UUniFI Energy Transition: Which Material Innovations are Critical for the Green Energy Transition?

To find out which innovations are needed for the energy transition that are also practicable—leading scholars and industry experts will put law, materials science, electrical engineering, and sociology side by side.

The energy transition depends on materials that don't yet exist, policies that haven't been written and social conditions that are still taking shape.

In this seminar, leading researchers and industry experts in materials science, electrical engineering, law and sociology will come together to explore advances in new energy materials, circularity and the legal frameworks shaping Europe's energy future.

The seminar features focused presentations followed by a panel discussion moderated by Professor Patrik Johansson.

Bridging the Gap in Energy Transition is a new seminar series organised by UUniFI Energy Transition, part of Uppsala University Future Institutes. This is the first event.

Register no later than 8 September to secure your place. Coffee, tea and time for conversation included.

Seminar program

09:30—09:40 | Welcome by Malin Göteman, UUniFI Energy Transition and Patrik Johansson, Chemistry—Ångström, Uppsala University.

Patrik Johansson is a world-leading battery researcher who has led many large international research projects and was most recently director of the EU research programme the Graphene Flagship. After 25 years at Chalmers University of Technology, Patrik has recently joined Uppsala University as Director of the European large-scale initiative Battery 2030+, holding a Distinguished Professor grant from the Swedish Research Council.

09:40—10:50 | Presentations by leading experts in disciplines ranging from solar cell materials to circularity, raw materials legislation, and rare-earth-free materials for the energy transition.

Mahmoud Mousavi från Hitachi Energy. Leads a research group addressing architectured materials at Uppsala University. In addition, he currently holds a position at Hitachi Energy. Supported by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) strategic mobility program, his role at Hitachi Energy strengthens knowledge exchange and promotes cross-sector collaboration between academia and industry.

Peter Lindblad, Chemistry—Ångström, Uppsala University. Explores breakthrough materials for carbon capture and artificial photosynthesis, converting solar energy into a biofuel.

Marika Edoff, Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University. Develops novel concepts in photovoltaics such as the use of nanopatterning and passivation strategies for increased optical and electrical performance in solar cells. Marika is the Secretary General for Engineering Sciences – a new role at the Swedish Research Council.

Carl Fredrik Bergström, Dept. of Law, Uppsala University. Professor of European Law and Law Faculty Deputy Dean responsible for research. His main areas of expertise are EU law and constitutional theory, with a current focus on legal governance in the energy sector.

Sandra Eriksson, Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University. Professor of design and modelling of permanent magnet electrical machines, with a focus on developing technologies and processes for rare-earth-free materials for the energy transition.

Sebastian Abrahamsson, Sociology, Uppsala University. Explores practices in circularity and waste management developed by consumers and markets. His work is situated in science and technology studies (STS) but draws on experiences from sociology and anthropology.

10:50—11:20 | Coffee break

11:20—12:00 | Panel debate moderated by Prof. Patrik Johansson, Chemistry—Ångström.