biotechnology phd kth

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Sustainable Energy Engineering Doctoral Program (SEED)

Applicable to PhD students from Kathmandu University, TERI School of Advanced Studies and Universidad Mayor de San Simón.

Boost your scientific skills and evidence-based knowledge through international collaborations in Sustainability, Circular Economy, Gender, Disasters and Climate Risk.

Application period open December 6 – January 15 for intake 2024!

(See application info further down)

The main objective of this graduate doctoral program - “Doctoral School in Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEED)” - is to:

• develop capacities of PhD researchers for conducting research on complex developmental challenges and solving them with holistic and innovative system solutions;
• enhance their competencies to work in multidisciplinary research; and
• to address the complex developmental societal challenges in different development contexts.

More specifically, the objectives of the doctoral school in Sustainable Energy Engineering are to provide:

• A holistic view on energy supply, use and circular economy in a systems perspective.
• Competency to critically evaluate gender issues and inequality in relation to energy use and energy generation.
• Knowledge to understand and evaluate small-scale energy generation technologies and services based on locally available resources in a concept of poly-generation.
• A critical understanding of the sociotechnical transition process and diffusion of sustainable innovations.

The Doctoral school in Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEED) is a collaboration between six universities in four different countries: Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Linnaeus University (LNU) and Lund University (LU), all in Sweden, Kathmandu University (KU) in Nepal, TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS), India and Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) in Bolivia.

PhD school highlights:

• Research mobility in Sweden (course work, research/publication work)
• A 2-days workshop on Multidisciplinary Developmental Research
• A 5-days course on Gender, Disaster and Climate Risk (3 ECTS) - offered by LTH
•  Sustainability Assessment and Policy Evaluation (6 ECTS*)-offered by LNU
• Diffusion of Innovations and Socio-technical transition (6 ECTS)-offered by LNU
• Circular Economy, Energy systems and Poly-generation (ECTS) -offered by KTH Nexus and climate agenda in energy systems (6 ECTS) -offered by KTH
•  Co-supervision by a cross-country supervision team

*) 1.5 ECTS corresponds to 1 40-hour week of full time studies (lectures, seminars, self-studies)

SEED School program specifics

The SEED will be executed with yearly intakes, three intakes within the SEED period of four (4) years. Every intake lasts for eighteen (18) months. The program will start with a mobility period in Sweden for four (4) months and the remaining fourteen (14) months will be spent at the home university. The mobility period, which is supported by scholarships, starts at LTH with two mandatory educational activities:

•  SEED kick-off/ Multidisciplinary developmental research Workshop   This is a kick off meeting of the SEED school that will start with a 2-days workshop on Multidisciplinary developmental research. The workshop takes place at Lund University. This workshop logistic is coordinated by LU and Workshop activities will be organized jointly by LNU/KTH. This kick off session provides the detail information about the SEED Programme and other logistics. This is an opportunity to meet all SEED participants of each intake and mentors from Swedish Universities at one place. The workshop will be focused on understanding the multidisciplinary research, along with identifying/studying opportunities and challenges associated with multidisciplinary research.
•  A 5-days PhD summer course on Gender, Disaster and Climate Risk (3   ECTS). This course is given at Lund University and it will help to include gender perspective in the multidisciplinary research at a broader level. The course specifically discusses gender inclusive approach in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation by offering pedagogical training to actors such as researchers and practitioners. It aims to bring together researchers and practitioners to facilitate dialogue, and co-create knowledge and solutions, in developing gender-inclusive designs in response, recovery, and preparedness.

Mobility at either KTH or LNU

Following these courses, the students will continue the mobility period at either LNU or KTH with “on the job training” depending on their research topic and specialization. During this period they will carry out research works in close collaboration with researchers at LNU and KTH under the supervision of the assigned mentors within the Thematic Multidisciplinary Areas within the SEED.

