On the first of January, I took up the position of Deputy Vice President of the Faculty of Science. I feel honoured and proud to follow the former Deputy Vice President, Henrik Cederquist. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am a chemist and a graduate of Stockholm University. Following my PhD studies in physical chemistry, I spent a few years in La Jolla, California, to specialize in biophysics. I then returned to Stockholm and eventually became a professor of biochemistry, a subject quite different from the one in which I obtained my PhD. My current research focuses on expanding our understanding of the interaction between proteins and the membranes that surround our cells at the atomic or molecular level. I also teach, right now I am teaching a course in biochemistry.
During the previous term of office, I served as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science and gained a great deal of insight into the university’s work in the disciplinary domain of the Science Academic Area, as well as the university as a whole. A lot happened over those three years, and we tackled many challenges. The “Balanced budget” project was already underway, and our efforts to use our resources strategically and responsibly were a focus. We went through a pandemic that had major consequences for the way we work, both in research and education.
Moving forward, we will continue to face financial challenges in the form of increased costs and higher rents. We should take that seriously. Despite these headwinds, we must keep pushing forward. Some of our most crucial priorities include ensuring that our academic area and its departments and centres can make important strategic investments; employing skilled teachers, and safeguarding our doctoral education programmes being among the most important ones. We must take advantage of the opportunities that large external programmes and initiatives entail. In the long term, I believe this is the key to developing our organisation and its financial conditions in the best possible way.
It has only been two months since I started, and I am still new to this job. Still, I feel that I can apply some of the lessons I learned during my time as Deputy Dean. The Science Academic Area has a new Board of Science, as well as new working parties, committees, and other boards. As the new Deputy Vice President, I am also a new member of the university management. It is fantastic that there are so many wise people who are prepared to step up and work for the good of the university and its academic areas. Our work has only just begun, and I look forward to a great collaboration within the university’s management team, as well as in the Science Academic Area!
This text is written by Lena Mäler, Deputy Vice President. It appears in the section ”Words from the University’s senior management team”, where the management take turns to write about topical issues. The section appears in News for staff.