“Research and education work together and reinforce each other”

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

“I look forward to continuing to drive forward important educational issues at KI that are central to our university’s mission. We will continue to maintain a high standard of quality across all of our programmes. Furthermore, we will ensure that they are research-based, with lecturers who hold doctoral degrees.” 

“Although the title of Dean is new, I have held this position for the past three and a half years. It was important for me to continue in this role as we have not yet resolved certain issues, such as how best to collaborate with other higher education institutions. It is also very exciting to be involved in strengthening collegial influence.” 

What challenges would you particularly like to highlight within the scope of your role?

"One important issue is how we assess merit; for example, how excellence in teaching should be weighed against academic qualifications. During my previous term, for instance, one of the questions that arose was how the concept of ‘excellent teachers’ could be introduced as a criterion for merit at KI.” 

“The main challenge, however, concerns the new resources allocation model . Although it relates specifically to research funding, the model also affects teachers as their work is expected to be research-based. We need clearer guidelines for research-linked funding, which is no longer a separate item in resource allocation, in order to manage the effects of the removal of rent subsidies."

How do you intend to help strengthen and develop cooperation between the university management and staff?

"I want to help build cooperation both horizontally – for example, between departments and committees – and vertically between management, committees and departments. We need to increase our mutual understanding so that we can make the most of every opportunity to strengthen both research and education. 

The Faculty Forum will be an important channel for identifying key issues and passing them on to the university management. At the same time, management needs to be able to highlight the issues they require collegial support to resolve. We have begun to strengthen communication and we need to continue this work."

How do you view the relationship between education and research? Does it need to be developed, and if so, how?

"Education and research go hand in hand. They are mutually dependent on one another, and with that in mind, this issue needs to be addressed by, for example, creating a cohesive, scientific and professionally oriented educational environment with clear links to research environments relevant to the profile of the degree programmes. “ 

“Certain areas of research struggle to secure funding, such as nursing research, even though the research conducted at KI is among the best in Europe. We must ensure that this and similar research is given a place at KI and provides a foundation for our degree programmes.“ 

“Furthermore, we need to strengthen opportunities for lecturers who wish to attain a docentship, through targeted financial investments that are monitored and evaluated.“ 

Where do you see KI in five years’ time?

“We must ensure the teaching capacity matches our educational needs, by introducing clearer career paths with different tracks that allow for flexibility. This may require the introduction of new positions, in collaboration with other committees and HR. The aim is to offer everyone the opportunity to combine research and teaching – including in clinical settings – so that KI is perceived as an attractive university.“ 

“Students also need better opportunities to strengthen their ability to integrate knowledge, analyse complex situations and make decisions in different contexts. This is particularly important in the context of the growing use of AI.“  

“Encouraging digital skills in training environments is a good thing, but at the same time we must ensure there is both time and opportunity for face-to-face interaction. We are uniquely well-placed to do this, particularly within our professional degree programmes, and these opportunities need to reach all students.“  

What qualities do you bring that enable you to achieve your goals as Dean?

“I am incredibly pleased to have been entrusted by both the university management and my colleagues to continue in this role. At the same time, I am aware that I do not have all the answers, but I believe it is extremely important to foster a sense of shared ownership in all decisions. I now hope to spread a sense of enthusiasm for educational issues that will encourage more people to get involved.“ 

“My commitment stems from a desire to bring about positive change, but that change does not necessarily have to be exactly as have envisaged it. Instead, I am curious to see what we can achieve together. “