EISCAT AB

At the end of 2024, EISCAT, established in 1975 as a non-profit Scientific Association (EISCAT Scientific Association), transferred its assets into a Swedish limited-liability company—EISCAT AB—registered on 25 November 2024. The new company officially took over operations on 1 January 2025. This change was prompted by legal and governance needs, particularly tied to the development of the EISCAT 3D radar system, and resulted in a more robust, state-owned structure supported by Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

Legal and Structural Considerations

The shift to a Swedish aktiebolag (AB)—a limited-liability company—was driven by evolving legal requirements, especially as the organization embarked on building the EISCAT 3D radar infrastructure. The AB structure helps meet higher security, governance, and financial requirements more effectively than the previous non-profit association model.

Formalized Governance and Ownership

EISCAT AB is now a state-owned company, with ownership shared by Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
This structure supports clearer accountability, streamlined decision-making, and financial transparency—important for operating multi-national scientific infrastructure and pursuing advanced projects like EISCAT 3D.