• Innovation diffusion/Socio-technical transition (Lead by LNU)
• Sustainable Energy Access (Lead by LNU)
• Nexus, Energy Poverty and Gender (Lead by LNU)
• Resource efficiency Poly-generation (Lead by KTH)
• Energy systems and circular economy (Lead by KTH)
• Renewable energy technology (Lead by KTH)

PhD courses at LNU - Linnéuniversitetet

1. Sustainability Assessment and Policy Evaluation Course Credit: (6 ECTS)

Web page: Sustainability Assessment and Policy Evaluation

This course intends to augment the PhD students’/researchers’ (i) understanding of the sustainability evaluation and its contributions to policy-making; (ii) designing policy relevant Indicators for Sustainable Development; (iii) some sustainability assessment criteria and processes and tools; (iv) knowledge on research and policy interface; (v) evaluate/access development policy from sustainability perspective.

The course will be designed keeping focus on Energy sector and exploring its synergy, and trade off with other SDGs. The course will also help the students/researchers to communicate their research contribution in relation to sustainable development goals. The course will be beneficial but not limited to students working on the developmental research.

2. Diffusion of Innovations and Socio-technical transition (6 ECTS)

Web page: Diffusion of innovations and sociotechnical transition

This course intends to impart knowledge on diffusion of innovations and the sociotechnical transition process, and intervention strategies to facilitate diffusion of innovations. On completion of the course, the students should be able to: (i) Explain the systemic aspect of innovation and evaluate the sociotechnical change process; (ii) Analyze the decision-making process of the adopters of innovations, identify different categories of adopters, and identify various attributes of an innovation that can affect its diffusion; (iii) Evaluate the role of entrepreneurship in innovation; (iv) Articulate the intervention strategies to facilitate diffusion of innovations.

PhD courses at KTH – Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan

3. Circular Economy, Energy Systems, and Polygeneration (6 ECTS) In this PhD course, the students will get theoretical and practical knowledge on the following topics: Poly-generation for resource efficiency and climate change mitigation; Implications of circular transitions in specific sectors such as waste management, energy and energy-intensive industries; Tools and methodologies for the assessment of circularity (LCA and material flow analysis); Importance of business models’ innovation to value creation in a circular economy. The individual learning outcome (ILOs) are: (a) explain what is circular economy, in theory and practice, in energy systems, (b) describe systems for simultaneous generation of several energy services that are run by a combination of different energy sources, (c) able to use tools and methodologies relevant for the assessment of circularity performance and resource recovery, (d) apply circularity concept in waste management sector, e.g. waste-to-energy (WtE) and resource-intensive industries, e.g. cement, iron and steel, (e) demonstrate the knowledge of circularity in new innovative business creation, and (f) describe how small-scale polygeneration systems can operate connected or not connected to an electric grid, where the grid can be a classical national grid or a microgrid with distributed power generation.

4. Nexus and Climate Agenda in Energy Systems (6 ECTS).

This PhD course includes energy systems analysis (reference energy systems and scenario analysis); role of energy policies in systems transformation; Basics of nexus assessment (links between climate, water, land use and energy); energy systems and climate agenda the role of national and international actors in setting development priorities ( climate interactive exercise /world climate simulation ). ILOs are: (a) describe basic energy systems and scenario analysis, (b) explain the role of energy policies for a low carbon and climate resilient future in development contexts, (c) identify the links between climate, water, land use and energy systems, and (d) explain and evaluate the perspectives on global climate change, including the role of national and international actors in setting development priorities.

Organization of SEED - Sustainable Energy Engineering Doctoral program

The organization of SEED is illustrated in figure 1. It is based on already ongoing partnerships among the partners. The Executive Board (EB) is responsible for day-to-day management and operation of the school and the network. The local SEED coordinators and coordinators from the various committees looking after specific aspects of the SEED will be in this EB.

