Malin Bergenstråhle and Stefan Lindström awarded 2008 Alf de Ruvo scholarship

Malin Bergenstråhle’s research efforts are relevant for today’s packaging materials, such as corrugated board products, as well as paper products of the future in which the focus is on using renewable materials to replace fossil-based barriers. Malin studied the structure and properties of cellulose at the atomic level using computer simulation. As a result, her research is a significant contribution to the development of new cellulose composites. ”Malin Bergenstråhle goes to great lengths to compare her computer simulations with experimental results and to also place those results in a practical context,” writes the Alf de Ruvo Memorial Foundation in citation.

Through Stefan Lindström’s research efforts, it has been possible, for the first time, to simulate what occurs at the micro level in the formation process, through use of computer-based modeling and simulation techniques. Stefan Lindström’s work has resulted in a fundamental understanding of how paper structures are created during the formation process. This will result in a better design of the forming section of the paper machine and a correspondingly better-designed paper material for publication papers, packaging and hygiene products.

The scholarship, which amounts to SEK 500,000, will be awarded at a ceremony on 27 January 2009 in conjunction with the Swedish Pulp and Paper Industry’s Ekman Days in Stockholm.

Alf de Ruvo (1938-2000) was well known and highly respected in the forest and paper industry. He held leading positions for many years including Executive Vice President of SCA. Alf de Ruvo was also Chairman of the Forest Products Industry Research College at the Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Sweden. He conducted broad research within wood-fiber based materials and contributed to the development of world-class paper engineering research. In packaging, his work included the mechanical properties of packaging and their significance at conversion and end-use.

The Alf de Ruvo Memorial Foundation was formed in 2000 from funds donated in memory of Alf de Ruvo. The purpose of the Foundation is to support forest industry education and research activities that promote technical and scientific progress within the industry.

The Board of the Foundation, deciding on the scholarship, comprises Professor Tom Lindström, KTH/STFI-Packforsk, Anders Nyberg, Senior Vice President, SCA, Ingemar Croon, consultant and researcher within the forest industry and a research council with Professor Gunilla Jönsson, Technical University of Lund, Professor Gunnar Svedberg, CEO STFI-Packforsk, Professor Myat Htun, Mid-Sweden University and Christer Söremark, consultant and researcher within the forest industry.

Scholarships have previously been awarded to Matti Ristinmaa (2001), Magnus Berggren (2002), Magnus Norgren (2004), Johan Alfthan (2006) and Birgitta Svensson (2007).


Stockholm, 27 January 2009


For further information please contact
Tom Lindström, Professor KTH/STFI-Packforsk, +46 8 790 90 35
Gunnar Vrang, Press & Media Officer SCA, +46 8 788 51 29