University’s stable development continues

The annual report shows that the University had a turnover of more than SEK 7 billion, representing solid growth. The University has succeeded well in competing for grants from external research councils and funders, and has a high publication rate. Developments at Campus Gotland include initiation of new research projects that are strengthening regional development on the island.

The number of employees rose slightly (to 7,108), as did that of newly admitted PhD students, while the overall student number was stable at 24,534 in full-term equivalent (FTE) terms. There was a rise of some 30 per cent in the number of fee-paying students, to 617 FTEs. Seven new study programmes began at Campus Gotland during the year, in such areas as sustainable visits and sustainable management of cultural heritage. Further new study programmes at the University are planned.

The year saw a strengthening of the University’s regional, national and international cooperation. Internationally, developments included expansion of research and education activities in Vietnam and new collaborations with South Africa and Japan. Regionally, for example, an agreement was concluded with GE Health Care in Uppsala to give students and researchers experience of industrial processes.

“Uppsala University’s development is positive and stable, and when the annual figures are added up there’s a lot to be pleased about. The fact that more international students are choosing to study with us is gratifying and important for the quality of the education and for our study environment,” says Vice-Chancellor Eva Åkesson.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels. There are also challenges that are beyond our control but crucial for Swedish universities’ continued success. In our budget documentation for the Government, we’ve identified areas in need of attention in the years ahead.”

In the next three years’ budget documentation for the Government, the University calls for a greater focus on Swedish universities’ independence, and also an increase in block grants. In addition, the University emphasises the need for an investigation to establish the best ways of prioritising, funding and governing national research infrastructure, and the need to facilitate international collaborations. On the education side, the University’s demands include raised funding for engineering and natural sciences study programmes, and for other programmes with a high proportion of laboratory work.

The following student unions were chosen to represent the students in the various faculties and equivalents during the three-year period ahead:

• Rindi, Gotland's Student Union: students at Campus Gotland
• Pharmaceutical Student Union (Farmis): students at the Faculty of Pharmacy, except for Campus Gotland
• Uppsala Union of Engineering and Science Students: students at the Faculty of Science and Technology, except for Campus Gotland
• Uppsala Law student association: students at the Faculty of Law, except for Campus Gotland
• Uppsala Business & Economics Students Association: students at the Departments of Business Studies, Economics and Statistics; shared responsibility for assignments from the Faculty of Social Sciences.
• Uppsala Student Union: the other faculties and departments, except for Campus Gotland; shared responsibility for assignments from the Faculty of Social Sciences.