National research infrastructures

The Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet, VR) funds research infrastructures of national significance. This includes Swedish participation in, and the establishment of, international infrastructures. VR’s process for funding national and international infrastructures begins with a needs inventory. Needs may be submitted either by universities or by individual research groups. Needs that VR prioritises subsequently form the basis for calls in the following years.

Internal process and support

Research groups that wish to raise identified needs should submit supporting documentation for review to the Research Support Office. Proposals must be anchored with the relevant Heads of Department and the School Dean. The Research Support Office coordinates the process and informs KTH management of the needs intended for submission.

Applications for VR-funded national or international infrastructure must be reported to the Research Support Office before the President can decide on KTH’s participation. The relevant schools must then formally endorse the application's content and budget by approving it with the School Dean.

In preparing national applications, dialogue is held with other involved parties at different levels, primarily through the responsible researchers at the respective higher education institutions. The Research Support Office can provide support and advice during the application process and assist with letters of support and other relevant documentation requested by VR.

Swedish Research Council information on research infrastructures

Collaboration agreements in national research infrastructures

If an application is approved, KTH must enter into a collaboration agreement (consortium agreement) with the other participating parties. The agreement is signed by the President following legal drafting (if KTH is the host organisation) or legal review (if KTH is a participating party).

The parties are typically represented in a governing body for the research infrastructure. The Vice President for Research appoints KTH’s representative to this body. The representative is expected to keep relevant stakeholders within KTH informed of any discussions or changes that may affect the activities.

Agreements are drafted and reviewed in consultation with KTH’s contract lawyers.

Would you like to know more about KTH's national research infrastructures? Contact Marilyn Klarin , Senior Research Advisor at the Research Support Office.