Eva Åkesson nominated as Vice Chancellor of Uppsala University

On October 11 the Board of Uppsala University unanimously decided to propose to the Swedish government that Eva Åkesson, professor of chemical physics, be appointed Vice Chancellor as of 1 January 2012. This decision was fully in line with the proposal submitted by the hearing assembly and the recruitment group.

Eva Åkesson will be the candidate put forward to the government for appointment. This is clear following today’s meeting of the University Board.

“The Board has great respect for the collegial process. We are therefore following the recommendation of the hearing assembly and recruitment group. We have been presented with a person with robust and solid experience of academic leadership. She has energy and a sense of humor and can represent the University both internally and externally,” says Hans Dalborg, chairman of the University Board.

“I am delighted and full of anticipation. I look forward to getting to know Uppsala University,” says Eva Åkesson.

Eva Åkesson is professor of chemical physics and today Deputy Vice Chancellor of Lund University. She was born and raised in Ängelholm but took her degree in physical chemistry at Umeå University, where she went on to take her doctorate. She then worked for a time as a salesperson at Weland Tecnics before coming to Lund University as a researcher. There she has also taken on positions of leadership as Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Rector. Eva Åkesson has also had numerous external assignments, including evaluations of both programs and research.

The Board will now submit its nomination to the government, and a decision is expected in November. At the same time a process will be started to select a new Deputy Vice Chancellor for Uppsala University. A decision in that matter is expected on 15 December.

For more information, please contact Hans Dalborg via director of communications Pernilla Björk, mobile: +46 (0)70-291 15 24, pernilla.bjork@uadm.uu.se