The past year has to a large extent been shaped by developments in the world around us. At this time last year, the government presented its Research and Innovation Bill, “Research and Innovation for the Future, Curiosity and Benefit”. The investments announced there triggered an intense period of work at the university, and many colleagues have had to set aside other tasks to respond to these initiatives. That work is now beginning to bear fruit: we already see successful applications, and we are awaiting with great interest the outcomes of those currently under review.
At the same time as we welcome the increased resources brought by the bill, the many targeted investments raise important questions about academic freedom at universities. We must ensure that research in fields that are not currently prioritised in research policy — but are nevertheless crucial to the development of the natural sciences — can continue to be conducted at a high level of quality. This is one of the reasons why we have reviewed how new academic positions are prioritised and how core research funding is allocated between departments. Our long-term aim is for academic staff across the faculty to have equivalent basic conditions for developing their research, regardless of discipline.
Organisational change, likewise, is not an end in itself, but a means of creating better conditions for research, education and collaboration. At the turn of the year, we formally enter a new organisational structure as the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences becomes one of the faculty’s six departments. This marks the conclusion of an extensive period of preparatory work. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed — not least the incoming departmental leadership, who have taken on this task with great commitment. This change lays the foundation for the continued strong development of the Earth and environmental sciences within the faculty.
One of the highlights of the year for me, as Dean, is taking part in the graduation ceremony in early June. Meeting happy, proud — and sometimes slightly nervous — students as they step onto the stage to receive their degree certificates is something truly special. From this year’s ceremony, I particularly remember a mother who had travelled from Italy and, with tears of joy in her eyes, expressed her gratitude that her daughter had been given the opportunity to reach her dream: a Master’s degree. I also recall a father who thanked all the teachers and study advisers who had helped his daughter grow as both a person and a student — despite difficulties during her upper secondary education — and who is now continuing on towards a doctoral degree. It is in moments like these that it becomes clear that what we do truly matters. I carry that feeling with me into the new year.
We wish you a very pleasant holiday season,
Per, Karin and Lotta