Marika Edoff is the Secretary General for Engineering Sciences
Marika Edoff has been Professor of Solid State Electronics at Uppsala University since 2012. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Marika Edoff is the new Secretary General for Engineering Sciences – an entirely new role at the Swedish Research Council. She is head of research at the Solar Cell Technology Section of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Uppsala University.
For the first time, the Swedish Research Council will have a secretary general for engineering sciences. Previously, one secretary general has been responsible for both natural sciences and engineering sciences. Following the Government’s recommendation in its Research and Innovation Bill, this responsibility will now be divided up between two roles.
Marika Edoff has been Professor of Solid State Electronics at Uppsala University since 2012. She is also head of research at the Solar Cell Technology Section of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Uppsala University. Her engagement in solar energy has been strong over the years.
“In parallel with my research in academia, I was part of the start-up of a solar cell company in 2003. The aim was to develop large-scale production technology for solar cells. Up until 2014, I was employed part-time by the company, and contributed competence in solar cell manufacturing and materials technology,” says Marika Edoff.
Divided up in two
Marika Edoff regards the division of the Scientific Council for Natural and Engineering Sciences into two, with a secretary general each, as an opportunity for increased collaboration.
“As Secretary General for Engineering Sciences, I want to make sure we continue the close collaboration between natural sciences and engineering sciences. The border between them is fluid.”
But engineering sciences also has many interfaces with other areas, she emphasises.
“I look forward to increased collaboration with other fields that are close to technology, such as medicine and social sciences.”
Are there any particular questions you want to focus on?
“During the coming year, my focus and that of the new Committee for Engineering Sciences will be on the major technology initiatives that the Government has signalled. I will also be collaborating closely with Vinnova, for example with the excellence cluster initiative.”
Marika Edoff takes up the position as the new Secretary General for Engineering Sciences on 2 June 2025.
Annica Hulth
The Swedish Research Council has seven secretaries general, each with a high level of scientific competence, who contribute knowledge and experience to the organisation
The secretaries general are part of the Swedish Research Council’s executive management team, and initiate, drive and follow up issues within their respective areas of expertise. The secretaries general are active researchers, and usually employed by the Swedish Research Council on a part-time basis for a maximum of six years.