Large research initiatives on personal integrity and materials optimisation

Karlstad University and its partners in the private sector have received funding from the Knowledge Foundation for two research projects, TRUEdig and AMHiPP. TRUEdig investigates how businesses that develop privacy-enhancing services also can increase users’ security and sense of empowerment. AMHiPP will develop the microstructure of different materials to ensure maximal strength and sustainability. In total, the two projects were awarded funding of over SEK 50 million.

“TRUEdig will be conducted in cooperation with Computer Science at Karlstad University, so two successful environments with extensive experience of involving external partners are working together,” says Per Kristensson, director of the Service Research Center (CTF) at Karlstad University.

Project partners include Google, Sandvine and Zynapp, where Tomas Olsson heads operations.

“It is critical to ensure that future innovation does not come at the expense of our privacy and productivity. Three of four Swedes are worried about their online privacy. This project enables us to conduct an in-depth investigation of basing innovation on the individual’s interests, while also creating value for all partners.”

AMHiPP
AMHiPP involves optimising the microstructure of 3D-printed components to achieve the best possible product characteristics.

“Improving the characteristics of powder metallurgic and additive manufactured components, that is, 3D-printed components, increases the competitiveness of Swedish industry,” says Mikael Grehk, project manager and senior lecturer in Materials Science. “This technique makes it is possible to manufacture finished projects directly from a metallurgic powder. Through these two processes, new complex geometries can be manufactured while the number of production stages is reduced, which in turn means decreased environmental impact, shorter lead times, improved product characteristics and reduced costs.”

“Uddeholm focuses on strategic development in the areas of additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy,” says Anna Medvedeva, head of research and development at Uddeholm AB. “We expect the AMHiPP project to contribute knowledge on the characteristics and performance of powder materials and are looking forward to working in a consortium represented by Karlstad University and industrial partners along the whole value chain, from material providers to end-users.”

In addition to Uddeholm AB, Karlstad University’s project partners include SECO Tools AB, Sandvik Powder Solutions AB, GKN Aerospace AB, Gestamp Hardtech AB, Voestalpine Precision Strip AB, Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies AB and FTB Bredaryd AB.

“It is fantastic and significant that two large initiatives with the private sector were funded despite stiff competition. This shows that our researchers are doing high-quality work deemed valuable in the private sector, and is completely in line with the university’s vision and strategy,” says Johan Sterte, vice-chancellor of Karlstad University.

The research projects are funded by the Knowledge Foundation, participating companies and Karlstad University.