Vice-Chancellor reflects on a year of progress and future focus

Throughout 2024, many discussions within the university's leadership, board, and other collegial meetings have revolved around a report by Agneta Bladh on the University of Gävle's role in the higher education landscape. The report presented three options: continuing as an independent institution, merging with a research-intensive university, or merging with a similar institution.

–We concluded that we want to continue as an independent institution and work in various ways to address the challenges we face. We will explore how to form strategic partnerships with other institutions in different areas. For example, we might collaborate with one university for postgraduate education and another for undergraduate programmes, says Ylva Fältholm.

Want to develop collaborations

A review is currently underway to map out the university's existing collaborations and identify opportunities to develop these further or form new partnerships.

– We already have strong collaborations, but we haven’t previously taken a comprehensive approach. In the coming year, we aim to develop collaborations more systematically to achieve our operational goals and strategies.

A major focus this year has been on developing the university’s engineering programmes. This initiative is now being implemented, and during the upcoming application period, prospective students will be able to apply for a common first year before selecting a specialisation.

– The goal is to attract more students to engineering programmes. This is important for both us and the government, given their new STEM strategy aimed at increasing young people's interest in science and technology. This is our way of addressing the need for engineers in the labour market," says Ylva Fältholm.

Discussions about the global situation

After a period of significant focus on organisation, work within the European University EU GREEN alliance has now gained momentum, yielding tangible results.

– We have developed joint programmes and participated in collaborative research projects. I hope to see even more substance and outcomes in the work packages by 2025.

The Vice-Chancellor is involved in various networks and meetings outside the university, and reflecting on discussions within the higher education sector, much attention is given to the geopolitical situation and global developments.

– Previously, the general view was that all collaboration is beneficial, but now we must recognise that not all countries have good intentions. We need to exercise caution when collaborating with certain nations, and we are discussing responsible internationalisation. It’s a balance between openness and caution. We don’t want to close the door to the world beyond Europe, so discussions include topics like cybersecurity, promoting democratic values, and ensuring academic freedom on the international stage.

Need to increase external funding

The work to continue building comprehensive academic environments is ongoing, and to succeed, the University of Gävle must increase its research volume.

– Our only option is to boost external funding. We had a project this year that we will continue to implement in 2025. One aspect involves reviewing our model for allocating research funding, while another focuses on strengthening our research culture and support systems, says Ylva Fältholm.

The University of Gävle is now working towards goals and strategies spanning 2021 to 2030. Ylva Fältholm notes that next year marks the halfway point, providing an opportunity to evaluate progress so far.

– We need to consider whether we’re on the right track or if there are areas that need adjustment to meet our operational objectives.

The Vice-Chancellor wishes all staff a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Text: Anna Sällberg