”Research that bridges disciplines and aims to support evidence-based policymaking is more important than ever. I am very happy that VREF recognises this, and honoured to receive the Håkan Frisinger Prize”, says Björn Nykvist. PHOTO: SEI
The Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF) is pleased to announce that Björn Nykvist, Senior Research Fellow and Team Leader in Energy and Industrial Transitions at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), has been awarded the prestigious Håkan Frisinger Prize for Excellence in Transportation Research for 2025. The prize includes an individual award of SEK 300,000 and a grant of SEK 500,000 to Lund University for the VREF Visiting Researcher Programme 2025.
The Håkan Frisinger Prize is awarded annually to a distinguished researcher in the field of transportation, active at a university or research institute of academic standing in the Nordic countries. The award aims to promote and support research and development in transportation that benefits academia, industry, and society at large.
Björn Nykvist is recognized for his significant and interdisciplinary contributions to understanding the electrification of the transport sector, particularly the crucial role of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in climate policy and energy system transformation. With two decades of experience spanning engineering physics, psychology, environmental sciences, and social sciences, his work consistently bridges diverse disciplines to address complex socio-technical systems and policy design.
A key aspect of Björn Nykvist’s influence includes his early and seminal research on battery cost trajectories, notably a 2015 paper in Nature Climate Change that significantly shaped global perspectives on BEV viability due to rapidly falling battery costs. His research has since deepened into real-world adoption and system impacts of BEVs, including the feasibility of heavy-duty electric trucks, with early assessments conducted in collaboration with the Swedish forest industry. His work is frequently cited in the latest IPCC reports and is noted for its high academic quality and impact, reflected in a Field-Weighted Citation Impact above 10.
During his upcoming VREF Visiting Researcher Programme at Lund University’s Division of Environmental and Energy Systems Studies, Björn Nykvist will have excellent opportunities to further bridge scientific and social science disciplines, contributing to the development of the next generation of researchers. Beyond his academic publications, Björn Nykvist actively engages in public debate, translating research insights into accessible reports, policy briefs, and opinion pieces for broader societal impact.
”Björn Nykvist embodies the spirit of the Håkan Frisinger Prize,” says VREF Director Henrik Nolmark. “His ability to connect rigorous scientific inquiry with direct policy relevance, particularly in the vital area of transport electrification, is of great importance for a sustainable urban future”.
”Research that bridges disciplines and aims to support evidence-based policymaking is more important than ever. I am very happy that VREF recognises this, and honoured to receive the Håkan Frisinger Prize”, says Björn Nykvist.
”This is a welcome and strong recognition of Björn Nykvist’s pivotal research and a great opportunity to deepen our collaboration on more sustainable and electrified transports.”, says Lars J Nilsson, Head of Department of Technology and Society, Lund University.
About the Håkan Frisinger Award: The Håkan Frisinger Award selection process involves a review by an appointed panel and the VREF Scientific Council, with the final decision made by the VREF Board. READ MORE
About VREF: VREF, the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations, is a collective of four foundations that finance research and education in the areas of transportation, environment, and energy. Through its Future Urban Transport Programme, VREF inspires and supports research activities focused on navigating the complexity of urban transport, with a vision of sustainable transport for equitable access in urban areas. VREF is tax-exempt and committed to serving the public good through transparent research funding.
