About Mistra

• The aim of the foundation is to support research of strategic importance for a good living environment.
• The foundation shall promote the development of robust research environments of the highest international class that will have a positive impact on Sweden's future competitiveness. The research shall play a significant role in solving major environmental problems and contribute to the development of a sustainable society. The potential for achieving industrial applications shall be realised as far as possible.

Mistra distributes about SEK 200 million a year to environmental research. At the beginning of 2007, the foundation's capital amounted to SEK 3.6 billion. Mistra applies the same principles of transparency as the government research councils.

Mistra funds and organises research aimed at solving strategic environmental problems. A Mistra programme is considered a success when scientifically advanced research has been put to practical use in companies, authorities or other organisations.

Mistra funds about 20 major programmes, each of which should have a time span of between six and eight years. Major investment in interdisciplinary research programmes stimulates innovation, new options and new forms of cooperation, benefiting both Swedish environmental research as a whole and Sweden as a nation.

The Government appoints Mistra's board and its chairman. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry constantly audit Mistra's activities. The audit reports are published.