Last autumn, the Swedish Government decided that the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat would take over the responsibility for Kristineberg Marine Research Station by the end of the year. Since then, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and the University of Gothenburg have been working intensively to prepare for the upcoming transition.
“The acquisition of Kristineberg is an important step in strengthening Sweden's research infrastructure. We have worked closely with the University of Gothenburg to ensure a well-established transition with a focus on long-term development,” says Katarina Gårdfeldt, Director of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.
The university contributes
The change means that Kristineberg's 149-year history as a marine research station is entering a new chapter. The station is now becoming a part of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat's activities, which ensures a long-term government responsibility and opens new synergies between marine and polar research environments.
The University of Gothenburg, which previously managed the station, will continue as an active partner.
“We are very grateful that the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat has assumed this responsibility, which means that our employees can continue to contribute with our strong research, expertise, and collaboration to the station’s development,” says Göran Hilmersson, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Gothenburg.
Important collaborations
The Kristineberg Marine Research Station is already a central meeting place for several universities and research organisations. These collaborations will continue to be important as the station's activities develop within its new government mandate.
“We see great opportunities. By pooling our resources, we can create a whole that strengthens Sweden’s role in the international research landscape,” says Katarina Gårdfeldt, Director of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.
In connection with the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat taking over responsibility, the Kristineberg Center consortium will be dissolved, and the research station will regain its former name, Kristineberg Marine Research Station.
