KTH secures major nuclear research funding
The Swedish Research Council has awarded 108 million SEK to support advanced nuclear technology research at universities and colleges. KTH Royal Institute of Technology is among the institutions selected.
In August 2025, the Council invited proposals under its call for research environments in nuclear technology. Out of 15 submissions, only four projects received approval. The programme aims to strengthen fundamental nuclear research across Sweden.
Building stronger research environments
The grant focuses on developing long-term research environments rather than individual projects. As a result, universities can expand facilities, attract experienced researchers, and build critical mass in key nuclear fields.
In addition, the initiative supports academic career development. By creating more visible research pathways, it may also encourage more students to enter nuclear science and engineering.
Key research areas at KTH
KTH will advance several specialised research areas through this funding:
- Jonas Faleskog will study microstructural changes, fatigue, and fracture in metals produced through advanced manufacturing. This work supports the long term operation of nuclear reactors.
- Payam Pourmand will focus on extending the safe lifetime of nuclear power systems. His research uses digital twins and AI to study polymer ageing and non-destructive condition monitoring.
- Mats Jonsson will investigate radiation induced processes at oxide water interfaces, a critical area in nuclear chemistry.
Together, these projects strengthen KTH’s contribution to nuclear safety and performance.
Improving safety and process efficiency
Mats Jonsson, Professor of Nuclear Chemistry at KTH, will lead the creation of a dedicated research environment in radiation chemistry at phase interfaces. His work examines how radiation-driven reactions occur where oxides meet water.
These processes appear throughout the nuclear fuel cycle. Therefore, they play a key role in both safety and process optimisation.
Until now, this research mainly taken place within Jonsson’s own group. However, the new funding allows more senior researchers to participate and expand the scope of work.
Expanding collaboration and training
Jonsson expects the research environment to begin forming shortly. It will involve doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who already work in the field but rely on other funding sources.
Alongside building the environment, the team will also develop new experimental and theoretical methods for nuclear technology research. Over time, this approach should strengthen Sweden’s capacity in nuclear science and attract further external funding.
