The Wallenberg Autonomous Systems Program (WASP) has attracted huge interest from industry. It received 52 applications for the 20 positions for industry-based doctoral students.
“I am delighted to see such strong interest from industry. This shows clearly that the initiative is important for Sweden,” says Mille Millnert, former vice-chancellor of LiU and chairman of the WASP board.
A large number of companies have submitted applications for industry-based doctoral positions, including Atlas Copco, Autoliv, Axis Communications, Boliden, Ericsson, Saab, Scania and Volvo.
“The applications are well distributed across our research areas, which indicates that we’re focus on important research questions. Areas where interest was particularly strong include data analysis and learning, software, decision support, and cooperation and interaction of autonomous vehicles and systems, ” says Professor Lars Nielsen, Program Director.
The industry-based doctoral students are employed by the companies, with half of their salary being funded by the program. A group has been appointed to assess the applications. The final decision on who is selected for the positions will be made by the WASP board.
A process is also underway to employ up to 26 doctoral students, who will be fully financed within the program. They will participate in the WASP’s graduate school together with the industry-based doctoral students.
Published: November 13th, 2015