2026-01-29: For the first time, Chalmers has sent a delegation to Davos to present its research and build important connections.
Following the immense global attention surrounding the research on structural batteries, Chalmers was invited to take part in Frontiers Science House in conjunction with the World Economic Forum in Davos last week. An unusual opportunity, and one well worth seizing.
The delegation included Professors Björn Johansson and Leif Asp, who among other things showcased the world’s first torch constructed using a structural battery — something that was also featured on SVT Rapport. Asp also participated in a seminar organised by Imperial College. I myself had the privilege of moderating a panel discussion on how up-skilling and re-skilling may be organised and designed.
I would also like to extend a special thank you to the students Raaed Shajihan and Axel Nilsson, and to doctoral student Ellinor Jansson, who did an outstanding job demonstrating new technology from Chalmers throughout the week.
We can now all look back on a very intense few days in which we truly made the most of the opportunities to discuss the future with a number of highly distinguished representatives from industry, academia and politics alike. The accelerating pace of technological development dominated the conversations. Artificial intelligence is like a catapult into an unknown future.
The key question, of course, is how technological development can contribute to a better society for everyone — how it can support sustainable development and economic resilience. It is a question without easy answers, but many of us can work together in a positive direction. And in the light of the major geopolitical tensions that shaped the meeting, it becomes clear that this will be absolutely crucial for the future.
There are reasons for optimism, after all — and Chalmers has a great deal to contribute.
Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology
Under the headline "President’s perspective" the President and CEO for Chalmers University of Technology, shares his reflections on current topics that concern education, research and utilisation.