Advanced functional materials take responsibility for reaching out to and inspiring future materials physicists. This is a long-term effort aimed at illuminating a path for curious youth, students, and researchers. The goal is to ensure the growth of the research field and also create an inviting atmosphere for potential colleagues.
One strategy to achieve this is by actively improving gender equality within materials research. Therefore, the AFM Strategic Initiative for Excellent Female Researchers in Materials Science was established, a funding model specifically targeting women conducting high-quality research in materials science.
AFM researchers also often take the opportunity to inspire children and youth by lecturing on their research and providing further education to teachers and other science professionals. By reaching students at an early age, AFM aims to stimulate as many as possible to pursue materials science.
Outreach
In 2015 UN adopted 17 sustainability development goals so that all member states would have a shared blueprint for the future. AFM is working daily in collaborations and with activities to promote and embody these goals.
Equality and women in research
To promote equal opportunities in materials physics, AFM finances female-led projects in an effort to recruit and promote more women in the field.
In an effort to promote excellent female researchers and simultaneously foster a gender-equal research environment, AFM co-finances various projects. The long term goal is to increase the number of female researchers interested in pursuing materials research.
Nara Kim, an Assistant Professor specializing in soft electronics, and Emma Björk, Assistant Professor focusing on nanostructured materials, are two of the selected women for the initiative. More about these skilled researchers is available below.
Participation
Vetenskapsdagen 2022
Vetenskapsdagen is an inspirational day for teachers in physics, chemistry, biology, natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. The event, which is a recurring activity at LiU, was first held in the fall of 2015. The purpose of the activity is to serve as a meeting place and provide teachers with insights into current research areas through exciting lectures and enriching study visits. The different sessions are either subject-specific or interdisciplinary, depending on the nature of the presentations. In 2022, AFM contributed several of its researchers in advanced functional materials. Kajsa Uvdal presented nanoscience and interdisciplinary research between physics, chemistry, and biology. Wei-Xin Ni contributed with "Energy-saving lighting and displays for the sustainable society." Lina Rogström gave a lecture on what happens at the atomic level on the surface of a tool when processing metal. Henrik Pedersen presented how chemists enabled the semiconductor age. Also, Kajsa Uvdal and Filip Genander presented the lecture "Molecular surface physics and nanoscience group."
The UN Sustainable Development Goals
Continous research and development of prospective solutions for a sustainable future
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations do not specifically mention materials. However, new materials have the potential to be the solution to many of these goals. At AFM, we work daily to develop solutions and technologies that contribute to a more sustainable world.
By developing advanced materials for energy storage and distribution, renewable energy can become more accessible and affordable for people in all communities, thus reducing energy poverty. Advanced materials can also be used in agriculture to increase productivity and reduce harmful environmental impacts, thereby helping to secure food supplies. Furthermore, materials can be used to create innovative medical devices for improved health and well-being. Through education and training, AFM can contribute to quality education, and by supporting female researchers, AFM can help reduce gender disparities in these areas.
Advanced materials can also be used to develop efficient water purification techniques and sanitation systems, improving access to clean water and sanitation. Materials used in solar cells and wind power can help increase the use of renewable energy and promote economic growth through green jobs. Through strong collaborations and investments in research on advanced materials, new job opportunities can be created and working conditions improved.
Advanced materials are crucial for building sustainable and innovative infrastructures, such as in the construction of sustainable buildings and transportation. Technological solutions using materials can contribute to increased accessibility and reduced inequality. Materials can also be used to develop smart cities with energy efficiency, better waste management, and improved quality of life. By developing materials with longer lifespans and recycling potential, sustainable consumption and production can be promoted. Materials used in climate-smart technology can reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.
Advanced materials can be used in marine technologies for the conservation of ocean and marine resources. Using materials for sustainable agricultural practices and forest management can promote the conservation of land and ecosystems. Materials can be used for monitoring and communication to improve community safety and inclusive societies. Through further collaborations with other businesses, academic institutions, and organizations, material scientists can drive innovations that can help achieve all the global sustainability goals set by the United Nations. Therefore, advanced functional materials are a critical component in contributing to solutions for all the global challenges identified by the UN's sustainability goals.The 17 Sustainable Developement Goals.
Collaborations with the private sector
AFM engages in numerous collaborations with the business sector and industrial partners. By integrating academia with business and industry, opportunities are created to address societal challenges on multiple levels.
Ligna Energy
The collaboration with Ligna Energy is conducted through the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW) and is based on the WALP program, which supports researchers to explore and validate the impact their ideas can have on industry and society. The purpose of the collaboration is to contribute innovative ideas and research in the field of organic batteries. Currently, the supercapacitor and battery are targeted towards "Internet of Things" (IoT) applications. However, the material used in the battery, lignin, also has the potential to enable large-scale batteries for buildings. Lignin is a biopolymer found in 20-30% of all plants and is recycled as a byproduct from the paper industry. In materials science, lignin is reused for electricity storage. This approach promotes both cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability in printed electronics for long-term development. Together, AFM and Ligna Energy ensure a collaboration with a continuous flow of expertise and intellectual property rights focused on innovation.
I especially appreciate that the research group values research that makes a difference and recognizes that this can only happen by starting companies that take intellectual property (IP) and ideas forward into practical businesses and products.