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News
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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.
Linnea Saltin, what surprised you the most when you studied how people use VR at home?
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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 stakeholders.
At present, there is no confirmed information indicating that Karlstad University or our users have been affected. At the same time, it is assessed that there is a risk that certain personal data, such as names and email addresses, may have been exposed. The university has activated its incident management procedures, which include informing affected individuals and, if necessary, reporting to relevant authorities.
We will provide updates as soon as more verified information becomes available.
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2026-04-28
New research improves the analysis of modern medicines
A new doctoral thesis at Karlstad University provides increased understanding of how medicines can be analysed more reliably and safely. The research focuses on fundamental investigations of liquid chromatography, one of the most important analytical techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry. This type of fundamental understanding is essential, as many current challenges cannot be solved by empirical method optimisation alone.
Liquid chromatography is used to separate and measure the different components of a medicine. In addition to the active substance, medicines often contain excipients that stabilise the product and determine its final form. To establish the correct dosage and detect harmful substances, the active ingredient must first be separated from these other components.
