The declaration means that the two authorities will jointly begin preparations for an operational transfer, with implementation planned for 1 January 2026 – subject to the necessary political decisions. The transfer would integrate the station’s unique resources and expertise into the Secretariat’s infrastructure. A formal decision is expected from the government and parliament in autumn 2025.

– We welcome the possibility of transferring responsibility for Kristineberg to the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. This would establish long-term state responsibility and create new synergies between marine and polar research environments. The University of Gothenburg looks forward to continuing as an active partner and contributing to Kristineberg’s development as an international hub for experimental marine research and innovation, says Göran Hilmersson, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Gothenburg.

Founded in 1877, the Kristineberg Marine Research Station is one of the world’s oldest and today one of Europe’s most advanced. Located by the Gullmar Fjord on Sweden’s west coast, the station offers unique conditions for experimental marine research. Its geographic location, technical capacity and experienced staff complement the Secretariat’s existing infrastructure and operations in the Arctic and Antarctic.

– This is a unique opportunity to further strengthen Swedish research across the broad field of polar and marine science and innovation. By integrating Kristineberg with our existing resources – such as the Abisko Scientific Research Station and our ship-based research infrastructure – we can realise important synergies and develop the station’s full potential as a national and international research resource, says Katarina Gårdfeldt, Director-General of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.

Several universities and research organisations are active at Kristineberg. For example, RISE and the IVL Swedish Environmental Institute conduct research at the station, and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat looks forward to strengthening these collaborations in the future.

The Secretariat also notes that the Sjöberg Foundation has expressed strong interest in supporting the development of Kristineberg with up to SEK 75 million over five years. This investment would strengthen and adapt the station’s infrastructure for marine polar research and help finance research positions linked to Swedish universities.

The declaration of intent aligns with the priorities outlined in the government’s research bill (2024/25:60), which highlights polar research as a strategic area.

– It’s important to stress that this is a first step. No final decision has been made, but we see strong potential to develop Kristineberg as a national and international resource within an expanded research mission, says Katarina Gårdfeldt.

Contact persons

Katarina Gårdfeldt
Director-General, Swedish Polar Research Secretariat
Phone: 072-517 07 78
katarina.gardfeldt@polar.se 

Göran Hilmersson
Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Gothenburg
Phone: 031-786 90 22
goran.hilmersson@gu.se 

Ingemar Sjöberg, Sjöberg Foundation
Phone: 070-7991479
info@sjobergstiftelsen.se 

Press contacts

Ted Karlsson
Research Communications Officer, Swedish Polar Research Secretariat
Phone: 073-058 52 84
ted.karlsson@polar.se 

Marie Näslund Jakobsson
Communications Officer, Swedish Polar Research Secretariat
Phone: 070-550 41 45
marie.jakobsson@polar.se 

Olof Lönnehed
Communications Officer, University of Gothenburg
Phone: 031-786 69 70, 0766-18 69 70
olof.lonnehed@science.gu.se