On a new job since the first of October, as Chief Veterinarian at Medfak, how does it feel?
"It feels very exciting because it is a job where I get to be part of the changing environment of research, as well as part of the challenges that the organization is exposed to, not least the financial. I am the successor to a very competent and experienced colleague, so it also feels like an honor."
Have you had time to settle in?
"Almost. It is all very new even though I have worked at the University for eight years with veterinary issues at the Centre for Comparative Medicine."
What does your new job entail?
"In my new job, I am the veterinarian answering to the Swedish Board of Agriculture for the University's animal-based research, a role that by law must exist. Thus, I have overall responsibility for veterinary issues linked to the University's animal-based research and education. I am also a common resource for the whole of LU, even though I am organizationally located at the Faculty.
Why did you decide to take on this job?
"During my veterinary training, research was something that attracted me and I chose to specialize in biomedicine where I got a good foundation in animal-based research. During my first time at university, I felt that this was the right environment for me. This feeling has during my years here strengthened and after careful consideration I felt that I was ready for new challenges with a chance for personal development, while I get to work with strategic issues and have a lot of influence on decisions.
The job involves a more overall responsibility, varied tasks that vary in complexity, contact with new people, but also contact with people I got to know in my previous position here at the university. I think there can be a lot of joy in both tasks and personal meetings that I have in front of me."
"I also think that I have a lot to contribute, both personal commitment, competence and the ability to see the big picture. Based on my previous experience of animal-based research, I also see that it is in collaboration with researchers and other statutory functions, such as directors, that we can achieve well-functioning animal-based research where we as a university stay at the forefront and, according to Lund University's own vision, can conduct world-class research. "
Give us some of your thoughts on animals in research, and your role in this context.
"Animals in research still play an important role in, among other things in basic research, in the development of medical treatments and increased knowledge about diseases. The use of animals in research is also strictly regulated, where all experiments are preceded by ethical review. It is important that we work actively with 3R issues based on our local needs, but also on the basis of both national and international councils. 3R work is needed to achieve the best quality and obtain reliable results, while the research must be ethically defensible and thus can contribute to society's acceptance."
"My role is to be a resource for the entire University for questions regarding animal-based research based on current regulations, and in many cases it is about being a problem solver to find the best solution that neither deviates from legislation nor compromises animal welfare."
