With a focus on mineral processing and recycling of mineral waste, a new national research school will train the next generation of researchers in cement-based materials. The Swedish Research Council's initiative involves SEK 35 million with Umeå University as coordinator, in collaboration with Chalmers, Luleå University of Technology and the MAX IV synchrotron at Lund University.
The theme of the research school, known by the acronym RECEM, is how minerals can be processed to develop the next generation of cementitious materials and how mineral waste can be recycled. The research covers the entire chain, from extracted or recycled materials, through mineral processing, to low-carbon cement-based construction materials. Following the funding a total of fourteen doctoral students will be joining the research school – whereof seven new positions in the three universities in spring 2026.
– Our goal is to create a national network of leading experts with strong international connections. We do this by bringing together prominent academic environments with complementary competences,” says Markus Broström at the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics in Umeå University.
– The establishment of the new RECEM research school creates opportunities for us to strengthen national collaboration in cementitious materials science, foster excellence in doctoral education, and equip PhD students with advanced analytical skills that will drive sustainable innovation across the construction and mineral processing industries, says Arezou Baba Ahmadi at the department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers.
The entire chain – from minerals to building materials
Rooted in materials science, the research school will address critical questions in mineral processing for sustainable cement production. Another aim is to provide the doctoral students with advanced analytical skills that can be applied in the mineral and mining processing industries.
– At Chalmers, we will take a leading role in advancing research on supplementary cementitious materials, emerging low‑carbon binders, and long‑term performance of concrete systems, ensuring that our expertise in activation strategies, hydration evolution, and durability mechanisms directly benefits the next generation of researchers.
Five-year initiative for skills supply
The purpose of the five-year funding is to develop and enhance scientific expertise and long-term skills supply in the mining and minerals sector through postgraduate education.
The RECEM research school will operate within five focus areas and will involve a total of 14 doctoral students, eight of whom will be divided equally between Chalmers University of Technology and Luleå University of Technology and the remaining students will be based at Umeå University. MAX IV contributes to advanced courses but also in roles as assistant supervisors, which ensures that the research school follows the latest developments in advanced analytical techniques.
Contact:
- Associate Professor, Structural Engineering, Architecture and Civil Engineering
