New major investment in marine research

​“Kristineberg is an important infrastructure for Chalmers. Together with our partners, we ensure that Kristineberg Center continues to be a leading infrastructure for research linked to the global challenge of sustainable seas and coasts. Chalmers research can make a big difference and benefit through technology development in marine application areas,” says the President of Chalmers, Stefan Bengtsson.

At Kristineberg, a range of projects are already being conducted in a number of marine areas. Some of them include developing new materials and foods from the sea. Others relate to the impact of the climate on marine life and include both underwater robots and digital technology.

Strengthened resources for marine research and innovation

Through the new agreement, the parties will together develop the research and innovation environment based on the needs of society and in harmony with other environments.
Kristineberg Center will offer research infrastructure, test and demonstration facilities and laboratories as well as opportunities for meetings, training and workplaces. The center will be an open and inclusive marine research and innovation environment for academia, education, companies, authorities, organizations and individuals. The idea is that the mutual influence breeds ideas, new knowledge and new collaborations.

Erik Ytreberg is a senior researcher in Maritime Environmental Sciences at the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences. Over the years, his and his research colleagues' involvement at Kristineberg's center has mainly focused on studying the effects of boat bottom paints and so-called scrubber water, ie water from washing ship exhaust fumes, on the marine environment. And Erik was more than pleased as he received the news about the increased investment in the center.

“Kristineberg and its infrastructure have been central to our work and have enabled unique long-term studies on, for example, the effectiveness and environmental impact of antifouling paints, as well as ecotoxicological studies on the effects of scrubber water on the marine environment. The new agreement is important to our work and will facilitate continued research projects and collaborations,” says Erik Ytreberg.

At Kristineberg there are also research projects, which involve researchers at the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering at Chalmers.
“Kristineberg Center for marine research and innovation is a very important node for the marine research carried out at the Division of Food and Nutrition Science. Kristineberg may become part of a future test bed to scale up various bioprocesses to pilot scale, but also, the network​ in itself is very valuable to us,” says Professor Ingrid Undeland.

To become a leader in Europe

The agreement between the parties runs for five years and the University of Gothenburg will host Kristineberg Center. The center is organized as a national research infrastructure where several parties collaborate on governance and planning - something that also enables the involvement of more public actors.

“I have high hopes. The goal is for Kristineberg Center to become one of Europe's leading marine research and innovation environments,” says Eva Wiberg, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg.

The center will also contribute to strengthening the development of a sustainable blue economy and increase Swedish attractiveness and competitiveness.

Contact
Bo Norrman, Innovation Advisor at Chalmers Innovation Office, +46 70 3710949 bo.norrman@chalmers.se

About Kristineberg
Kristineberg is located in Fiskebäckskil in Lysekil municipality and is one of the world's oldest marine research stations founded in 1877 under the name Kristineberg's zoo station on the initiative of Sven Lovén. Previously, the station was run by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and has for the past ten years been part of the University of Gothenburg's marine infrastructure. Since its inception, the station has been an international hub for marine research.​