DEAN ELECTION. The faculty-wide Drafting Committee has reached consensus on proposing Jenny Nyström, currently Head of the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, as the next Dean of Sahlgrenska Academy. Employees will be provided the opportunity to attend an open hearing, and eligible voters will be able to cast their votes in the advisory dean election in mid-October.
Below, the Drafting Committee describes the process behind its decision to recommend Jenny Nyström for the position of Dean:
On 25 January 2023, the Faculty Board decided to instruct the faculty-wide Drafting Committee (broadened with a student representative) to in consultation with the Vice-Chancellor begin preparations to appoint the Dean and Pro-Dean of Sahlgrenska Academy for the term of office 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2029. Following an open nomination process, the assessment of qualifications, interviews and reference checks, the Drafting Committee has focused on three candidates, only two of which now remain as the current Dean, Agneta Holmäng, has chosen to withdraw her candidacy. The remaining candidates are Professor Jan Borén, Head of the Institute of Medicine, and Professor Jenny Nyström, Head of the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology.
Two main considerations
Prior to preparing the requirements profile used during the preparation process, the Drafting Committee met with a large number of stakeholders from both within and outside Sahlgrenska Academy. During these discussions, two main considerations emerged, and these have guided the Drafting Committee in its continued efforts: First, the finances of Sahlgrenska Academy risk facing drastic deterioration during the coming term of office. This requires that the next Dean has intimate knowledge of the University’s governance model and extensive experience of academic leadership. Second, there is a need for inclusive leadership that can unite different factions within the Academy around common ground. While both candidates are extremely well qualified for the position, the Drafting Committee is unanimous in its assessment that Professor Nyström is the candidate with the greatest potential to unite and lead the Academy during the coming six-year period. Accordingly, the Committee proposes that Professor Nyström be elected Dean for the term 2024–2029.
Professor Jenny Nyström is a prominent researcher and teacher with extensive experience of academic leadership following six years as Head of the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology. As a leader, Professor Nyström is distinguished by her integrity, sensitivity and communication skills. She has held several positions outside her institute, most recently that of Chair of the University’s Consultative Assembly for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor. Professor Nyström has a strong standing within Sahlgrenska Academy and is respected across all departments.
Welcome to an open hearing
At 1 pm on 6 October, the Drafting Committee will hold an open hearing in the Europa auditorium at the Wallenberg Conference Centre. Here, Professor Nyström will present her vision for Sahlgrenska Academy and answer questions from Academy employees. An advisory election will be held electronically on 9–18 October on the SUNET SURVEYS platform, after which the Vice-Chancellor will decide who is to be appointed Dean.
The Drafting Committee is continuing its efforts to identify a Pro-Dean and, if possible, will present a candidate prior to the election in October. Otherwise, a separate election will be held later in the autumn. The work of the Drafting Committee will be described in detail in a report published in conjunction with the election. The Drafting Committee would like to extend its gratitude to the candidates who made themselves available to the Committee as well as to all colleagues who provided valuable input.
BY: THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE
