Academic Elections

Why we hold academic elections 

Collegial governance is a fundamental principal at all universities, and means that decisions that benefit the university as a whole are taken collectively by experienced teachers and researchers. The Higher Education Act provides that such decisions be taken by persons with scientific or artistic competence. At KI, these individuals are appointed by academic election. 

The election procedure 

The election process begins with an invitation to staff and students to nominate candidates. The University Director decides on the nomination period, which must last at least two weeks. The nominations are then assessed by the Nomination Committee, which presents its proposals to the Nomination Assembly. The Nomination Assembly then compiles the shortlist of candidates. The election itself is a direct election to advise the president, who then takes the final decision based on its outcome. 

Who can vote? 

All members of KI’s teaching or research staff who are on a full or part-time (50% or more) contract on 1 January of the year elections are scheduled to be held are entitled to vote. All persons with voting rights are listed on an electoral roll drawn up by the university director after preparation by the departments.

Election of deans and deputy deans 

New title as of 1 July 2026: Dean and Deputy Dean (current Academic Vice President) 

The roles of dean are to develop and strengthen KI within the committee’s field of concern (higher education, research and doctoral education), to lead a committee, to sit on the Faculty Board and to assist the President. The deputy dean (currently vice-chair of the committee) acts as deputy to the dean, is a member of the Faculty Board, and handles matters within their area of responsibility together with the dean.

Elections to the Faculty Board and its committees

The role of faculty representatives is, in their capacity as researchers and teachers with doctoral degrees, to contribute their experience, knowledge and a holistic perspective to issues and decisions concerning KI’s education and research. In this way, they help to strengthen KI’s development as a leading medical university. A total of 22 positions are filled:

• The Faculty Board (four positions)
• The Committee for Higher Education (six positions)
• The Committee for Doctoral Education (six positions)
• The Committee for Research (six positions)

Election of faculty members to the University Board 

The University Board (konsistoriet) is KI’s governing body and thus its supreme decision-making body. The function of the board is regulated in the Government Agency Ordinance , the Higher Education Act and the Higher Education Ordinance. The teaching staff is entitled to be represented by three elected members. The candidates are selected by the Nomination Assembly and then voted for by students and staff with voting rights (see “Who can vote”).