To account for the continued quality of the program there is an Advisory Board with two reference groups. The advisory Board for the SEED will comprise of (i) representatives from prominent subject experts in developmental research working on sustainable energy. (ii) high-educational administrative officials (Departmental heads, Rectors/dean) from various partnering universities.

Figure 2 illustrates how the key activities of SEED are organized.

Mobility and logistics during the mobility period*

• Start of mobility period: Arrival at Arlanda airport in Stockholm on August 25 2024.
• The initial kick-off workshop on Multidisciplinary developmental research Workshop takes place at KTH in Stockholm during the first 2 days (Aug. 26-27).
• Train transfer to Linnaeus university in Växjö (about 4 hours travel) to start the courses at LNU (see above) during 3 days (Aug 28-30).
• The next event will be in Lund University, Lund. It is a one-week course September 2-6) on Gender, Disaster and Climate Risk.
• Thereafter, students will return to KTH in Stockholm or LNU in Växjö (depending on the research topic) for the remaining mobility period (Sep 9-Dec 20.
• End of mobility period: Departure from Stockholm Arlanda around December 20.
• The amount of scholarship* per month (during the mobility) is SEK 15,000 and is made available upon arrival in Sweden.
• Accommodation and living expenses are to be borne by the candidate. Accommodation in Lund University is arranged by LU and assistance in getting accommodation for the period in KTH/LNU will be provided by KTH/LNU.
• Travel cost to/from Sweden, for movement between Lund University and KTH/LNU and insurance premium for the whole period is arranged by and covered by KTH*.
• Visa applications and visa cost is handled by each candidate and cost coverage can be claimed from KTH upon arrival in Sweden and submission of receipts.

*)  Candidates from UMSS should consult the local coordinator for info on scholarship and travel coverage, since the mobility will be part of the local PhD program mobility.

Testimonials

• Why did you choose SEED mobility programme at KTH/LNU?

Ravi Suwal:  “By joining the SEED exchange program, it gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in Sweden's innovative energy research landscape and contribute to ongoing projects aligned with my academic and research interests. Similarly, exploring research in Sweden and other European countries in the field of building energy efficiency presents an exciting opportunity to explore into new advancements and innovative solutions. This knowledge has now given me an insight to explore effective and efficient technologies that could be beneficial for my home country.”

• What are some of your favorite occasions/visits so far?

Anita Yadav :  “Visit to Recycling facility at Växjö, Guided city tour as part of Gender course at LUND, SEBUT Conference visit”.

• What did you learn during your stay in Sweden?

Ravi Suwal:  “My time in Sweden has been a great learning experience in both my studies and getting to know the culture. In my research, I've learned about advanced methods building energy efficiency and Urban Building Energy Modelling. Learning the courses from LNU has given me new ways to think about global energy issues and innovation techniques. Personally, living here has shown me how people incorporate eco-friendly practices into their daily lives for a more sustainable lifestyle.”.

• How would this exchange at KTH help in your PhD studies?

Anita Yadav:  “The exchange at KTH significantly enriches my PhD studies in several ways. The courses, conferences, and events I attended have broadened my academic horizons, exposing me to cutting-edge research methodologies and diverse perspectives within my field. The insights gained from courses and the exposure to events and conferences have directly contributed to enhancing the depth and scope of my research. Additionally, the networking opportunities with experts and peers have not only expanded my professional connections but also opened avenues for potential collaborations and exchange of ideas. I also learned about Sweden’ Viable cities Programme and KTH Climate Action Center and the ongoing research to make cities resilient to climate change. Moreover, the experience has honed my presentation skills and increased my cultural awareness, which are valuable assets in effectively communicating my research findings and engaging with a global academic community.”.

• What would you like to say to future exchange students thinking of choosing the SEED exchange program?

Ajay Kumar KC: “I would highly recommend future exchange students who are working in an energy and built environment. The learning and exposure at Sweden shall help them to better shape their research work and help in getting better research result. Similarly, exposure at Sweden shall also help them to expand their thinking horizon and update their knowledge on current technologies and developments.”.

