Annika Östman Wernerson: Together towards the new term

As we enter the new autumn term, we do so with the same focus as always on research, education and outreach – areas where KI plays a vital role in society. One of the greatest joys I feel at this time is to see our campuses bursting into life as the students return. Their arrival and presence marks the start of a new academic year full of potential.

I would like to say a big thank you to all my colleagues who kept things running throughout the summer, hopefully with the chance to get some rest too. Recuperation is not a break from your job – it is essential for doing it well.

One particular initiative that is about to cross the finishing line is our global recruitment of 20 assistant professors. There has been terrific interest in this campaign, and at the time of writing we have close on 900 applicants. The application deadline is 2 September, so please help to remind your networks of it for these last few days. The recruitment drive is an important step in bolstering the future of research and education at KI.

I would also like to take this opportunity to mention our new strategic research initiative in medical education. KI is ringfencing SEK 9 million for three years to strengthen this research field, which helps to develop programmes in the medical and health sciences by investing in research grants, visiting professors and network development in association with the Gunnar Höglund and Anna-Stina Malmborg Foundation. In doing so, KI is taking a clear national lead in a scientific field that is so vital to tomorrow’s healthcare, offering great potential to improve patient safety and contribute to a sustainable working life.

Finally, I am happy to see that KI has once again earned itself a position high up the Shanghai Ranking – testimony to the fantastic work that is being done by our research and teaching staff every day. It is an achievement that should fill us all with pride.

Welcome back – and welcome to you, Autumn.