STARS and Embassy of Sweden in Washington Deepen Collaboration to Strengthen Swedish Research Diaspora in the U.S.
The Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C. and the Swedish Trans-Atlantic Researchers and Scholars Network (STARS) are deepening their partnership to strengthen the Swedish research diaspora in the United States, its ties to Sweden, and the bilateral research cooperation between Sweden and the U.S.
The partnership will create value for participating researchers and Sweden as a knowledge nation. STARS will be a dedicated platform for Swedish researchers in the U.S., where they can connect with each other and with the Embassy’s broader networks in both the U.S. and Sweden. The goal is to increase transatlantic collaboration and enhance Sweden’s understanding of developments at U.S. universities and research institutes.
STARS will also be a forum where the Embassy and other Swedish stakeholders can inform Swedish researchers and their colleagues at American universities, institutes, and companies about collaboration opportunities and career prospects in Sweden.
The goal is for STARS to become a natural platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, serving as a central meeting point for Swedish researchers across the United States.
As part of this initiative, the Embassy’s Science and Innovation Counselor, Dr. Maria Brogren, will join the STARS Board of Directors.
“The Embassy sees this collaboration as a way to foster closer dialogue with Swedish researchers in the U.S.,” says Dr. Brogren. “Their insights into the American research system are a valuable resource for Sweden – researchers have their ear to the ground in the operational research environment, while the Embassy serves as a link back to Sweden,” she adds.
STARS views its partnership with the Embassy as strategically important for showcasing Swedish researchers’ achievements and contributions in innovative and societally relevant fields. By promoting knowledge exchange between Sweden and Swedish researchers in the U.S., the collaboration strengthens transatlantic relations.
Swedish researchers are based in many locations across the U.S. Sweden’s Consulates General, Honorary Consulates, and regional Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce can therefore play an important role in supporting the diaspora network. Alumni networks of Swedish universities in the U.S. can also contribute by connecting with Swedish researchers and supporting the network’s future development. One key
difference between alumni networks and the research diaspora network is that alumni networks include anyone who studied at a Swedish university (regardless of nationality or current occupation), while the research diaspora network focuses on Swedish researchers in the U.S.
The Embassy and STARS will host a join event in 2026—more information about the date will come—to highlight the contributions of Swedish researchers in the U.S. and strengthen the diaspora network’s connection to Sweden.
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