The implementation of RIKI has now commenced
With an increased need for coordination and more professional support for the operation of Karolinska Institutet's research infrastructure, Research Infrastructure Karolinska Institutet - RIKI has been established. This is a collaborative organisation dedicated to strengthening research infrastructure, offering researchers more coordinated and advanced support.
As implementation has begun, considerable focus is being placed on establishing the foundations for shared processes and working methods. The aim is to create an attractive and competent organisation that optimally supports KI's research. The organisation will, among other things, make it easier for researchers to gain an overview of and access to advanced techniques and methodologies.
"It is exciting that work has now commenced in accordance with the proposal developed through the strategic priority area E2, A Unified Organisation for KI's Research Infrastructure," says Karin Dahlman Wright, Acting Infrastructure Director.
Core Functions Are Being Established
The implementation group is currently working to build up central support structures for the core facilities within RIKI. This will encompass strengthened functions in several areas that are essential for the operation of research infrastructure.
"The administrative support within Comparative Medicine has begun coordinating central functions, particularly in finance and human resources. This will ensure that the core facilities receive stable and coherent support when they transfer organisationally to RIKI," says Camilla Fors Holmberg, Administrative Director of RIKI.
Simultaneously, the KI Biobank core facility is being prepared for integration into the new organisation, which includes establishing good working processes with both the core facility and the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics. This work will also pave the way for future integration of additional core facilities.
Dialogue with Operations and Next Steps
To ensure transparency and participation, the implementation group has recently held dialogue meetings with representatives from KI's three campus groups. These meetings have served as a forum both for communicating information about the process and for gathering input to support continued planning.
During March–April, a proposal will be developed outlining how core facilities will be integrated into RIKI during the period from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. The dialogues conducted to date have provided important guidance.
One question that has been raised during the dialogues concerns how the transition to RIKI will affect staff members. The plan is that employees will remain at the same physical location but that their employment at KI will, as a general principle, be organisationally placed under RIKI, with a new line manager. RIKI aims to create a strong and sustainable organisation in which employees' expertise is valued and developed alongside colleagues within the research infrastructure.
The implementation group is supporting concerned managers in informing their staff through guidance, presentation materials, and updates addressing Questions and answers on the website as needed.
RIKI Implementation Group
- Karin Dahlman Wright, Acting Infrastructure Director
- Gunnar Gustafsson Wiss, Adviser
- Björn Forslöw, Operations Controller
- Camilla Fors Holmberg, Head of Administration, Comparative Medicine
- Carolina Ström, HR Specialist
- Klas Karlsson, Head of Administration, Department of Medicine and Health