Hello there Anna Rutgersson, New Head of the Department of Earth Sciences!
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Anna Rutgersson, Professor in Meteorology at the Department of Earth Sciences. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
Anna Rutgersson, Professor of Meteorology at the Department of Earth Sciences, will take up the position of Head of Department on 1 July 2025. In her research, Anna studies how the ocean and atmosphere interact, which is used, among other things, to improve climate models and understand the carbon cycle, important knowledge for understanding today's climate change. She has also been the Vice-Chancellor's Advisor for Sustainable Development at Uppsala University with the aim of strengthening research and education relevant to sustainable development within the university.
Which of your previous experiences do you consider most relevant for the role of Head of Department?
– I have broad experience in research, education, and leadership within the university as well as in national and international organisations. I believe this breadth is highly relevant for the role of Head of Department.
Which aspects of the role do you think will be the most personally challenging?
– Limiting the number of tasks I take on and focusing on what is most central to the role of Head of Department.
Do you have a vision for the department in the coming years?
– Our department conducts incredibly interesting and important research and education. My vision is to further strengthen and highlight our research and, at the same time, improve outreach about our exciting educational programmes in order to increase student interest and applications.
Is there anything in particular you want to change or any specific issues you want to pursue in order to achieve this?
- We are currently discussing research infrastructure, how it can be coordinated, renewed and improved. This includes both lab and field measurements, using mobile stations as well as fixed installations. There’s rapid development in instruments, sensors, and measurement platforms, and we should take advantage of that to enhance our research. These infrastructures can also be used in our educational programmes to give students hands-on experience with relevant systems and methods.
Do you foresee any specific challenges ahead?
– The world is changing rapidly, which affects our operations—both in terms of funding and the interest in our work. It will continue to be a challenge to maintain high-quality, stable activities while also strengthening our position in the face of increasing competition for resources.
Where will your workplace be?
– I’ll be based in the administrative corridor at Geocentrum in Uppsala.
This is a large department; what strategy will you use to maintain communication between the Head of Department and all staff?
– The previous Head of Department established effective communication strategies with different groups—such as a department chat, annual retreats, and a management team. To begin with, I will continue using these channels and further develop or adapt them if needed.
Read more about Anna Rutgersson on her profile page.
UppTalk Weekly: Hur ser världen ut om medeltemperaturen ökar med två till fyra grader? (In Swedish)
Academy lecture with Anna Rutgersson, Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien (In Swedish)