In Memoriam — Professor Mats Sandberg
It is with profound sadness that the Nordic ventilation research community acknowledges the passing of Professor Mats Sandberg, a visionary scholar and one of the foremost global experts in airflow distribution and ventilation science. On behalf of the Nordic Ventilation Group, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, collaborators, and students.
Professor Sandberg was a Senior Professor at the University of Gävle, where he dedicated decades to advancing the scientific foundations of ventilation, indoor climate, and airflow behavior in both built and urban environments. His career spanned fundamental research into ventilation effectiveness, air distribution principles, and measurement techniques, to applied studies influencing standards and design practice worldwide.
His research portfolio was distinguished by both depth and breadth. Mats developed and refined key concepts such as ventilation effectiveness, mean age of air, purging flow rate, and air distribution indices, which are now widely adopted in ventilation research and standards. He contributed seminal work on tracer gas methods, whole-field measurement techniques, displacement ventilation, and hybrid ventilation strategies, helping shape how airflow science is understood and applied globally.
Professor Sandberg’s publication record included over 200 journal and conference papers and substantial book chapters. His work addressed not only indoor environments but also broader urban airflow and ventilation — for example, studies investigating urban morphology impacts on air movement and ventilation patterns.
Among his notable contributions was research that reframed how we view air distribution systems in relation to both contaminant removal and contaminant spreading — a concept of particular relevance in airborne infection control contexts. He also continued to push the frontiers of natural ventilation science, including wind driven ventilation and buoyancy induced airflow characteristics in built environments.
Professor Sandberg’s influence extended through decades of mentorship. Many students and early career researchers benefited from his guidance, insight, and encouragement. Beyond his academic accomplishments, those who worked with him remember his generosity, integrity, and infectious enthusiasm for inquiry.
His legacy will continue to shape both the science of airflow distribution and the community of minds dedicated to healthy indoor and urban environments.
We honor his life and work with respect and deep gratitude.
Nordic Ventilation Group
Professor Sandberg was a Senior Professor at the University of Gävle, where he dedicated decades to advancing the scientific foundations of ventilation, indoor climate, and airflow behavior in both built and urban environments. His career spanned fundamental research into ventilation effectiveness, air distribution principles, and measurement techniques, to applied studies influencing standards and design practice worldwide.
His research portfolio was distinguished by both depth and breadth. Mats developed and refined key concepts such as ventilation effectiveness, mean age of air, purging flow rate, and air distribution indices, which are now widely adopted in ventilation research and standards. He contributed seminal work on tracer gas methods, whole-field measurement techniques, displacement ventilation, and hybrid ventilation strategies, helping shape how airflow science is understood and applied globally.
Professor Sandberg’s publication record included over 200 journal and conference papers and substantial book chapters. His work addressed not only indoor environments but also broader urban airflow and ventilation — for example, studies investigating urban morphology impacts on air movement and ventilation patterns.
Among his notable contributions was research that reframed how we view air distribution systems in relation to both contaminant removal and contaminant spreading — a concept of particular relevance in airborne infection control contexts. He also continued to push the frontiers of natural ventilation science, including wind driven ventilation and buoyancy induced airflow characteristics in built environments.
Professor Sandberg’s influence extended through decades of mentorship. Many students and early career researchers benefited from his guidance, insight, and encouragement. Beyond his academic accomplishments, those who worked with him remember his generosity, integrity, and infectious enthusiasm for inquiry.
His legacy will continue to shape both the science of airflow distribution and the community of minds dedicated to healthy indoor and urban environments.
We honor his life and work with respect and deep gratitude.
Nordic Ventilation Group