Thank you and farewell!

fter six years, my time as vice-chancellor of the University of Gothenburg is coming to an end.

I am proud and happy about how the university has developed during these years – the years that I got to “borrow” and lead the university. When I was inaugurated in 2017, I briefly listed five areas that I considered were the most important and that needed to be prioritized: Quality over quantity, a good working environment, internationalization, student influence and governance and management.

When I look back, I see that we have carried out solid work with goals and strategies to create a more cohesive university, and we have created a clearer division of labour between the faculties and departments. One of the most important milestones was the vision of A University for the World, a vision that extends as far as 2030. It is a vision that clearly profiles universities in the direction of strengthened internationalization and cooperation. During my time as vice-chancellor, several collaborations have been initiated, including the Mirai network with Japan and the European alliance EUTOPIA, which includes 10 European higher education institutions. And together we have adopted an internationalization strategy.

A central issue for me has been efforts to strengthen student influence and to show appreciation for the time our student representatives put in to improve the way we work. The students are what make us a university, and their contribution is extremely important.

The diligent work undertaken in sustainable development has also been brought about by the combined forces of the entire university. We are now creating a forum in western Sweden for sustainable development, and in recent years the university has advanced its position through the climate framework.

When I look back at my level of ambition at the time of my inauguration, I can say that we have come much further than I could have imagined. In retrospect, it would appear that a lot is feasible, but some things are more difficult. And it is difficult to list what is unforeseen in advance. One of the greatest challenges during this period was the pandemic, where the entire university switched to remote and home working in just a matter of days. Everyone made an enormous effort, and despite considerable difficulties we managed to keep the organization going. In retrospect, we have become much better at digital working methods. Another major and serious event was the email crash in the autumn of 2020. The extensive work undertaken after the email crash means that today we are far better equipped for that type of incident.

My goal of managing and renewing the University of Gothenburg would never have been possible without you, the employees. Thank you so much for your support in moving us forward! I also want to wish my successor Malin Broberg the best of luck. It is an honour to assume responsibility for a university for a period of time, to have ambitions and to do your part.

Editor-in-chief:

Allan Eriksson, Phone: 031–786 10 21, e-mail: allan.eriksson@gu.se

Editor:

Eva Lundgren

Phone: 031–786 10 81, e-mail: eva.lundgren@gu.se

Photographer:

Johan Wingborg, Phone: 070–595 38 01, e-mail: johan.wingborg@gu.se

Layout: Anders Eurén, Phone: 031–786 43 81, e-mail: anders.euren@gu.se

Address: GU Journal, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, 405 30 Gothenburg , Sweden.

E-mail: gu-journalen@gu.se

Internet: gu-journalen.gu.se

ISSN: 1402-9626

News 04–20

04 New governance- and financing model for Central Administration.

06 Carina Mallard new Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

07 Kaj Blennow on top of the list.

08 Prefers traveling slowly by train.

10 Sweden a paradise, says blind student from Sarajevo.

11 Scientific way to measure progress in education.

12 Eva Wiberg's six years as Vice-Chancellor.

15 Hi there, Kanchana!

Profile 16–18

16 Performing art for all senses.

Report 19–21

19 How to save the world!

20 Is AI to be trusted?

People 22–25

22 Jubilee doctors celebrated.

24 What does a professor's chair look like?

Masthead

What role do universities play?

ot often do all of Sweden’s University Vice-Chancellors come together to write a joint letter to the government. Yet, this has now happened. The letter is written as a response to a hastily taken government decision that temporarily reduces the term of office for university board members, from three years to 17 months. The alleged motivation is that the board is in need of more competence in regards to their security policy, but the question is how the government aims to produce such people in just 17 months. Criticism of increased politicization has been voiced – as well as rebuttals that our universities already are affected by both political ambitions and adaptations to business and society at large.

Lars Strannegård, Vice-Chancellor of the Stockholm School of Economics, has threatened to introduce entrance exams aimed to deal with the overindulgent grades that some upper secondary schools seem to set. If already existing inequity in society is reinforced by students from prestigious schools receiving undeservedly high grades, that poses a risk to the social contract itself. While we will never have a perfectly equal society, there must remain a clear goal to at least strive towards this end.

As always, this issue contains both news and several reports from different activities at GU. We who work with GU Journalen never cease to be amazed at how many exciting things are going on, both in research, education, and other activities.

We wish you an interesting read and, of course, a really wonderful summer!

Allan Eriksson och Eva Lundgren