Seeing the joy, the jubilation is amazing. Recently, Anne L´Huillier at Lund University, got the news that she recieved the Nobel Prize in Physics in the middle of a lecture and then continued to lecture. Or the people behind the mRNA technology that won the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine. Imagine making a discovery that … Continue reading “Discoveries that change the world”
There is a long tradition of collegiality in the university sphere. It is based on the principle that scientific discourse and solid argumentation among peers are what best help to maintain and develop quality in research and education, and that colleagues are both willing and able to contribute to such an environment. In a setting … Continue reading “Collegial governance drives quality”
Finally! Under Sweden’s upcoming budget proposal, the government is going to increase the payment to universities for students in engineering and sciences. This is not a day too early, and the investment in engineering education programmes is very welcome indeed. Since the ‘price tag’ system was introduced 30 years ago, the NT funding per student … Continue reading “More money to engineering and science and high score in internationalization”
In Sweden, higher education institutions are national concerns as they are funded through taxes and the state is the principal for the vast majority of institutions. This means that, ultimately, the development of the academic sector is based on political decisions made by Sweden’s parliament and government. What is also needed, therefore, is a higher … Continue reading “A higher education policy reflecting the sector´s reality is needed”
After six months as University President at KTH, the summer break is almost upon us. But first a few inspiring and, I hope, thought-provoking days at the political week in Almedalen, where everything from urban planning to academic freedom and strategic partnerships will be on the agenda. It’s a source of pride and joy to … Continue reading “In search of debates and vacation”
