University Board Proposes Anders Kottorp as New Vice-Chancellor

Anders Kottorp is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Society at Malmö University. He is a professor of occupational therapy and a long-standing researcher in the field of health sciences.

"There has been significant interest in the Vice-Chancellor position at the University of Gävle. Anders Kottorp is highly qualified and meets the criteria we were looking for. I am very pleased that, after a relatively short process, we have reached a decision," says Stephen Hwang, Chair of the University Board, who has led the search for a new Vice-Chancellor.

"After interviewing a selection of the candidates, the recruitment group decided to recommend Anders Kottorp as the final candidate. This Monday, he was interviewed by three hearing groups representing the faculty, other staff, and students — and all groups unanimously expressed their support for him," Stephen Hwang continues.

Broad Academic Experience

Anders Kottorp, 59, has roots in Gästrikland — born in Sandviken and raised in Gävle. He has held various leadership positions at several universities and has a strong interest in academic leadership. He earned his PhD in 2003 from Umeå University, and between 2006 and 2015, he held several senior roles at the Karolinska Institute.

He also served as a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) from 2014 to 2017, during which time he wanted to focus more on teaching and research in his core areas of expertise. He was later asked to apply for the deanship at Malmö and has played a key role during a pivotal period when Malmö transitioned from university college to full university status.

Start Date: October 1

Anders Kottorp will succeed Ylva Fältholm, who, after eight years at the University of Gävle, will take on the role of Vice-Chancellor at Södertörn University, starting August 1.

The University Board proposes that Anders Kottorp assume the Vice-Chancellor role on October 1, pending a formal decision from the government. Until then, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Lars Bengtsson, will serve as acting Vice-Chancellor.