Articles and blog posts on physical protection and safety

The AI network in Umeå is an open network for anyone who wants to understand and use AI at work. No matter your level, you will get inspiration, practical tips, and new contacts. We meet on the first Thursday of every month at Scharinska villan.

At RISE Learning Machines Seminar on May 7th, 2026, we have the pleasure to listen to Solmaz Khazaei, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, give her talk: Flood detection using deep learning-based segmentation.

High material costs, uncertain supply chains and tightening EU requirements are changing the rules of the game for the manufacturing industry. The Ecodesign Regulation is already in force, and the Circular Economy Act will tighten requirements further. Companies that act now gain a head start and those that wait, risk being forced to adapt under time pressure and at greater cost.

A new pilot project will show how brain research can contribute to creating cities that support public health. By integrating knowledge about the brain into urban planning, researchers aim to develop environments that reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. Fridhemsplan in Stockholm, ...

The project is conducted as a pre-study with the aim of analyzing the conditions for Swedish companies to become quality-assured subcontractors within the nuclear power sector, and to propose how future support and qualification processes can be designed.

A new pilot project will show how brain research can contribute to creating cities that support public health. By integrating knowledge about the brain into urban planning, researchers aim to develop environments that reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. Fridhemsplan in Stockholm, Sweden, is the first living laboratory — with the goal of providing urban planners with scientific support to design urban environments that promote health.

A large-scale expansion of Swedish correctional facilities is currently in progress, while society simultaneously faces the challenge of reducing the climate impact of construction. In response, a timber- and bio-based mock-up is being developed to demonstrate alternative solutions with reduced environmental impact

The course Food Microbiology - Theory and Practice provides basic theoretical and practical knowledge about the most commonly occurring microorganisms in food contexts. The purpose of the course is for participants to gain increased knowledge of food microbiology as well as how and why microbiological analyses are performed.

Material and design choices determine whether your plastic product meets requirements for performance, cost and recyclability. Every decision affects how the product performs in production, in use and in its next life cycle. We help you answer the critical questions and develop solutions that are tested and proven to work in practice.

The project aims to develop an integrated methodology for quantifying uncertainties in structural integrity analyses of nuclear power components. Using a statistical approach and advanced non-destructive testing (NDT), the project seeks to achieve a better understanding of safety margins and more robust assessments of component lifetime.

The basis for a kilogram weighing the same in Stockholm as in Tokyo, and for efficient world trade, research and industry, is traceability through international comparisons and national standards. Without assured traceability, companies risk producing faulty products, incurring increased costs and losing the confidence of their customers. National measurement laboratories represent the top level of the metrological chain, carrying out measurements with the lowest possible uncertainty, which enables the calibration of all measuring instruments throughout the traceability pyramid. As Sweden's National Metrology Institute, RISE operates 14 national measurement laboratories covering 32 physical quantities, and represents Sweden in international metrology contexts through EURAMET and the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). RISE's national measurement laboratories offer advanced calibrations with the lowest possible measurement uncertainties for those requiring the highest level of metrology. We maintain national standards such as the national kilogram, the UTC(SP) timescale and fixed-point cells for temperature, and we can calibrate your reference instruments directly against these. Through long-term research and development, we create new measurement methods and standards that are adapted to future technology and industrial needs. We also carry out international comparison measurements to ensure that Swedish calibration certificates are recognised globally, facilitating your exports and international collaborations.

Cities and communities are facing a complex transition where climate goals, social sustainability and economic development must go hand in hand. For municipalities and property companies, this means making decisions that will stand the test of time despite uncertainty. Energy systems need to become more resource-efficient and circular material flows a reality. Cities and residential areas must be able to grow and be designed to promote the health and well-being of their residents. All this requires innovation and the ability to renew in order to meet society's changing needs. RISE supports you throughout the transition to sustainable cities and communities. We develop strategic methods for future preparedness and decision support in complex change. Supported by research, we contribute to knowledge about how the built environment affects health and social sustainability. We help you build systematic innovation capacity and facilitate collaboration between different actors. Through our forums and networks, we create meeting places where the public sector, industry and academia can exchange knowledge and drive development forward together.

The number of cyberattacks in Sweden is increasing rapidly. Although the country is far ahead in terms of digitalisation, it ranks 26th in Europe for cybersecurity. Many organisations find it challenging to build technical protection and create awareness among employees to prevent attacks. At the same time, new directives such as NIS2 impose strict cybersecurity requirements and hold management legally responsible, while restoring hacked systems often costs millions of euros. RISE can help you strengthen cybersecurity throughout your organisation. In our unique Cyber Range test environment, you can practise responding to realistic cyber attacks in a secure virtual space — just like a fire drill, but for your digital systems. We perform penetration tests on everything from vehicles and IoT devices to networks and web applications to find vulnerabilities before they are exploited. By achieving certification to standards such as ISO 27001 and ETSI EN 303645, we can demonstrate that your management systems and products meet industry requirements. Our training courses cover everything from basic cyber hygiene for employees to specialised management training for NIS2 compliance, helping you to navigate complex regulations and build resilience in critical infrastructures.

