New center at Kristineberg

New research environment at Kristineberg

The Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation, that is the name of the new initiative where five prominent research stakeholders are involved in jointly operating the research station in Fiskebäckskil. The goal is to become one of Europe's leading research environments in the field of marine research.

THERE HAVE BEEN a lot of changes since the University of Gothenburg took over responsibility for the Kristineberg research station in 2008. Together with the Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, the station was part of the SLC for a number of years, the Sven Lovén Center for Marine Sciences, but was threatened with closure when the SLC was wound up. An investigation by Axel Wenblad in early 2017 suggested instead a consortium of five parties: The University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, the Royal Institute of Technology, the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. This is the proposal that is now being implemented. – These stakeholders are already collaborating, so in the short term the change will not be so dramatic, explains Göran Hilmersson, Dean of the Faculty of Science. But the fact that all the vice-chancellors and business representatives for the five participants have now signed an agreement creates a sense of security for the future. However, the University of Gothenburg still owns the infrastructure and holds the lease for the buildings. On the other hand, governance, financing, as well as influence and responsibility must be shared equally between the various stakeholders. Each party pays for its share of the usage of the facility, but if the station were to make a loss, the costs would be shared equally.

Kristineberg is special in several ways, Göran Hilmersson points out.

– ON THE ONE hand, the research station is located at Gullmarn, which is an unusual environment, almost like an inland sea with specific flora and fauna. It is also one of the world's oldest research stations with measurement data dating back to the 19th century. But with Kristineberg, there is also increased potential for collaboration with SLU, whose research vessel Svea has its home port in Lysekil.

In addition, Kristineberg has several testing facilities and laboratories, as well as facilities for meetings and training. Several projects are already underway, including the use of algae to make new materials, and investment in “blue food” with various products from the sea.

Now each of the parties will appoint a representative to attend a joint meeting, which will then appoint a board.

– WE ARE NOW in a start-up phase of the operation, and this year, the Department of Marine Sciences will appoint a director for the centre. Getting five stakeholders to agree is not easy, but the fact that it has now finally happened is something that everyone I spoke to is very happy about. The stakeholders have also shown great interest in increasing their involvement in Kristineberg, says Göran Hilmersson.

The agreement between the partners is for five years, with the University of Gothenburg acting as the host. The hope is that the centre will strengthen the development of a sustainable economy in the marine area and increase Sweden's appeal and competitiveness.

Text: Eva Lundgren Photo: Eduardo Infantes

Photo: JOHAN WINGBORG

FACTS

Kristineberg Kristineberg is located in Fiskebäckskil and was founded in 1877 under the name Kristineberg Zoological Station. Up until 2007, the station was run by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in close collaboration with the University of Gothenburg. From 2008–2017, the station was part of the Sven Lovén Center for Marine Sciences, which in 2017 changed its name to the Sven Lovén Centre for Marine Infrastructure. Since 2018, the station belongs to the Department of Marine Sciences. According to a new decision, the station will be run and developed jointly by the University of Gothenburg, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, the Royal Institute of Technology, and the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), under the name Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation.