Welcome to Karlstad University
News
-
2026-05-11
The University square will become greener and more pleasant
The University square is set to be developed into a more vibrant and welcoming space, with added greenery and new paving. Akademiska Hus will begin setting up barriers from 11 May, and work will commence on 18 May.
– It's great that this area will now also be given new life, just like the square outside Building 11 in 2024, says campus manager Olle Lilliestierna.
– We have developed these ideas through working groups linked to Campus Plan 2040, involving staff, students and representatives from Akademiska Hus.
The entire square outside the main entrance will be affected by the development, but the changes will be most noticeable in the area south of the fountain and along the north–south pedestrian route between the library building and Building 1 (see sketch).
-
2026-05-08
In Virtual Reality Yet Still at Home – How VR-technology Is Changing Our Relationship with Places
Immersion is the feeling of being absorbed in such a way that perception of the surrounding environment diminishes – as if you were transported elsewhere. Virtual Reality (VR) is often described as the ultimate immersive medium, since it shuts out the physical space for both sight and hearing. Linnea Saltin, newly minted PhD in cultural geography and affiliated with Geomedia, has researched the topic.
The feeling of losing track of time while scrolling on your phone is an example of how effectively digital technology can envelop us, while analogue experiences such as reading a book can also be highly immersive.
-
2026-05-08
MAX IV Visited Karlstad University
On 5 May, MAX IV visited Karlstad University as part of the MAX IV Roadshow. During the visit, both current research opportunities and future plans for the world leading synchrotron radiation facility in Lund were presented. Joachim Schnadt, Science Director at MAX IV, gave a broad introduction to the facility and its scientific capabilities.
“Going out and speaking directly with people at universities is crucial for showing what MAX IV is, what the facility can be used for, and the opportunities the infrastructure offers,” says Joachim Schnadt.
An infrastructure for many research fields
MAX IV provides advanced methods in X‑ray imaging, scattering and diffraction, as well as spectroscopy, with applications ranging from life sciences and medicine to energy, the environment and advanced materials. Today, 16 beamlines are in operation, covering a wide energy range from 4 eV to 40 keV.
-
2026-05-07
Adaptive Battery Reduces Energy Costs and Peak Power Demand in Greenhouses
Researchers at Karlstad University have developed a new intelligent control strategy for battery storage in climate controlled greenhouses. By combining artificial intelligence and signal processing algorithms with short term forecasts of electricity consumption and solar power generation, energy costs can be reduced while simultaneously easing the load on the power grid.
Greenhouses provide optimal conditions for year‑round food production but are also highly energy‑intensive. In the present study, the researchers show how a battery storage system controlled by reinforcement learning can be used more efficiently when the greenhouse has a high share of locally generated renewable energy, such as solar photovoltaics.
-
2026-05-07
New dissertation shows how AI makes energy systems smarter
As more households and buildings both produce and consume energy, for example through solar panels and electric vehicles, energy systems require flexible solutions. This is what Amal Nammouchi has explored in her dissertation, where the research lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and energy.
What is AI for applied energy?
-
2026-05-05
Security incident in Canvas - Karlstad University monitoring developments
The learning management system Canvas was recently affected by a security incident in which personal data is reported to have been exposed. Karlstad University takes this situation seriously and is closely monitoring developments in dialogue with the provider and relevant parties.
Update 8 May, 14:44:
Canvas remains available for both students and staff. The university continues to monitor the situation together with the provider and other relevant parties.
As a general precaution following the incident, users are advised to remain extra vigilant regarding potential phishing attempts, for example in email inboxes. Be cautious with unexpected information, emails, or files, and do not click on unknown links.
Original text from 5 May:
