What is Uppsala University’s International Advisory Board (IAB)?

The IAB is intended to serve as a strategic discussion partner for the Vice-Chancellor and University Management. The members consist of internationally renowned scholars and academic leaders from different parts of the world with substantial experience in research, teaching and leadership. The IAB members shall act as “critical friends” and a sounding board in a number of the University’s strategic issues in order to nurture and improve the high standard of our research and education. An outside perspective helps to open up and broaden our horizons.

The IAB's six members:

  • Professor Edward Byrne, Vice Chancellor of King’s College London, United Kingdom
  • Professor Kjersti Fløttum, University of Bergen, Norway
  • Professor Meric Gertler, President of University of Toronto, Canada
  • Professor Harlene Hayne, Vice Chancellor of University of Otago, New Zealand (however, unable to attend the first meeting in May)
  • Professor Helle Prætorius Øhrwald, Aarhus University, Denmark
  • Professor Tuula Teeri, Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), Sweden
  1. What is the purpose of this visit?

The IAB is coming here to discuss, advise and provide feedback on a number of current strategic issues. Among other things, they will:

  • Discuss how the recommendations originating from Q&R17 have been followed up on and handled at the university level. What has been done and what still needs to be addressed?
  • Provide feedback on the proposal for revised goals and strategies for Uppsala University which is being drawn up.
  • Consult on issues related to strategic alliances and networks, particularly the European Universities Network (EUN).
  • Share experiences related to challenge-driven education and research. What challenges and opportunities do we face, and how can we best manage and handle them?
  1. What they have done since Q&R17 was carried out?

The Q&R17 project generated 40 recommendations. Most of these have led to actions at one or more levels within the University.

  1. What is the next step?

The next step is to take advantage of the insights and advice on the above issues that the members shared during the meeting. We hope to learn and benefit from the knowledge and experience of our members.

As this is our first meeting, we will also use it to discuss how to shape our future work.