SEEL provides advanced NVH testing that ensures comfort, low noise levels and a high sense of quality. Our modern test environments help you develop quieter and more competitive vehicles.

CVHD – Complete Vehicle Heavy Duty – is SEEL’s offering for advanced full‑scale testing of heavy‑duty electric vehicles. In one of Sweden’s most modern vehicle laboratories, we provide research‑based expertise and comprehensive test solutions that help you develop robust, safe and competitive vehicles for real‑world operation.

The project studies how the design of power-based grid tariff affects electricity costs in Swedish single-family homes with heat pumps and electric vehicles. Simulations show how smart control and flexibility can reduce peak demand and adapt electricity use to power and energy prices, lowering overall electricity costs.

Welcome to celebrate ICE Datacenter's 10-years anniversary on June 10th ini Luleå. Over the past decade, ICE testbed has evolved from a bold idea into a leading full scale research facility and an innovation arena shaping the future of sustainable digital infrastructure. This anniversary marks an important milestone for our entire ecosystem.

The construction industry needs performance‑based methods to assess concrete sulfate resistance. Current tests over‑rely on expansion and poorly capture real degradation, limiting low‑carbon concretes. This project develops mechanism‑aware accelerated tests to improve durability, reduce costs, and support Eurocode 2 and Agenda 2030.

CVLD – Complete Vehicle Light Duty – is SEEL’s offer for advanced full‑scale testing of light electric vehicles. Modern, repeatable test environments give you reliable results that accelerate development and support safe, energy‑efficient and competitive vehicles.

RISE offers analyses according to GMP or exploratory of Specific surface area using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method to gain information about a material's reactivity. Also measurements of Pore size and Pore size distribution. Analysis on solid samples such as powders, tablets, porous materials and catalysts.

Heat as a Service (HaaS) is transforming district heating by enabling third-party delivery of low-carbon heat, reducing risk for utilities and accelerating decarbonisation. This Knowledge Exchange Forum highlights a German case study and explores emerging opportunities for scaling sustainable heat solutions.

Fragrance safety is a routine but important part of our work as toxicologists at RISE. To share more about what this involves in practice, I spoke with my colleague Behnaz Erfani, who works with safety assessments in this area. The conversation offers a glimpse into the scientific and regulatory considerations behind fragrance safety in cosmetics.

The project is developing a new Battery Information Format (BIF) for light electric vehicles (LEVs) to improve traceability, reduce uncertainty in the second‑hand market, and create better conditions for battery reuse. Large‑scale data collection and advanced modelling will extend battery life and support more circular material flows.

Climate 2030 brings together stakeholders across Västra Götaland to accelerate the climate transition. Since 2017, RISE has acted as coordinator for the focus area Climate-smart and healthy food, leading initiatives to reduce food waste, promote more climate-smart and healthy eating habits, and support sustainable agriculture.

Forum Samhällsbyggnad: Sustainable Construction Shone a Spotlight on Real Change: How Do We Move from Policy, Regulations, and Climate Goals to Implementation, Innovation, and Tangible Results? Forum Samhällsbyggnad 2026 was held in Gothenburg on March 24.

Ambitious climate goals in the construction and real estate sector are not just about regulation—they can also serve as a powerful driver of innovation. But what does it actually take to turn climate ambition into action? And what opportunities await those who dare to take the leap?

Flow efficiency and automation can offer great opportunities for improved competitiveness, but investing correctly for the future and avoiding suboptimisation is not always easy. It is easy to find oneself at a disadvantage in discussions with technology providers and consultants.

A non-stick frying pan that is not only circular but also free from PFAS substances. That was the idea behind the start-up Ipinium. Following close collaboration with RISE and Chalmers Industriteknik, the NordCoat non-stick coating is now ready for the market.

Are you curious about the energy solutions of the future? Come and visit us at Energimässan 20–21 May. You’ll find us at stand I:06 and at our seminars, where we’ll be sharing the latest research, new findings and insights that are driving the transition. We look forward to hearing your questions and ideas, and to create new opportunities together.

Join us in Gothenburg from 3–5 June 2026 for INNOV’sail, the premier international conference dedicated to cutting-edge research and technology in sailing.

"RISE is built on at least a century of experience in industry-relevant applied research, which is a huge strength. We are now celebrating our tenth anniversary as a joint venture, and I would argue that the need for RISE has never been greater."

