Why are you standing as a candidate for Deptuty Dean of the Faculty of Science?
“I see this type of work as long-term, and quite simply, it is not yet finished. My focus going forward is to continue developing and implementing what has already been initiated, particularly within my areas of responsibility: doctoral education and recruitment."
“When I first took on the role, I was motivated by the opportunity to take on a new challenge and contribute to the faculty’s development. That motivation remains, but today it is very much about taking responsibility for the whole.”
What experience and perspectives do you bring to the role?
“I have previously held several leadership roles linked to doctoral education. I developed and led the Geneco graduate school, served as Director of Doctoral Studies in Biology, and have been a member of both the Heads of Department council and a departmental board."
“In my role as Deputy Dean, I bring both knowledge and strong engagement. However, the most important experience is that I have served in the role for two and a half years, which has given me a solid understanding of the role, its responsibilities and the issues it encompasses.”
What do you see as the main challenges for the faculty in the coming years?
“First and foremost, recruitment. This includes reaching out broadly, recruiting internationally and in a gender-balanced way. We need to ensure that we advertise the right positions and that we are able to retain those we recruit. We must also continue to develop our organisation to provide staff with the best possible and equitable conditions for both teaching and research."
“We also need to strengthen the value of teaching and pedagogy. It is a central part of our mission and needs to be given a clearer and stronger position. More people also need to be given the opportunity to contribute to shared responsibilities and leadership within the organisation.”
What is your vision for the faculty’s development in the short and long term?
“In the current Dean’s team, we have developed a shared motto: to provide departments with the best possible and equitable conditions to develop both research and education. I see this as a strong and stable foundation for our work going forward, and something I would very much like to continue building on, both in the short and long term.”
What is important to you in leadership, and how do you want to work with staff, students and the rest of the leadership team?
“For me, leadership is largely about creating an environment where everyone in the group has the opportunity to contribute. This means recognising people’s different strengths and giving them space, while also encouraging the sharing of ideas and perspectives."
“At the same time, a leader needs to maintain direction and be willing to take decisions when needed. It is important that work continues to move forward."
“In relation to doctoral candidates and students, I would like to continue working with regular and informal dialogue. These interactions contribute both to ongoing information exchange and to building relationships and mutual trust.”
How do you see the faculty’s role within Lund University and in a broader societal context?
“We need to become better at highlighting the importance of science and what it actually contributes. There is a general lack of understanding in society, as well as within organisations and companies, of what scientists can contribute.
“When discussing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the focus often tends to be on technology and engineering, while science receives less attention. This is something we need to challenge by taking up more space and communicating our value more clearly.”
The election committee has proposed Vice-Dean Charlotta Turner as the next Dean. How do you view your collaboration today, and how do you see working together going forward?
“We have had a very good collaboration, and I have greatly enjoyed working in the current Dean’s team. I have a high level of confidence in Charlotta as Dean. We share a common vision for the faculty’s development and have maintained an open and constructive dialogue."
“Looking ahead, I see strong opportunities to further develop that collaboration. Part of that work will also involve identifying future Vice-Deans for research and undergraduate education, in order to further strengthen the leadership.”