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News

• 2026-06-02

  Efficient and sustainable organic solar cells

  Organic solar cells are highlighted as a promising future technology. They are flexible, lightweight and can be manufactured at low cost in large volumes. In recent years, their efficiency has surpassed 20 per cent. However, despite this progress, a crucial challenge remains: lifetime.

  In a new doctoral thesis at Karlstad University, Suraj Prasad shows why the materials degrade and how the problem can be addressed.

  “We already have high efficiency. The main challenge now is to make the solar cells last,” says Suraj Prasad.

  Light and oxygen trigger degradation

  In the study, organic solar cell materials were exposed to simulated sunlight in air. The results show that degradation is driven by chemical reactions in which oxygen plays a central role.

• 2026-06-01

  Alumnus and Faculty Member at Ingesund Listed by Forbes

  We are proud to announce that concert pianist Aristo Sham, from Hong Kong—an alumnus and faculty member at the Ingesund School of Music—has been included on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 Asia – The Arts 2026 list. Selection for the list is based on achievement, impact, or success, and is made by Forbes’ editorial team and experts. Being included is a mark of quality and an internationally recognized distinction.

  “Being selected for Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30 Asia’ is an extraordinary international recognition and something very rare within the classical music world,” says Julia Mustonen Dahlkvist, who taught Aristo Sham during his time as a student at the Ingesund School of Music. “It means that, at a young age, Aristo is already regarded as one of the most influential and inspiring individuals in his field. For me, it also feels very personal.

• 2026-05-29

  Leading close to the patient presents challenges for nurses in municipal home healthcare

  Time constraints, inadequate organizational conditions and insufficient collaboration create challenges for nurses leading the care of older adults in municipal home healthcare. This is shown in new research from Karlstad University.

  In her doctoral thesis, Erica Lillsjö explored nurses’ patient-centred leadership in municipal home healthcare for older people. The findings show that nurses in municipal home healthcare strive to lead with a focus on the older person’s wishes, needs and best interests, while also seeking to create a sense of security for both the older person and their relatives.

  – The nurses wanted to lead, and they wanted to lead in ways that promote person-centred care. However, the organizational conditions created challenges for their leadership, says Erica Lillsjö.

• 2026-05-28

  The Knowledge Foundation funds Infinity Fiber – aims to multiply the value of Sweden’s forest raw materials

  The Knowledge Foundation (KK-stiftelsen) is granting funding to the research profile Infinity Fiber at Karlstad University. The aim is to significantly increase the value of Swedish forest raw materials by extending fibre lifespans from today’s 2–3 uses to more than 20.

  The forest industry is central to the Swedish economy but faces increasing demands for sustainability, resource efficiency and biodiversity. Infinity Fiber aims to contribute to this transition by developing new circular ways of using wood fibres.

• 2026-05-26

  International conference on societal risks with a local impact at Karlstad University

  On 7–9 October, Karlstad University will host RisCon26 – Societal Risk Conference 2026, an international conference bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss how societal risks can be understood, managed and addressed in global and local contexts, with a strong focus on practical relevance for actors in Sweden and the Nordic region.

  The conference takes place at a time when issues such as climate change, digital vulnerability and global interdependencies are becoming increasingly visible, highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors.

• 2026-05-21

  New Doctoral Student Praises Singing Sessions in Preschool

  In early summer, the Ingesund School of Music welcomes a new doctoral student in music education. Her name is Stina Wennberg, and she is passionate about music in preschool – an area that will form the basis of her dissertation, with a focus on the musical aspects of singing sessions.

  Can you tell us about your background and education?