When the foundation was established, interest in waste management within academia was limited. However, Ragnar Sellberg’s foresight has over the years inspired significant engagement from the research community. Today, the foundation has supported many distinguished scholars who have become leaders in their fields, continuing to pave the way for sustainable solutions in the waste industry.
Research for a sustainable future
The Ragnar Sellberg Foundation is an independent organisation with a clear mission: to promote research, development, and dissemination of knowledge in the field of waste management through financial grants. The foundation was established in 1991.
Ragnar Sellberg, a visionary humanist and entrepreneur, recognised early on the importance of uniting research and industry within recycling and waste management. By building a bridge between academia and industry, he laid the groundwork for a sustainable future. In 1991, he founded the Ragnar Sellberg Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and the municipalities of Upplands-Bro and Håbo.
The foundation acts as a catalyst for research and innovation by collaborating with leading institutions such as KTH, SLU, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, and several other universities, institutes, companies, and interest groups. Through these partnerships, new solutions are developed to address the challenges society faces in waste management and recycling.
A board with expertise and strong connections
The Ragnar Sellberg Foundation is governed by a competent board, representing both academia and industry. This combination ensures that grant applications are rigorously evaluated from the start and that recipients receive the support they need to succeed in their research.
The board meets twice a year to review applications and decide on grant allocations. Its members include:
- Erik Sellberg, Ragn-Sells
- Örjan Berglund, SLU
- Fredrik Kjos, Municipality of Upplands-Bro
- Bengt Sandell, Ragn-Sells
- Maria Malmström, KTH
Ragnar’s legacy and vision
Ragnar Sellberg (1902–1995) was a pioneer in the environmental sector, establishing two successful companies: Sellbergs (now Sita/Suez) and Ragn-Sells, which today is a leading player in recycling. His vision was clear: to improve human living conditions without compromising the earth’s ability to sustain life.
"Our challenge is to develop, combine, utilise, and disseminate the knowledge needed to improve human living conditions without undermining the prerequisites for life on earth."
– Ragnar Sellberg