How does it feel to be appointed Head of Department at IKVL?
"It feels great that my colleagues have entrusted me with this task! My predominant feeling is pride , but of course I wonder if I can fully live up to the expectations the organisation can rightly have of the Head of Department. The support that I have experienced up until the appointment makes me dare to take this step on untested ground!"
Why did you take on the assignment?
"To be able to raise my point of view a bit and work for the good of an entire Department, instead of a single research area or education. I find genuine joy in facilitating others to do their best in research, education and the third task, so it will be really fun to do this."
What are your expectations?
"I expect a varied job where I will need to familiarize myself with everything from labor law issues and the work environment to research and education issues. One of the reasons why I accepted the assignment is that IKVL has a very well-functioning office that I look forward to solving both routine matters and tricky issues with. I am also very much looking forward to interacting with IKVL's board, management team and department and section heads, as I see the collegial decision making as central to a well-functioning department. The collegial approach is also a natural way to gain insight into all research and education activities within the Department.
Have you already identified any burning issues that you want to work on as Head of Department?
"In many subjects, we are facing generational shifts that coincide with a rather pressed economy for the Faculty, which makes appointments a challenge. We will therefore need to be proactive and creative in connection with the Faculty's appointment dialogues (tjänstedialoger), so that we ensure breadth and excellence within the Department in the future as well. In this, the dialogue with those of you who represent the subjects will be central. In this process, gender equality aspects must also be integrated, as we still have difficulty recruiting, retaining and developing skills so that we achieve an even gender distribution within the teaching staff."