A look ahead to autumn and the anniversary year at the Faculty

“Much of what we want to achieve depends on people coming together, collaborating and developing new ideas jointly,” says Charlotte Platzer Björkman, Vice-Rector of the Faculty of Science and Technology.

The Vice-Rector starts by expressing her gratitude for the confidence placed in her to continue in her role, as well as for the opportunity to welcome new colleagues to the faculty leadership team, the faculty board and other positions. During late summer, the faculty management identified a number of priority areas that it intends to focus on during the early part of the new term of office.

"It is a real pleasure to continue working alongside both experienced and new colleagues in a variety of roles across the faculty. The combination of continuity and fresh perspectives brings new energy. We have now agreed on seven areas that we want to give particular attention to, in addition to our ongoing work," says Charlotte Platzer Björkman.

One of the priority areas concerns recruitment and long-term skills provision. Earlier this year, the faculty launched the recruitment initiative Push the Frontiers of Science, which attracted around 900 applicants from across the world. The initiative is aligned with the Swedish Research Council's calls for career development funding for assistant professors in 2026 and 2027.

"We want to be an attractive faculty for outstanding researchers and teachers. This means both providing good conditions for individuals to establish and develop their activities, and being clear about the expectations associated with different academic roles, such as the level of external funding academics are expected to secure and the responsibilities they are expected to take on within the collegial system."

Extensive work on the education front

Demand for the faculty's educational offering is higher than ever. However, because the faculty has been producing more student credits than its allocated funding permits, by around ten per cent last year, the number of study places will need to be reduced. According to the Vice-Rector, work is currently under way to adjust programme capacity, while extensive efforts are also being devoted to reviewing programme structures and specialisations.

"We need to continue developing our educational offering while ensuring that it remains sustainable in the long term. At the same time, we must remain responsive to students' interests and the needs of the labour market," says Charlotte Platzer Björkman.

The faculty must also continue examining what artificial intelligence, and particularly generative AI, means for education.

"We need to consider both how AI affects teaching and learning, and what knowledge and skills our students will need when they enter working life. This is a development that affects almost all subject areas.”

The need to be strategic and proactive

Research infrastructure is a third priority area. The faculty has recently established a research infrastructure committee to prepare recommendations ahead of consideration by the research committee. New structures for strategic prioritisation have also been introduced, together with the introduction of the new title of research infrastructure specialist.

"Research infrastructures are crucial for both quality and competitiveness. At the same time, remaining at the international forefront is becoming increasingly resource-intensive. That is why we need to be strategic and proactive in our priorities," says Charlotte Platzer Björkman.

The Vice-Rector adds that issues relating to data management, FAIR data (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in research are becoming increasingly important as data volumes continue to grow.

Opportunities for visibility during the anniversary year

The University's 550th anniversary celebrations in 2027 are also fast approaching. For the Faculty of Science and Technology, this presents an opportunity both to showcase world-leading research and education and to strengthen the University's visibility nationally and internationally, according to Charlotte Platzer Björkman.

"We have a fantastic opportunity to use the anniversary year to highlight everything that is taking place within the faculty and across the University. There is a great deal to be proud of, and it is important that we make the most of this opportunity."

Planning for anniversary-year activities is already well underway, including exhibitions, public events, special lectures and collaborative initiatives.

Success through collective effort

Looking ahead, the Vice-Rector hopes to see continued success in national and international research funding calls, increased activity within the University's new interdisciplinary initiatives, and further development of the faculty through collaboration across disciplinary and departmental boundaries.

"It will be extremely exciting to see the new calls from the Swedish Research Council relating to excellence clusters, centres and council institutes. I also hope that we will strengthen our position when it comes to securing funding from both the ERC and Horizon Europe. In addition, we will be making a concerted effort in the area of preparedness and defence by establishing a dedicated area of strength."

"I also hope that many people will engage with UUniFI, which provides a forum for discussing complex societal challenges together with colleagues from across the University. The faculty possesses tremendous expertise and a strong commitment, which gives us excellent conditions as we head into the autumn and the anniversary year," says Charlotte Platzer Björkman.

Anneli Björkman