
Johan Casselgren
Biträdande professor
Forskningsämne: Experimentell mekanik
Avdelning: Strömningslära och experimentell mekanik
Institutionen för teknikvetenskap och matematik
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Luleå, E832
My research focuses on advancing knowledge in the areas of remote sensing of snow, tire to road physics, and road winter maintenance, with a particular emphasis on the development of novel methodologies for analysing big data and environmental monitoring systems. I have significantly contributed to the understanding and application of remote sensor techniques for snow and ice monitoring on test tracks and roads, road safety, and road winter maintenance analysis. My work on refining optical and infrared remote sensing techniques has been instrumental in improving the accuracy of classification of road condition, which has practical implications for predicting road conditions ahead of vehicles for automated driving.
Some of the key contributions in my field include:
- Development of enhanced algorithms for interpreting big data from floating cars for follow up of road winter maintenance.
- Application of remote sensing technologies for road surface monitoring, contributing to improved road safety by detecting hazardous conditions such as ice and snow more accurately.
- Research on optical sensor calibration techniques, which have helped to standardize data collection methods across different platforms, improving the reliability of satellite data used in climate research. These contributions have not only advanced the state-of-the-art in road monitoring technologies but also provided valuable tools for practitioners in transportation safety and road winter maintenance.
By collaborating with experts in civil engineering and urban systems, I have integrated remote sensing data into real-time monitoring systems for roads and urban infrastructure. This cross-disciplinary work has aided in optimizing road maintenance strategies, reducing costs, and enhancing public safety during winter seasons.
Impact on Urban Planning and Transportation: The integration of sensor data into smart city infrastructure has opened new avenues for monitoring and maintaining urban transportation networks, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions where weather conditions are extreme.
Collaboration with Atmospheric Sciences: My work on snow and ice monitoring has led to collaborations with atmospheric scientists and an expedition to Antarctica, enhancing predictive models for climate change and improving the accuracy of weather forecasting in high-latitude regions. These contributions to other fields underscore my ability to apply core scientific and engineering principles in solving broader societal challenges, demonstrating the versatility of my academic expertise.

Bild tagen på Antarktis.
The societal impact of my work is primarily reflected in its applications for public safety, environmental conservation, and policy-making. My research on road surface monitoring, particularly in cold climates, has led to practical advancements that reduce accidents and improve safety during winter. By developing and implementing advanced sensor technologies that detect ice formation and hazardous driving conditions, I have contributed to more efficient and timely road maintenance operations, potentially saving lives and reducing economic losses due to accidents and delays.
My contributions reflect a solid academic foundation in remote sensing, experimental mechanics, and big data science, underpinned by an extensive publication record in high-impact journals and collaborations with key stakeholders in both the academic and public sectors. The methodologies I have developed, particularly for winter road monitoring and transportation safety, demonstrate my ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, real-world solutions.
I have also mentored a number of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, guiding their work in interdisciplinary projects that bridge the gap between environmental science and applied engineering. My ongoing engagement with academic, industrial, and governmental organizations ensures that my research remains relevant and responsive to both scientific advancements and societal needs.
In addition to my research expertise in remote sensing and road condition monitoring, I have made significant contributions in several areas that are directly relevant to the project on snow simulation. These contributions include coordination, leadership, collaborations, and outreach, all of which have strengthened my qualifications for leading and contributing to the success of this project. My work has bridged the gap between academia, industry, and public sector organizations, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and translating research outcomes into practical applications.
Over the years, I have successfully coordinated and led several large-scale research projects, many of which involved complex interdisciplinary collaboration between different academic departments, governmental agencies, and industry partners. One notable example is my leadership in a project focusing on road surface monitoring, where I coordinated the integration of data from various sensor systems to improve road safety during winter seasons.
My experience in project management and team leadership will be crucial in ensuring the smooth coordination of activities and stakeholders in the snow simulation project, which is expected to involve multiple fields such as physics, experimental measures, and computational modeling.
I have been proactive in establishing and maintaining strong collaborations across both academia and industry, which has been a critical factor in the success of my previous projects. For example, I initiated and facilitated collaborations with transport authorities, local municipalities, and private sector companies that focused on developing snow and ice monitoring technologies for road safety applications.
These existing networks and my ability to facilitate meaningful collaboration will be highly beneficial in driving the snow simulation project forward, ensuring that it remains grounded in real-world applications and benefits from the latest advancements in both academia and industry.
My teaching and mentoring experience has allowed me to foster a new generation of researchers and engineers who are well-versed in environmental monitoring and simulation technologies. I have supervised several PhD and master’s students whose work focuses on the intersection of environmental science, data analysis, and simulation, specifically in the areas of snow dynamics, vehicle systems, and road safety.
My teaching and mentoring roles will enable me to effectively manage and develop talent within the project team, ensuring a rich exchange of ideas and sustained academic growth. I place great emphasis on outreach and communication of scientific findings to both specialized and general audiences. I have a strong track record of engaging with public stakeholders, industry leaders, and government bodies to ensure that the outcomes of my research are translated into practical applications that benefit society. These outreach efforts demonstrate my ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, a skill that will be critical in disseminating the results of the snow simulation project to broader audiences, including policymakers and industry practitioners.