SEED Application Process

Students for SEED will be recruited competitively through a common advertisement format from collaborating partner universities in Bolivia, India and Nepal. Each year six students will be recruited, considering a balanced number of students from the participating partner universities along with a gender balance among the participants. The advertisement will be announced in mid-March and the selection decision will be taken within 2 weeks after the application deadline. The results of the selection process will be notified to all applicants. To apply, the student must be enrolled at a Partnering University. The application shall be directed to the local program coordinator for SEED. Pre-screening of such applications are done at the local level and the shortlisted candidates’ applications will be forwarded to the executive board for the final selection. The SEED Executive board will evaluate the applications considering the qualifications and experience of the candidates and the mobility conditions.

The eligible candidates will be invited for interviews and the most suitable candidates will be offered to join SEED. The recruitment and admission practice will adhere to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and follow the local university’s requirements.

Selection requirements:

• A cover letter including motivation to take part in this SEED Program (maximum 1 page)
• Concept note on a multidisciplinary research to be carried out in Sweden during mobility. Students also need to show how this will contributes to his or her PhD.
• A recent CV
• Consent letter from the students’ PhD supervisor at home university
• Proof of PhD admission at home university
• Copy of Master Degree certificates.
• Date of start of application: December 6, 2023
• Last date of submission of application to local coordinator: January 15, 2024
• Confirmation of selection of candidate: 1 st  February
• Selected candidates should prove the consent of his/her employer (if applicable) February 15.
• Issuing the invitation letter (for visa formalities) to the candidate: February 16
• Period of stay in Sweden for SEED: August 25, 2024 until December 21, 2024 (approx. 4 months)

 Application form

SEED application form (pdf 301 kB)

About the partners:

  Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)  – Department of Energy Technology with its division of Energy System is the institutional home for a widely used open source Water Energy Food (WEF) nexus framework called CLEWs. KTH has carried out research in the areas of enhancing energy and resource efficiency with polygeneration technologies for developing countries.

Linnaeus University (LNU) - Dept. of Built Environment and Energy Technology (BET) conducts number of EU and Swedish Research Council (FORMAS) funded research projects in the areas of energy efficiency and climate adaptation in the built environment. LNU research activities cover energy system analysis, identification and implementation of sustainable innovations, behavior and lifestyles, policy analysis, business models, and energy sustainability in developing countries.

Lund University  - LTH (Faculty of Engineering) - the Division of Risk Management and Societal Safety at conducts research about how people, organizations and society prepare for, deal with and recover from events that might threaten the society.

Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS), Bolivia  has been working in the field of energy since 2008 with a sandwich program on Energy financed by SIDA and a local doctoral program on energy and development.

Kathmandu University (KU-Nepal)  has been engaged in education and research in several fields including energy environment and climate change. Several departments under the School of Engineering and School of Science are working in renewable and sustainable energy and sustainable development goals (SDGs) related research.

TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS), India , aims to build capacity around various themes of sustainable development focused on Energy, Environment, Climate Science, Biotechnology and Sustainability adopting an interdisciplinary approach and incorporating the most contemporary, research-based evidence into the curriculum.

The Sustainable Energy Engineering Doctoral program (SEED) is a 4-years program. The Swedish Research Council VR finances the program.

Contact us:

Associate Prof. Anders Malmquist, Overall Program Coordinator - Royal Institute of Technology KTH. Email: Anders Malmquist

Associate Prof. Dilip Khatiwada, Coordinator - Royal Institute of Technology KTH. Email: Dilip Khatiwada

​​​​​Associate Prof. Brijesh Mainali, Coordinator - Linnaeus University-LNU. Email: Brijesh Mainali

Prof Misse Wester Coordinator - Lund University-LTH.   Email: Misse Wester

 Associate Prof Sunil P. Lohani, Coordinator - Kathmandu University-KU. Email: Sunil P. Lohani

Associate Prof Naqui Anwer, Coordinator - TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS). Email: Naqui Anwer

Dr. Evelyn Cardozo Rocabado Coordinator - Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) Email: Evelyn Cardozo Rocabado  

Biotechnology

Biotechnology can be described as an integration of science and engineering to utilize organisms, cells or molecular equivalents, or knowledge of them, for the development of products and processes.

