Annika Östman Wernerson: We look forward to taking further strides ahead with you in 2024

It has been a stimulating and instructive year, and one in which your engagement has been particularly appreciated, not least the dialogues that gave rise to nine strategic focus areas for the continued development of KI and the realisation of our vision. We look forward to taking further strides ahead with you in 2024.

New deans appointed

On 19 December I made the decision to appoint Sten Linnarsson, Carl Johan Sundberg and Matti Sällberg as the new deans, respectively, of KI Solna, KI North and KI South. They will be entering office on 1 January 2024, and together we will develop the role of dean with them in order that the departmental groups can further strengthen KI as a whole. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our departing deans – Christer Höög, Anna Martling and Mia Eriksdotter – for all their hard work. Thank you!

Next spring’s departmental meetings

The new year will also bring our much-anticipated departmental meetings, starting on 17 January with the Department of Clinical Sciences at KI Danderyd Hospital (KIDS) and the Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics (LIME). These meetings will give us a chance to discuss how we can work together going forward and strengthen our dialogue and cooperation. KI’s focus areas are of cardinal importance, of course, and commitment to them is essential if we are to create stability and attain the goals of Strategy 2030, since KI is us!

Increased wellness allowance

The week before Christmas, we decided to increase the wellness allowance for KI's employees from SEK 1,500 to SEK 3,000. This applies from January 1, 2024. We hope with this, above all, to be able to encourage you as employees to take care of your health, but also that it will help enhance KI’s image as an attractive workplace with a healthy environment and a focus on sustainability.

Christmas preparations and skiing

For my part, I’m looking forward to getting ready for Christmas! Pickling the herring, preparing the ham and putting up decorations with the family. And walking our dog, Molly, of course. After new year, we’ll be going skiing in the mountains, and getting some me-time for some rest and reading in the meantime will be wonderful.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2024, but until then, we wish you all a Happy Christmas and a relaxing break that will help you recharge your batteries for the coming year!