Peter Gudmundson candidate as new KTH President

– Peter´s extensive experience with research and education, together with his practical experience from both small and large industry, is an outstanding background for tackling the assignment of leading KTH to new heights, says Cecilia Schelin Seidegård, chairwoman of the KTH Board.

Peter Gudmundson, age 52, is already a member of the KTH executive, being Assistant Dean of the Faculty.

– Naturally, I´m delighted at being proposed for this post, says Prof. Gudmundson. And I´d love the task of leading KTH along the path to an even more complete top-league technical university – I know from personal experience what incredible resources of technical expertise we have here on Campus! This, together with all our able undergraduate students, is a solid platform to build KTH´s future on.

After former KTH President Anders Flodström was appointed University Chancellor last spring, the nomination process has been rapid and efficient, involving a large number of highly qualified applicants. Today´s decision was also unanimously seconded by the entire KTH Board.

Peter Gudmundson has had his Chair in Materials Mechanics at KTH since 1993. He also received his M Sc degree in Engineering Physics here, after which he earned his Doctorate in Solid mechanics. He has been leader of the KTH Dept. of Solid Mechanics from 1993 to 2005.

His academic career is supplemented by various experiences from industry; this includes Brown Boveri in Switzerland and a Swedish consulting engineering firm. In addition, another experience from his undergraduate study years at KTH was that of national top-notch ice hockey with the AIK team.

The formal decision as to new President will be made by Government in the autumn of 2007, after the Faculty Board, the Student Union and KTH´s employee organisations have had their say. KTHs staff will have the opportunity to meet Peter Gudmundson at a hearing held on 21 September.

Magnus Myrén