Program Council for the Doctoral Programs Biotechnology and Theoretical Chemistry and Biology

Study plans

Here you can download the doctoral program description (in Swedish) and the general study plan (in English) for the third-cycle subject area Biotechnology at the CBH school, KTH. You will also find a file to help you motivate fulfilment of the examination goals found in tab 10 of your eISP (the second file in the list).

General_studyplan_BIO_established_2017-04-05 (pdf 126 kB)

General_studyplan_BIO_concretized_examination_goals (pdf 168 kB)

Programme description for Doctoral Programme in Biotechnology. (pdf 1.1 MB)

Please note that in addition to the requirements in the general study plan a course in  research ethics/integrity  and a half time seminar  is mandatory for all students admitted from 2019 and later according to a decision by the CBH Head of School. Read more here (only available in Swedish). (pdf 317 kB)

Contact us at [email protected]

Programme Director

Deputy Director of Third-Cycle Education

Administrative support

All emails regarding this program should be sent to the following email address. [email protected]

AlbaNova Roslagstullsbacken 21 114 21 Stockholm

• KTH Royal Institute of Technology
• Martin Gustavsson

Martin Gustavsson KTH Royal Institute of Technology | KTH  ·  School of Biotechnology, Division of Industrial Biotechnology

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Applying for Doctoral Studies

The subject of architecture at doctoral level manages, develops and communicates knowledge of architecture. The subject treats the concepts and theories of architecture and their relationship to planning and design of the built environment. Doctoral studies in architecture at KTH are pursued in three areas of specialization: Architectural design, technology and representation; Architectural theory, history and critical studies; and Urban design and urban theory.

The doctoral education follows a four year study programme, where mandatory and voluntary courses run parallel to the individual thesis work. The subject area plan is here

Most doctoral dissertations are monographs, but compilation thesis (based on articles) also occur amongst other variations.

Pursuing doctoral studies in Sweden is a form of employment, and requires that funding is guaranteed for a minimum of four years. Funding can either be provided through the institution, which in most cases is linked to research grants secured from an external funder, or provided by an external employer – such as a company, a municipality, or a state agency. In this case, studies are usually carried out on a part time basis, thus for 8 years, in parallel to the candidate’s regular employment (so called industrial PhD).

Since June 2018, state-run institutions in Sweden do not enroll students on scholarships, with some exceptions. More information here

The most common way to become a doctoral student at KTH is to apply for a vacant PhD position, announced here . Positions come with their own requirements and procedures, depending on the funding, but always require a Master's Degree in Architecture, or equivalent, in relevant academic fields. The recruitment process is usually very competitive and, in most cases, successful candidates have prior research experience and/or an established independent practice of relevance for the specific position. Students are expected to be able to speak, read and write English at a level corresponding to English B/6 .

Guest PhD students

We are happy to take on guest PhD students from other universities for a period of 3 months, provided their research is of relevance to the department, and allows for a productive mutual exchange. Guest PhD students are offered a working desk in a flexible landscape, and are welcome to take part in seminars and to attend lectures held at KTH. Candidates must establish contact with a member of faculty who is willing to take on the role as host/mentor. He or she is also expected to contribute to the environment by making a research presentation at a seminar. KTH does not provide a computer during the stay, and the candidate is responsible for all personal costs during the period of this appointment.

Doctoral student at KTH

Here you will find compiled information about doctoral studies/third-cycle education at KTH, including relevant steering documents and practical information about, for example, supervision, individual study plans, preparations for disputations and qualification.

