Karolinska Institutet celebrates 25 Years of International Staff Services
Karolinska Institutet (KI) celebrates the 25th anniversary of its International Staff Services, which has supported international researchers, doctoral students and their hosting departments since 1999. Held at Campus Solna’s A Working Lab, the event on Tuesday highlighted the importance of collaboration to support KI’s success as a global research hub.
Professor Martin Bergö, Vice President of KI, opened the event, emphasizing the importance of international support services in Sweden’s life science sector. “Sweden must remain a welcoming home for international experts, skilled professionals, researchers, and students” he stated, stressing the need for continued collaboration with the Migration Agency. With one-third of KI’s doctoral students and researchers from other countries, Bergö highlighted the importance of making KI a place where international researchers feel valued and connected.
The foundation and growth of International Services
Originally launched as a two-year project, International Staff Services quickly became an integral part of KI, supporting KI’s international doctoral students and academic staff. Dr. Maissa Al-Adhami, the founding coordinator, shared insights on the project’s beginnings, which included addressing essential needs like housing and social activities for international scholars.
Expanding support and collaborations
Current coordinator Ulla Tunkara noted how these services have evolved. Today, KI’s International Staff Services collaborates extensively with career services, KI Housing, and national and international networks like Euraxess, providing robust support for international researchers’ practical and professional needs. With increased digital accessibility post-pandemic virtual sessions provide essential information on migration and Swedish labour market, making support more accessible to international scholars and the hosting departments.
Insights from key partners
Speakers included Alicia Parvin of Stockholm Business Region, who emphasized the importance of helping international researchers transition to industry roles in Sweden, and Dr. Erik Litborn of Vinnova, who stressed the need for seamless integration but also the importance of being strategic when recruiting to attract global talent. Erika Dabhilkar, Head of International Relations Office at KI and also a representative in the collaboration group between The Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF) and the Migration Agency, highlighted the importance of national collaboration as well as strengthening the channels of communication between the sector and the Migration Agency.
Future focus
The event concluded with a panel of researchers who shared their personal experiences and offered valuable insights on enhancing integration and language support at KI. This celebration underscored KI's commitment to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for international talent and cultivating a globally inclusive research community. Closing on a meaningful note, the event echoed a central message from the Vice President’s opening remarks:
"Let us make Karolinska Institutet a place where international talent feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to make meaningful contributions to science and humanity—where people can help us advance our understanding of life and strive toward better health for all."