You will be in charge of security for Uppsala University and all its staff and students all over the world (at least when there is no pandemic) – how does that feel?
“It’s an exciting assignment that I feel very humbled to be entrusted with. At the same time, I also know that I am joining a division with a high level of competence and skills, which is a fantastic feeling!
“In my previous role as campus manager at Campus Engelska parken, I’ve had the advantage of being able to keep up with the Safety and Security Division’s work on promoting and developing security-related issues within the University at close quarters. I’m impressed by how far the Division has come in streamlining its core business for the University and raising the general level of awareness about security, and I will be taking great care to build on what has been developed over many years.”
What previous experience do you have in safety and security work?
“Given my background as a former serving officer in the Swedish Armed Forces, together with my years in campus management, I believe I have a solid grounding in security issues.”
What does being Chief Security Officer involve?
“As Chief Security Officer, I work with the Division to coordinate overarching safety and security issues that apply to Uppsala University in its entirety such as information security and physical security. The Security and Safety Division’s task is to support and assist and support core business in terms of general safety and security issues.
“However, much of the operational safety and security work with its eyes and ears is done within each Campus Management team. That is why the Security and Safety Division’s cooperation with campus managers and Campus Management is of the utmost importance.”
What do you anticipate the major issues of 2021 will be?
“Unfortunately, I think the ongoing pandemic will be the biggest issue. We are all looking forward to the day when we can mostly return to normal operations, with teaching and research largely taking place through face-to-face interactions on our campuses. Personally, it will also be important for me to get to know my colleagues in the Division and familiarise myself with its operations at close quarters.”
You have been the University’s coronavirus coordinator since October – what is your perspective on the pandemic at present?
“I hope that we’re going to see a turnaround soon, but we are still in the midst of a tough period where, more than anything else, the region’s healthcare system is under extreme pressure.
“To date, we have managed to adapt the University’s activities well to ensure that in terms of the spread of COVID-19 they are not sticking out. We have good cooperation with the region’s infection disease control in particular, and I hope we will be able to continue our activities in a way that minimises the spread.”