Doctoral programmes, subject areas and courses

Third-cycle studies at KTH are conducted within doctoral programmes, where one programme may contain one or more subject areas. As a doctoral student, you will take a certain number of courses, as specified in your individual study plan.

• Doctoral programmes and subject areas
• Third-cycle courses

Supervision and individual study plan (ISP)

All doctoral students will have at least two supervisors, one of whom is the main supervisor. The supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the student’s studies and research project are proceeding according to plan. Third-cycle studies are guided by an individual study plan (ISP), which is based on the current subject-specific study plan. The ISP shall contain the commitments of both KTH and the doctoral student, as well as a time plan for the studies.

Supervision and individual study plan

Working conditions for different categories of doctoral students

There may be differences in the working conditions for doctoral students employed by KTH, industry-employed doctoral students and scholarship holders.

• Information for employees of KTH
• Conditions for industry-employed doctoral students
• Conditions for scholarship holders

Thesis, thesis defence and qualification

Here you will find information about the thesis, licentiate seminar, thesis defence and qualification. Start preparing well in advance!

Support for doctoral students

The PhD Chapter within the Student union THS represents KTH’s doctoral students and organises social activities. The PhD Student Advisor offers free support and advice. Students with permanent disabilities can receive support from "Funka". KTH Relocation offers support to foreign doctoral students who move to Sweden.

• The PhD Chapter, THS
• The PhD Student Advisor
• Support for students with disabilities, Funka
• KTH Relocation

Steering documents and forms

• Forms archive (English and Swedish)

Chemistry for Life Sciences by Protein Engineering of Enzymes

Current group members

Per-olof syrén.

Associate Professor in Chemistry for Life Sciences

Docent in Biotechnology

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

[email protected]

Per-Olof Syrén obtained his PhD in Biotechnology in 2011 from KTH. After a postdoctoral stay as an Alexander von Humboldt-fellow at the University of Stuttgart, Germany between 2011-2013 he came back to Sweden to build his own research group. Supported by a Swedish Research Council (VR) Young Investor grant (less than 5% success rate), and committed to his passion to understand fundamental biochemistry, he has built his own small and independent research group from scratch at Science for Life Laboratory in Stockholm. His research is funded by the Gunnar Sundblad Research Foundation, FORMAS, VINNOVA, Ingvar Camprad Foundation, Magnus Bergvall’s Foundation, NovoNordisk Foundation, VR and SSF – The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research after being evaluated to have a great potential for our society. His research benefits from generous support from industry, including the Swedish forest company Holmen and the US-based biotech company ATUM. His projects have attracted private grants from both Sweden (Royal Academy of Sciences, Wennergren Foundation) and Germany and have won several awards, including an internationally prestigious Alexander von Humboldt award. In 2019 he was awarded the the Gunnar Sundblad Research Foundation’s prestigious Skills Development Prize. The prize was awarded by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Per-Olof is married and has three children.

Senior Researchers and postdocs

Ranjani ganapathy.

PhD, Post Doctoral Researcher

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

[email protected]

I am Ranjani Ganapathy from Tamil Nadu, India. I have done my Masters degree in Organic Chemistry at University of Madras, India and have completed my PhD in Organic Chemistry at University of Hyderabad, India in the year 2020. My PhD thesis mainly focused on the total synthesis of biologically active indole-based alkaloids using metal-catalysed/ metal-free cross-coupling/oxidative cross-coupling reactions. In March, 2021, I moved to Lund University, Sweden for a post doctoral research where I worked on the organocatalytic synthesis of bio-based BPA-free polycarbonates and isocyanate-free polyurethanes. In November, 2022, I have started my Post-doc in Prof. Per-Olof Syren’s group and I am currently working on the synthesis of monomers and polymers from bio-based resources via chemical/enzymatic synthesis and photocatalysis.

PhD-students

Chiara Tantillo

Ph D -student

SciLifeLab and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.

