9–10, 2024, some of Sweden’s leading players in graphene and 2D materials gathered at Luleå University of Technology for this year’s edition of the Swedish Graphene Forum. The conference, organized by the strategic innovation program SIO Grafen in collaboration with the university, also marked SIO Grafen's ten-year anniversary. Over the past decade, the program has driven over 200 projects with 230 participating organizations and has played a crucial role in advancing graphene development in Sweden.

Active Partner Since the Beginning

“The development in graphene and other 2D materials is advancing rapidly. Luleå University of Technology has been an active partner within SIO Grafen since the beginning, so it’s fitting that we host this anniversary and the Swedish Graphene Forum,” says Nazanin Emami, professor of Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology and Vice-Chair of the SIO Grafen SIP Program Board.

During the conference, the year’s advancements and project results were presented by both academic and industrial players. Companies such as 2D fab, Graphmatech, and Saab Barracuda showcased new applications of graphene, while researchers and students from universities like Luleå University of Technology and Chalmers participated and shared their insights.

“The forum is an important platform where we can showcase Swedish developments in 2D materials while fostering collaborations between industry and academia. 2D materials will play a key role in future advanced materials for a successful European industry. It strengthens our national ecosystem and drives the sector forward,” Emami adds.

Graphene, a supermaterial consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms, possesses unique properties such as high electrical conductivity, strength, and flexibility. These qualities make it useful in a range of applications, from corrosion protection and packaging materials to advanced electronics and biosensors.

Conference participants were also given a guided tour of Luleå University of Technology. Photo: Jonas Löfvendahl

Swedish Deeptech at the Forefront

Elisabeth Sagström-Bäck, Program Director at SIO Grafen, highlights how Sweden’s strong innovation capacity and growing graphene market have contributed to sustainable development and strengthened the economy.

“The development of these groundbreaking materials is moving quickly, and we are seeing an important strength area emerge within Swedish deeptech. Several concrete project results from this year were showcased at Luleå University of Technology,” says Sagström-Bäck.

The conference also served as a meeting place for future researchers. Through the "2D Graduate Network," led by Linköping University in collaboration with Chalmers and Luleå University of Technology, young researchers were given the opportunity to quickly establish connections with both colleagues and industry representatives.

“It’s important to create a platform where both younger and more experienced researchers can meet and exchange ideas. This strengthens the long-term development of graphene research in Sweden,” concludes Nazanin Emami.

• Machine elements