Karin Granström, Professor of Environmental and Energy Systems

Karin Granström grew up in Trelleborg and studied at the Faculty of Engineering, LTH, in Lund from 1993 to 1998 to earn a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. She also studied human ecology in her final year.

Karin Granström came to Karlstad University as a doctoral student in 1999 and after defending her thesis stayed on in a postdoc position. Her doctoral thesis was on ways to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds, which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. This in turn can cause adverse health effects in humans. Her later research has focused on a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy in collaboration with industry partners that in a wide sense works with the use and refinement of wood materials.

"I lead the research group Water-Energy Nexus within the research environment Pro2BE, Processes and Products for a Circular Bioeconomy, at Karlstad University. Our research is on how side streams from the paper industry in particular can be used as raw material in various processes. The aim is to use waste to create new materials and products."

The aim of Karin Granström’s research is to achieve more environmentally friendly products and processes. She hopes that her research can aid the shift from the current consumption of nonrenewable resources to a bioeconomy based on green, renewable resources, while also promoting development within the industry.

"Given that the goal is for the research to be of practical use, industry collaboration is essential.  My plan is to keep working on the sustainable forest-based bioeconomy in collaboration with industry partners that in a wide sense works with the use and refinement of wood materials. I will also be on a part-time leave of absence in 2023 to take distance learning courses in entrepreneurship and business planning."

Outside of work, Karin likes to hang out with her two cats, read science fiction, listen to metal, and participate in medieval-themed live action role-playing. Her knowledge about chemistry and the environment has been put to other good uses, too. She makes medicinal plant mixtures and her own mead, and she has published “Klimatsmart mat på vetenskaplig grund”, a cookbook on climate-smart food with a scientific basis.