29 September 2025
Luleå University of Technology leads formation of excellence cluster
The Swedish Research Council has selected 40 networks to develop future excellence clusters. One of them is linked to Luleå University of Technology and focuses on water-responsive porous materials, a research area with great potential for energy, the environment, and sustainable societal development.
The Research Council’s call for network grants for excellence clusters is the first step in a national initiative on groundbreaking technology. Out of 191 applications, 40 have been awarded SEK 1.2 million each to develop a detailed plan for a future excellence cluster over six months. About ten of these are expected to move forward and be established on a permanent basis.
A mark of strength
At Luleå University of Technology, Professor Staffan Lundström is leading the formation of the network, which also brings together researchers from Umeå University and Uppsala University. The research centers on water-responsive porous materials—substances that change properties when they come into contact with water. These materials can be used in everything from urban water systems and biodiversity in waterways to energy storage, sensors, and advanced optical applications.
"The fact that we have received funding to form an excellence cluster is a clear mark of strength. We are one of 40 selected from nearly 200 applications, which shows that our idea has both scientific weight and future potential, says Staffan Lundström", Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Luleå University of Technology.
Staffan Lundström, professor of fluid mechanics at Luleå University of Technology.
Key to sustainable development
The network spans several disciplines: from mechanics, physics, materials science, and chemistry to urban water management as well as legal and societal aspects.
"Water-responsive materials can become a key in efforts toward sustainable development while also strengthening the competitiveness of Swedish industry. Here, we combine knowledge from many research fields to develop solutions that can contribute to both technological innovation and societal benefit", says Staffan Lundström.
The next step is to submit a report to the Swedish Research Council by March 2026 with analyses and proposals on how the cluster should be built in the long term. After that, it will be decided which networks will be established as full-scale excellence clusters.
"If we succeed in going all the way and establish a full-scale excellence cluster, it will mean a lot both for Luleå University of Technology and for the continued development of our research", says Staffan Lundström.
Participating researchers
- Staffan Lundström, Professor, Luleå University of Technology
- Kristiina Oksman, Professor, Luleå University of Technology
- Mikael Sjödahl, Professor, Luleå University of Technology
- Maria Viklander, Professor, Luleå University of Technology
- Maria Pettersson, Professor, Luleå University of Technology
- Stina Jansson, Associate Professor, Umeå University
- Thomas Wågberg, Professor, Umeå University
- Reza Younesi, Associate Professor, Uppsala University
Contact
Staffan Lundström
- Professor and Head of Subject
- 0920-492392
- staffan.lundstrom@ltu.se
- Staffan Lundström
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