The Swedish Armed Forces and Karolinska Institutet have signed a letter of intent for enhanced cooperation in defence-related medical research and education. The aim is to strengthen the joint capacity in the field and ensure long-term competence supply.
– The ongoing conflicts in our vicinity highlight the need for new knowledge. Here we see that Karolinska Institutet will be an important partner to increase the pace of innovation and develop necessary capabilities together with the Swedish Armed Forces, says Johan Pekkari, Head of the Strategic Unit at the Defence Staff.
The intention is to establish a research environment at Karolinska Institutet that serves as a platform for defence medical research and education. The platform will be operated in collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces and, if necessary, can also be used for commissioned research.
– As a medical university, Karolinska Institutet has a responsibility in the total defence. Therefore, we are keen to develop our cooperation with the Swedish Armed Forces. This letter of intent is a step forward. The next step will be to identify new, as well as further develop existing, focus areas within defence-related medical research and education, says Martin Bergö, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Karolinska Institutet.