Annika Östman Wernerson: It is KI’s ambition to remain a world-leading medical university – in all respects

Other clear signals in the bill are that universities ought to focus more on EU-financed projects and that there are numerous AI-related investments to be made.

The government also notes that the sector has got to grips with the problem of administrative capital. It is worth mentioning, however, that despite its large share of the total capital, KI has not contributed to research and education at the same rate as the rest of the sector. KI’s accrued capital remains as one of our greatest challenges and pitfalls.

A long-term financing model for research at KI

One important question right now is the changes to be made to how we distribute our share internally. Previously, I’ve discussed the need for a new allocation model, one that provides long-term, stable financing and enables joint priorities that strengthen KI’s research both in its breadth and at its cutting edge. On 17 September, the university management held a webinar with questions and answers about the new model for resource allocation at KI. A big thanks to everyone who took part.

Strong collegial governance

It is KI’s ambition to remain a world-leading medical university – in all respects. Recently, we’ve been working hard on developing the support provided to our core activities, and this work continues. Meanwhile, I’d like to make special mention of the importance of collegial governance.

We’re currently reviewing our boards and councils in order to clarify and bolster the staff’s role in strategic and decision-making contexts. This is particularly important ahead of the forthcoming academic elections and presents an opportunity to influence and take shared responsibility for KI. Our aim is to increase engagement and participation in both the nomination process and the election itself. The outcome of the review will come into effect around midsummer 2026.

Associate professorships garner considerable international interest

Our drive to recruit 20 associate professors with a focus on excellence has been met with a fantastic response. Over 2,700 applications from 1,560 researchers in 89 countries are testimony to how attractive KI is as a workplace to world-class researchers. It’s unequivocal acknowledgement of the mammoth and determined efforts that staff throughout our organisation have put into this initiative. A big thanks, again, to all of you!

Zero-tolerance towards discrimination

A completely different question concerns the occasional reports I get from staff and students about their feeling victimised in one way or another at KI. It doesn’t happen often, but that it happens at all is serious enough. I would therefore like to stress that KI operates a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, harassment and victimisation. As president, I am resolutely determined to make sure that everyone at our university feels safe and enjoys a healthy and positive work and study environment. You can find more information on the Equal Opportunities at KI and Equal Opportunities for Students pages on the KI web.

Welcome to new dialogue meetings in December

The university management is arranging new open dialogue meetings in December in both Flemingsberg och Solna. We aim to continue the healthy dialogue we’re having in and with the organisation – it gives us direction for a KI that is us, and shared ambitions for our growth. Make a note of the dates – we look forward to meeting you!