Research school for war and defence established at the Swedish Defence University

To enhance doctoral education in areas such as warfare, military organisation, military leadership, and defence planning, the Swedish Defence University is establishing a research school for officers.

"We aim to promote long-term knowledge development in areas relevant to the Armed Forces and to create an international network for military PhD students and officers with a PhD degree", says Malena Britz, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of Research at the Swedish Defence University.

Unique environment for military PhD students

The research school for officers will be the first of its kind and is aimed at officers enrolled in doctoral programmes at member institutions of the school.

"The number of military PhD students in Sweden and internationally is relatively low, and there is a lack of a natural gathering place for military PhD students and graduated officers, both nationally and internationally. Therefore, we now want to create a conducive research environment and offer opportunities for networking and development", says Malena Britz.

International focus

The research school is led by Antulio Echevarria, Professor at the US Army War College and holder of the Tibell Guest Professorship at the Swedish Defence University.

"We are very pleased that Antulio Echevarria will be the direcctor of the research school. With his experience as a Professor and former officer in the US Army, he brings expertise that is highly relevant to the development of doctoral education," says Malena Britz.

"I look forward to working with the PhD students in the research school. PhD students are usually very motivated and aggressively interested in their research areas. With my background, I can also relate to their position and understand the challenges they face", says Antulio Echevarria.

He will take up his position as director on 1 January 2025.