Eva Malmström elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Eva Malmström, professor in coating technology, has been elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Class for engineering sciences.
“I am particularly pleased to be part of a group where one is truly committed to promoting research and science. These are my passions, ones I am deeply enthusiastic about. It feels incredibly honourable and exciting.”
The news came as a bolt from the blue. The fact that Eva Malmström would be elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences was not something she was prepared for when the phone call came in the evening, a couple of weeks ago.
“The call came from Hans Ellegren, Secretary General of the Academy. I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to be elected to such an esteemed group of researchers. It feels very exciting and fun,” she says.
Strong commitment to research
Eva Malmström has not been shown any justification but believes that the research she conducts – multifaceted but also with scientific depth – has been important.
“Perhaps it has also played a role that I have a great commitment to the conditions for research in our knowledge-intensive society. Our society is currently facing major challenges that require an understanding of complex relationships and deep knowledge. This is when it is most important to allow independent researchers to immerse themselves in both scientific challenges and, for example, democracy issues.”
Strong and independent research
It is important for a knowledge society like Sweden to have strong research and the opportunity to conduct free research, says Eva.
“We are living in a time when research in general is somewhat threatened by the boundary conditions – by the lack of financial resources, but also by all the burdens imposed on the entire education system. The higher education institutions are facing the same challenges as all schools in Sweden: the depletion of resources. You can't just do research on Fridays between three and half past three.”
The Academy’s members are divided into ten scientific disciplines, called classes. They are involved in the Academy’s committees that initiate investigations, provide responses to consultations, organise conferences and seminars. Eva Malmström is looking forward to meeting the other members. There will be an official ceremony for new members next spring.
“I am particularly pleased to be part of a group where one is truly committed to promoting research and science. These are my passions, ones I am deeply enthusiastic about. It feels incredibly honourable and exciting.”
Text: Åsa Karsberg