Uppsala University becomes a new partner in Sweden’s largest research program, WASP
As a partner, Uppsala University will contribute expertise across all four WASP areas: AI and mathematics, AI and machine learning, autonomous systems, and software. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt/Uppsala University
As of February 2026, Uppsala University is a new partner university in Sweden’s largest research program, Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). The university has previously been connected to WASP through research groups – called Affiliated Groups of Excellence – but is now taking the step to become a full partner university.
As a partner, Uppsala University will contribute with expertise across all four of WASP’s areas: AI and mathematics, AI and machine learning, autonomous systems, and software. The university will also play an important role in strengthening the AI for Science initiative, where WASP has been tasked with promoting the use of AI-based methods in Swedish academic research.
“Uppsala University is a distinguished university, ranked among the world’s top 100 on several international ranking lists. Since 2015, the university has been highly successful in recruiting young researchers within WASP’s research areas. The fact that the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is now including Uppsala as a partner university is a natural next step that strengthens WASP’s national and international position,” says Amy Loutfi, Program Director of WASP.
”AI will revolutionise many areas. WASP puts Sweden in a good position to take its place at the forefront of developments. We have wide-ranging expertise in this field, including an interdisciplinary future institute that can bring the perspectives of the broad research university to bear,” says Anders Hagfeldt, Vice-chancellor at Uppsala University.
More than 60 researchers already affiliated
The Department of Mathematics at Uppsala University has today several research projects financed by WASP within AI and math. The research team led by WASP Professor Thomas Schön includes more than 60 researchers working in areas such as probabilistic machine learning, control, cybersecurity, and AI for science and medicine.
”WASP creates unique conditions for world-leading research in AI, autonomous systems and software. With many years of sustained engagement from my group, it feels both natural and very inspiring that Uppsala University is now becoming a full partner. Together we can create broader and more meaningful impact in research, industry, and society as a whole,” says Thomas Schön, Professor in AI at Uppsala University and representative for the university in several of WASP’s management groups.
The other partner universities within WASP are Chalmers University of Technology, Linköping University, Lund University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Umeå University. There are also affiliated research groups at Örebro University and Luleå University of Technology.
As a partner university, Uppsala University will also hold a seat on the WASP board, which consists of representatives from each partner university as well as from industry.
Sandra Gunnarsson
Amy Loutfi, Program Director of WASP. Photo: Jesper Eriksson, Örebro University
Anders Hagfeldt, Vice-chancellor at Uppsala University. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Thomas Schön, professor at the Department of Information Technology. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
WASP
The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. It is the largest individual research program in Sweden.
The ambition of WASP is to advance Sweden into an internationally recognized and leading position in the areas of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software.