Sweden – Becoming a World Leader in Mathematics
The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has decided in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to support Swedish research in mathematics. The aim is for Sweden to recover its position at the international cutting edge by giving the best young researchers international experience and by recruiting young as well as more experienced mathematicians to Sweden.
The joint platform and hub for this endeavour will be the Academy's research institute Institut Mittag-Leffler in Stockholm. The institute plays a key role for Swedish mathematics and is considered to be one of the top ten in the world.
Swedish research in mathematics has a longstanding tradition but has lost ground internationally during recent decades. Despite alarming reports about mathematics in the educational system there are a lot of competent Swedish students who measure up internationally and want to undertake doctoral studies in mathematics. Furthermore, there is a considerable demand for PhD-holding mathematicians in academia as well as in the commercial and industrial world. The Foundation is now investing up to SEK 200 million during a six-year period in order to further develop Swedish research in mathematics.
– The aim of the endeavour is for Sweden to recover a position at the international cutting edge. Mathematics is one of the largest subjects at Swedish universities. It is also a subject of utmost importance for the future development of Sweden since it constitutes the basis for many medical and virtually all scientific and technical applications, says Peter Wallenberg Jr., Vice-chairman of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Sweden is still keeping up well with the international competition, but is not at the absolute forefront of mathematical research. What Sweden lacks is world-leading experts in a number of fields; a breadth at the very highest level of competence.
– A broad and comprehensive endeavour is called for in order to recover a position at the top. For instance, more Swedish postdoctoral researchers will be given the opportunity to work abroad. Being part of a dynamic environment that spans all fields of mathematics will give them a broader view of the subject. They will also develop an international network that will be beneficial to them for the duration of their careers, says Staffan Normark, Permanent Secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
– In total, the program will provide funding for 24 Swedish postdoctoral researchers to go abroad. Additionally, by means of international recruitment, 35 foreign postdoctoral researchers and 25 guest professors will be given the opportunity to come to Swedish institutions. The program also includes SEK 40 million in support to the Institut Mittag-Leffler, says Göran Sandberg, Executive director of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
For further information:
Peter Wallenberg Jr., Vice-chairman of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, +46 8 545 017 80
Staffan Normark, Permanent Secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, +46 8 673 95 02, +46 72 735 79 47, staffan.normark@kva.se
Göran Sandberg, Executive Director of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, +46 8 545 017 80, kaw@kaw.se
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, founded in 1739, is an independent organization whose overall objective is to promote the sciences and strengthen their influence in society. The Academy takes special responsibility for the natural sciences and mathematics, but endeavours to promote the exchange of ideas between various disciplines.
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