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Standing, from left: Dr. John Baras, Distinguished University Professor and founding director of the Institute of Systems Research and Dr. Jelena Srebric, associate dean for Research, A. James Clark School of Engineering.
Seated, from left: Dr. Ross Lewin, associate vice president for International Affairs, signing on behalf of Provost Jennifer King Rice, and Dr. Stefan Östlund (KTH), vice president for International Relations. |
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When the University of Maryland and KTH Royal Institute of Technology signed a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this spring, it was more than a formal agreement—it was a gateway to life-changing experiences for students and faculty across both institutions. At the heart of the MOU is a shared vision: to create meaningful global opportunities that enrich academic and research experiences.
With the leadership of the Institute for Systems Research (ISR) and A. James Clark School of Engineering, the agreement will support bilateral student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, and the launch of a new master’s-level exchange program for KTH students to study at UMD.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Dr. John Baras (ECE/ISR), who played a central role in establishing the agreement and aligning institutional priorities.
"I am very happy to have a first step in this very promising and exciting collaboration be completed, thanks to the efforts and ideas of many colleagues," said Dr. Baras. "It opens the way for strong collaboration by two leading universities worldwide in important technology and science areas—with benefits to society and outstanding opportunities to strengthen the research and education of undergraduate and graduate students at both institutions."
Dr. Eric Wachsman, as director of the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI²), is positioned to lead or coordinate joint research with KTH in energy storage and battery systems Dr. Alireza Khaligh, Interim Director of ISR, and faculty from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have also played key roles in shaping the partnership.
Expanding Student Horizons
The first student-focused initiative will bring KTH master’s students to College Park, where they will take part in coursework and research alongside ISR and Clark School peers. Future phases will expand opportunities for UMD students to study and conduct research at KTH in Stockholm, a leading global hub for innovation and engineering.
Research Without Borders
The MOU also paves the way for joint research activities in critical fields, including 5G/6G wireless systems, energy storage and battery technologies, quantum technologies, and AI-driven digital transformation.
From Vision to Reality
The collaboration began in May 2022 with a joint workshop at UMD and continued with a planning session in November 2024. During the May 2022 meeting, several brief presentations were delivered by faculty from both UMD and KTH to identify the top two technical areas for collaboration. The following areas were selected for the development of robust research and educational partnerships:
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Wireless networks, including 5G, 6G, and Next G systems. KTH will lead this initiative, with Professor John Baras leading the UMD side of the collaboration.
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Battery research, led by UMD, with Professor Eric Wachsman coordinating efforts on behalf of the university.
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A third area for future discussion and collaboration was also identified: quantum computing, where UMD will take the lead.
The November 20, 2024, planning session was instrumental in shaping the Memorandum of Understanding and advancing its key elements. The university gratefully acknowledges the efforts and support of the following individuals:
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Dr. Jelena Srebric, Associate Dean for Research, A. James Clark School of Engineering
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Dr. Harry Dankowicz, Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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Dr. Ryan Long, Associate Dean, Graduate School
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Dr. Ross Lewin, Associate Vice President for International Affairs
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Ms. Lauren Ruszczyk, Director, Education Abroad
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Ms. Robyn Kotzker, Director, Office of Funding Opportunities
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Ms. Kelsy Prima, Global Partnerships and Exchanges
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Ms. Susan Ellis-Dougherty, Director, International Students and Scholar Services
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Dr. Brian Farrington Dellehay, Office of Global Engineering Leadership
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Dr. Ramsey Jabaji, Assistant Dean for Engineering Student Affairs
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Dr. Susan Winter, Associate Dean for Research, College of Information Studies
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Dr. Wendel Hill, Director, Professional M.S. in Quantum Computing, CMNS
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Dr. Paul Albertus, Associate Director, Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
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Dr. Ming Lin, Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Data Science
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Professor Ronald Walsworth, Founding Director, Quantum Technology Center
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Dr. Ankur Srivastava, Director, Institute for Systems Research
With the MOU now signed, implementation of the exchange program and collaborative research initiatives is underway.KTH’s effort to build a strategic network of 22 international partner institutions is designed to create global pathways for innovation, and UMD is one of the first U.S. universities to formalize its place in the network. UMD and ISR extends sincere thanks to the KTH team members who have contributed greatly to this effort: Ms. Anna Kiefer, Ms. Maria Gustafson, Ms. Erica Buck, Ms. Caroline Mosson, Ms. Jenny Lundin Hammar, Dr. Stefan Östlund, and Dr. Karl H. Johansson.
As these efforts take shape, ISR students and faculty will gain new access to international perspectives, research infrastructure, and real-world experience that crosses borders—and disciplines.
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