Karolinska Institutets organization for research infrastructure - RIKI

Background
Research Infrastructure KI (RIKI) is a new organizational unit at Karolinska Institutet that is beginning it's build in 2026 and will be developed gradually until the summer of 2027.

By pooling resources and expertise, RIKI will make it easier for researchers to access advanced technologies and contribute to more coordinated working methods and sustainable resource use. The organization will also create clearer support structures and opportunities for skills development for employees within research infrastructure.

The initiative is linked to KI's strategic focus areas and the need for a more cohesive structure for research infrastructure.

Purpose and objectives
KI's research infrastructure is growing and has become complex over time, which has created a need for increased coordination and professional support. The purpose is to strengthen the research infrastructure and meet the needs of researchers.

The goal is to gather the majority of the university's research infrastructure into a common organization to

• strengthen support for researchers
• facilitate internal and external collaboration
• meet future development demands
• improve and expand security
• strengthen competence and competence development
• build common sustainable structures
• increase collaboration
• increase transparency
• contribute to a strong and attractive university

Working methods and structure
RIKI is being built up gradually and is part of a broader strategic development where the organization, management and support functions are adapted to meet the future needs of the university.

RIKI is led by an infrastructure director who reports to the vice-chancellor and is responsible for the operational management of the operations.

The core facilities are expected to be internally organized into departments and supported by administrative functions and supported by administrative functions. Researcher influence is ensured through advisory groups and through the infrastructure committee. Funding is provided through government grants, external contributions and user fees.

What does KI want to achieve with RIKI
The organization targets infrastructures that offer advanced methods and technical services with broad benefits for many researchers. For researchers at KI, RIKI can create a more cohesive and accessible structure for research infrastructure, a central activity in many projects. Common standards, coordinated booking, technical support and clear processes reduce administrative obstacles and free up more time for the research itself.

Structurally, RIKI means better resource utilization, increased quality assurance and stronger connections between different infrastructures – from biobanks and preclinical models to data and analysis platforms.

Going forward, collaboration can make it easier to conduct interdisciplinary projects that utilize several different research infrastructures while giving researchers more equal access to advanced equipment, expert competence and sustainable research infrastructure environments.