[email protected]

Hello, my name is Chiara and I am from Palermo, Italy. After discovering a growing interest in enzymes, I decided to move to Trieste, where I graduated in December 2023 with a Master’s degree in Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, with a curriculum strongly focused on enzymes. To gain experience in the field of plastics degradation/synthetic enzymes, I moved to the University of Life Sciences of Boku, Vienna, where I worked on a Master’s thesis project focused on the study of cutinases and lipases to obtain information on their ability to catalyse the synthetic pathway using different bio-based monomers to produce esters and polyesters. This experience strengthened my interest in the application of enzymes to the “plastics problem” and allowed me to discover an interest in polymeric materials science. In June 2024 I started my PhD in Syren’s group in the field of fibre and polymer science with a project on the enzymatic degradation of plastics.

Pauline Granit

PhD-student

[email protected]

Hi! My name is Pauline and I’m from Stockholm. In June 2023 received my Master’s of Science in Engineering (Civilingenjör) in Biotechnology at KTH. During my master’s thesis I did site specific antibody-PNA conjugations for PNA-based radionuclide pretargeting. Throughout my studies I have become particularly interested in the intersection of biotechnology and organic chemistry. In October 2023 I started my PhD in the Syrén group where I will be focusing on photobiocatalysis.

Anna Schuppe

PhD student

SciLifeLab and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

[email protected]

Hi! My name is Anna. My background is in Biochemistry and protein science. I have a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Germany. As I was very interested in enzymes and wanted to learn more, I decided to move to Stockholm to obtain my M.Sc. from Stockholm University studying Biochemistry with specialization in protein chemistry. During my external degree project at KTH, I worked on my first enzyme engineering project. In October 2023, I joined the group for my PhD and will focus on CO2 valorization by enzymes.

Elisabeth Söderberg

[email protected]

Hello! My name is Elisabeth and I am from Sweden. In the summer of 2020, I finished my Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering at Uppsala University. During my master’s, I found the potential of synthetic biology and enzymes to replace classic chemistry as a greener option very interesting. Autumn of 2020, I started my Ph.D. in wood-based biocatalysis with a polymer focus. In my project, I will develop methods for biocatalytic generation of complex molecular building blocks from renewable resources for the incorporation into biopolymers.

Diploma students

David Sjönell

MSc Student

[email protected]

Hi! My name is David and I am a student at Stockholm University studying the Master’s program in Sustainable Chemistry. Having previously studied biochemistry, I am interested in how proteins can be used to make a more sustainable society and chemical industry. With supervision from David Hueting, I am doing my Master’s project in the Syrén group studying the effect of different metal cofactors on the activity and specificity of a terpene cyclase enzyme.

Our research area is Chemistry for life sciences in which we bridge biotechnology with the material world. Through transdisciplinary scientific methods we are developing chemical strategies and novel enzyme engineering methods for applications within biopolymer science and for the generation of superior biopharmaceuticals and fine chemicals from renewable sources. Our team is multidisciplinary and composed of chemists, material scientists and biotechnologists with a common core interest to bridge fundamental chemical principles with state-of-the art biotechnology towards reaching a more sustainable society.

Life is easy to identify, but remarkably hard to define. One fundamental property of living organisms is the order they create in their environment through evolved metabolic pathways, organized structures and self-replication which are basal energy-consuming processes dependent on enzymes that accelerate the chemistry of life up to 10^26-fold. Fundamental and organizational tasks, for instance energy conversion and information processing, would take millions – or even billions – of years in the absence of enzymes, thus representing timescales that would be incompatible with life. Our research is inspired by these basal concepts in generating protein-based catalysts and enzymes for synthetic transformations currently not accessible in chemistry or biology. The Syrén lab works with computer simulations and bioinformatics, as well as experimental biotechnology and protein engineering in concert with polymer chemistry to develop new-to-nature reactions.

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