In 2026, RISE will celebrate its 10th anniversary as Sweden’s leading research institute and the driving force behind the nation’s innovation and industry. We can look back on a decade of radical change and unprecedented technological development. At the heart of it all has been RISE, testing vaccines, electrifying industries, strengthening societal resilience, and bringing Swedish innovations from the laboratory to market. It is not the anniversary itself that we are celebrating. It is the results.

In Climate Quilts, neglected areas of the urban landscape are transformed into interconnected green spaces. Researchers, artists, students, and city residents are given the opportunity to collaborate in co-creating green "quilts" to enhance biodiversity, resilience, and social cohesion in new ways.

RISE invite you to a workshop dedicated to the EPM (European Partnership on Metrology) project MultiFixRad. “Improving the realisation of the kelvin by multiple fixed point radiation thermometry”

When measuring electrical quantities, a measurement error always occurs depending on the chosen equipment and measurement method. The course focuses on the selection of instruments, how measurement errors arise, and how they can be minimized.

Corrosion is a major challenge for infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, ports and other steel and concrete structures. It affects both safety and service life, and leads to significant costs for maintenance, repair and replacement.

In central Stockholm, on the nearly 150-year-old Vasabron bridge, a test of future corrosion protection systems is underway. Seven steel beams, coated with seven different paint systems, serve as a temporary testbed. This is Sweden’s first full-scale test of plastic-free corrosion protection systems in a real bridge structure – and the results reveal clear differences in environmental impact, feasibility and performance.

The project aims to identify and optimize design parameters in electric drive systems that affect electromagnetic interference (EMI). By combining advanced modeling and machine learning, the project develops methods to reduce EMI early in the design phase, improving efficiency and compliance with EMC requirements.

How do we move from ambitious goals to real change in society, at the pace required? When industry stakeholders gathered in Gothenburg, two things became clear: the transition is no longer a matter for the future; it is happening right here and now. But it cannot be solved through isolated initiatives; it depends on how well we manage to link value chains, data and business models. That is why partnerships, shared knowledge and the ability to test, scale and disseminate solutions are absolutely crucial.

Safety Week 2027 will take place in Gothenburg from 5 to 9 April 2027. We are bringing together three international conferences – FIVE, The Battery Safety Conference, and ISTSS – in a single week.

The Battery Safety Conference is an international meeting place where experts from research, industry and policy discuss the latest developments in battery safety, thermal runaway, battery testing and advanced battery systems.

Presentation of new radar technology for measuring, among other things, fiber-reinforced plastic, without first destroying it - the results of the Vinnova-funded project Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) with microwaves for thickness control. The webinar is aimed at companies with a need for better knowledge about the status of their plastic status.

A drop tube furnace, DTF, is a type of reactor in which the feedstock is introduced at the top of a ceramic tube placed inside an electrically preheated furnace and then allowed to fall toward the bottom. The drop tube furnace operates at atmosperic pressure and can be fed with both powders and liquids.

The need for research and innovation is growing in line with the challenges facing industry and society. RISE’s initiatives for 2025 are in line with the needs of the wider world.

To support the nutrition-related work of the food industry, RISE will launch the Food and Nutrition Network in 2027, with a specific focus on product-related issues and sustainable nutrition.

You may have a technically advanced product – a lock, an alarm, or a security cabinet – but without the right certification, there is a risk to be stopped at the door to a new market. For many companies, this is where the real challenge lies: not in the technology itself, but in navigating requirements, regulations, and national interpretations.

SSTI (Sustainable Surface Treatment Industry) is a national program for collaboration and research on surface treatment processes, with a focus on industrialisation, regulation and policy, as well as sustainable manufacturing.

To reach its goal of net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, Sweden needs rapid electrification, more fossil‑free electricity production, and reduced land‑based emissions. The PLUS Sol project aims to make multi-functional land use with solar PV more feasible, focusing on rewetting of peatlands, and active agriculture ("agrivoltaics").

Thank you to all speakers and visitors for this year's conference!

EN ISO 13849-1 affects those involved in the development and use of machines and systems with safety-related parts of the control systems. The standard was updated in 2023 and this two-day course covers the new, updated version.

We spend more than 90 per cent of our lives indoors, yet the spaces around us are seldom evaluated through a brain health lens. The new Building Brains Coalition report highlights a growing scientific consensus: urban form, building design, light, acoustics, and spatial configuration all influence how our brains regulate stress, process emotions, and perform cognitive tasks.

At RISE Learning Machines Seminar on March 26th, 2026, we have the pleasure to listen to Jeppe Rasmussen, University of Copenhagen, give his talk: AI in the wild – How Neural Networks Help Us Understand Our World Through Sound.

