Anders Hagfeldt, Director of Laboratory of Photomolecular Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).

What would you like to achieve as Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University?

“It would be an enormous privilege to be involved as Vice-Chancellor in activities throughout the comprehensive, many-sided university that Uppsala University is. Just to give you a few of my thoughts on the subject, I see the role of Vice-Chancellor as a catalyst for creating opportunities and support that enable colleagues to pursue curiosity-driven basic research, to develop their teaching and to create interdisciplinary projects and platforms. I want to ensure that equal opportunities/gender equality and environmental and health efforts run through the entire University and that we achieve gender equality in all positions. I see tremendous potential for cooperation across areas of activity and for creating unique, world-leading interdisciplinary research and teaching platforms. The climate issue is one hugely important example where Uppsala University has great potential. I have a firm belief in internationalisation, but also see exciting opportunities in internal and local contexts, for example, the potential of Campus Gotland and collaboration with the knowledge city Uppsala and with industry. It would also be interesting to look into opportunities involving alumni, for example for collaboration and for developing lifelong learning.”

What would you say is your best quality?

“I like collaboration and teamwork. I am curious and like learning new things in all kinds of areas. When I hear what other people say about me, I often hear that I’m good at listening and have an ability to inspire my students and colleagues and give them confidence to create and develop their own ideas. I like thinking conceptually and trying to see the whole picture.”

How does a leader create a good and happy workplace?

“I think the most important thing is teambuilding. There has to be clarity about duties and responsibilities. Feeling confidence and having trust is important. Communication is crucial and it is vital to be able to acknowledge and discuss misunderstandings and mistakes.”

When are you personally happiest and what do you do to relax?

“The best moment for a supervisor is when a PhD student or postdoc looks into your office and says, ‘I have an idea’. Relaxation, for me, means spending time with family and friends. Playing drums in our Uppsala band Fat Cotton is hard to beat! When I’m travelling, I like to read anything but research.”

 

Mats Larhed, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University.

What would you like to achieve as Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University?

“I want to work to make Uppsala University more open, vibrant and visible. We need to build on our unique environment and strong traditions so that we continue to be a broad, modern and leading teaching and research university. I consider interdisciplinary initiatives based on thorough specialist knowledge a valuable means of renewal. In recent years, we have created several outstanding interdisciplinary research environments, and this is something I would like to continue to develop at the University. I want to visit and learn more about every part of the University to discuss and try out ideas, I want to reach every area and I want the University to become even better at involving non-Swedish-speaking students and staff.”

What would you say is your best quality?

“I’m good at listening and collaborating in trust-based formations. I also see my deep commitment to academic issues and my curiosity to learn more about new areas as valuable qualities.”

How does a leader create a good and happy workplace?

“You have to build confidence in the management and its ability to organise activities and set goals. Managers must offer personal development dialogues, forms of employment must be clear and regulatory frameworks transparent. It’s very important that the leader is motivated and involved in the organisation.”

When are you personally happiest and what do you do to relax?

“When I’m on skis, on an untouched mountain slope, under a blue sky and a bright April sun. But I can relax and feel happy in my garden at home in Uppsala as well.”

 

Eva Tiensuu Janson, Professor of Medicine, Uppsala University.

What would you like to achieve as Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University?

“I want to work for Uppsala to consolidate its position as one of the world’s top universities. Uppsala University should be the natural first choice for teachers, researchers, students and administrative staff alike. Every part of the University must have a good working environment where all employees can grow and use their potential to the full. We must have good collegial processes for discussing research issues and our students must feel that we want to work with them to develop and enhance the quality of our education in the future.”

What would you say is your best quality?

“I think I’m generally perceived as a person who listens and is solution-oriented, but also as someone who can and dares to make decisions when necessary.”

How does a leader create a good and happy workplace?

“A good working environment has to have an open climate, everyone must dare to say what they think and be listened to. It’s important to respect and trust the people you work with, and that everyone takes responsibility for their duties, but our behaviour towards one another also matters. As I see it, transparent processes also contribute to trust and therefore to a good work environment. If problems arise, you should tackle them immediately before they have time to grow.”

When are you personally happiest and what do you do to relax?

“I feel happy when we find solutions to problems and develop our activities together. I relax by spending time in nature, exercising or reading a book.”