“We need clear career paths for our teachers”

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

“Taking a holistic approach to educational issues at KI, with the aim of maintaining a high standard of education that is tailored to the needs of society. I’m also looking forward to help strengthen the profile of educational issues within the Faculty Board.” 

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

“Firstly, to secure our supply of skilled staff by creating clear career paths for our teaching staff. Secondly, to address the risk that I see in our new resource allocation model making it more difficult to monitor funding for education. This is because research-linked funding is no longer listed as a separate item in the resource allocation, and the rent subsidy has been removed. This is having a negative impact on education.” 

“We also need stronger collaboration with other higher education institutions to ensure better use of resources and a broader academic environment. Without collaboration, we risk fluctuations between over-production and under-production of students.” 

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

“Strong collaboration between the committees, the Faculty Board and the departments is essential, supported by open communication and clear processes. We also need to maintain close dialogue with core operations to incorporate different perspectives and show respect for diverse viewpoints. This will enable us to create various forms of participation, allowing the Faculty Board to make well-informed decisions.” 

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

“The relationship between education and research is central and needs to continue to develop. We have made some progress but need to work harder on integrating research and education. One step in this direction is to expand collaboration between the Committee for Higher Education and the Committee for Doctoral Education, that is, education at all levels.” 

“We also need to strengthen research within professional degree programmes, whilst at the same time strengthening the link to education in certain areas of our basic and cutting-edge research. To succeed in this, we need a holistic approach and openness to individual solutions. We must not make the mistake of believing that ‘one size fits all’.”

Where do you see KI in five years’ time?

“I want KI to further strengthen its position as a centre of excellence and to play an even more prominent role in driving the development of knowledge. To achieve this, we need a good supply of lecturers who are offered attractive career paths. In five years’ time, I also hope that our degree programmes will have gained a stronger standing and will be able to provide students with the very best opportunities.” 

“By then, I also hope we will have created a more cohesive KI with stronger collaboration with the healthcare sector.” 

What qualities and experiences do you bring that will enable you to achieve your goals as Deputy Dean?

"I am driven by a strong commitment to education, and a desire to collaborate to facilitate improvement. Some of my qualities are that I am analytical and goal-oriented, whilst also having the ability to listen and let others have their say.”