Rising environmental impacts are pushing the fashion industry toward circular models centered on repair and reuse but scaling these solutions remains a challenge.

Something is happening with AI—and it’s not what we discussed a year ago. The focus has shifted from what AI can do to what it actually does, where it’s used, and what it demands in practice. It’s a more mature, more important conversation. This year, three shifts define a new chapter for AI.

Our work within neuroarchitecture and neurodesign is grounded in the belief that environments are not passive backdrops, but actively influence how people think, feel, perform, and connect. By translating these scientific insights into concrete strategies, we help organisations create environments that enhance health and performance.

RISE is developing a new climate database for food in order to meet new guidelines and requirements for climate reporting. The project has been named FOODWISE, referring to its purpose of enabling decision-making that reduces the climate impact from food production and consumption.

Do you manufacture or sell products containing batteries on the European market? If so, the EU Battery Regulation affects you. These regulations are more comprehensive than previous legislation, setting requirements that cover the entire battery life cycle. Three experts explain the rules.

Graphene and quantum mechanical phenomena are enabling even more precise electrical measurements for industry and society. In a cleanroom in Gothenburg, researchers from RISE manufacture world-leading chips that drive this development and are used by countries such as the United States, South Korea, Canada and France.

Do you manufacture machinery? If so, EU regulations will probably be familiar to you. The EU has had common requirements for machinery in place for over 30 years to improve safety, facilitate free trade and reduce risks to workers. However, stricter requirements will apply from 2027 when the Machinery Regulation replaces the Machinery Directive.

RISE offers stability studies for quality evaluation of a product or substance during storage. Samples are held at 25°C/60%RH, 40°C/75%RH, 5°C or -18°C in validated climate cabinets/fridge-freezers with continuous monitoring, temperature and humidity log. Studies performed GMP according to ICH Guidelines on drug substance/product, or exploratory.

The rapid growth of electric and other alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) poses new safety challenges for maritime transport. Ro-Ro vessels, built for the transport of vehicles, have large open cargo spaces that can allow fire growth, making fire safety a critical concern.

IS Plåt wanted to demonstrate that their commitment to sustainability is genuine. The company can now showcase a RISE-verified sustainability declaration, which boosts credibility and business. 'With the framework in place, we can focus on making constant improvements,' says CEO Erik Ralvert.

ATENA+ develops and demonstrates sodium‑ion batteries for large-scale energy storage. The project aims to strengthen Europe’s energy resilience by taking the technology from the laboratory to real-world applications.

The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets high requirements for how packaging must be designed, tested, and documented. At RISE, you gain access to one of Sweden’s most comprehensive laboratory networks to verify compliance, along with expert guidance on how to address any gaps.

Single-use plastic packaging must be replaced with more sustainable alternatives. Moulded fibre made from renewable materials shows promise, but current manufacturing processes are often energy-intensive and costly. The FiberReForm project develops a more resource-efficient, plastic-free, fibre-based solution with improved pulp quality.

The textile industry is facing its largest transformation ever. From 2026, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will introduce new sustainability requirements for all textile products on the European market. At the same time, investors and consumers are demanding documented climate and environmental performance. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing market access as the new EU requirements take effect. With requirements for digital product passports, extended producer responsibility and stricter chemical regulations, the textile industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades.

Sweden's long-term competitiveness is determined not only by capital and technology — but also by people's cognitive capacity. In the emerging Brain Economy movement, our brain health is described as a critical key resource in the modern economy. Could that perspective change how we build our cities?

This Futureframing is written from a forward-looking perspective, set in 2035. I was invited to contribute to this issue of the State of AI newsletter by RISE, sharing my reflections on how AI may reshape cybersecurity over the coming decade — exploring both emerging threats and new forms of resilience.

With new regulations, we will soon be moving from today's voluntary type approval to a statutory requirement for testing and certification of products in contact with drinking water. The Drinking Water Directive places higher demands on manufacturers, who must be sure that their products comply with current regulations.

The textile industry faces increasing pressure to recycle textile waste, comply with stricter EU regulations and maintain competitiveness. Achieving this requires profitable and sustainable textile recycling solutions as a core part of future business models.

At one of Northern Europe’s most comprehensive textile laboratories, we help you verify textile properties using more than 400 chemical, mechanical and physical testing methods in modern ISO 17025-accredited environments. We also support OEKO-TEX® certifications, helping strengthen trust in your brand and products.

When AI Is Reshaping Society, Talking About It Is No Longer Enough. A blog post on AI, gender equality, and why an escape room–inspired approach can transform how we learn and engage.

We support the development of new or improved textile fibres and materials — from concept and process development to verified and certified products. With research-based expertise and advanced technical infrastructure, we develop sustainable and high-performance solutions for both apparel and technical textiles.