Pilot study: Network for cooperation and exchanges between PhD students and Swedish graphene actors

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the needs of, and the appropriate format for, a national network that connects young researchers active in 2D materials in Sweden with each other and with Swedish industry in the area. After an initial mapping of potential members, the network is now up and running with circa 30 members, and we have arranged two digital meetings and a lunch-to-lunch workshop in Linköping, with 25 participants, among which five were industry representatives. We consider an active and running network a successful primary goal of this project.

Expected results and effects:

It is still early to judge effects as some of the intended outcomes must be considered long-term, although positive feedback from both participating young researchers and seniors from academia and industry shows that there is an interest and a need for the initiative. We now hope that the 2D-graduate network consolidates through a new strategic project.

The format is in place and we believe many collaborations and innovations can be seeded before the end of SIO Grafen in 2026. The work ahead will target network consolidation and seeking solutions to continued activities after 2026. Approach and implementation:

The project started with mapping researchers in Sweden active in 2D-materials based on bibliometric analysis and the list of actors within SIO Grafen to identify potential members. After two digital meetings a first network workshop was organized in Linköping Oct. 27 28, where presentations from young researchers were alternated with presentations from industry.

We target industry presence, as a goal of the network is for younger researchers to familiarize themselves with actors in the area and see how their own projects and competences can align with industry interests and needs.