University Management Blog

It is with great pride I summarise 2023 and am able to point out that six teachers at Umeå University were appointed distinguished university teacher and 33 were appointed recognised university teacher in the past year. This puts us in the top when it comes to Swedish universities with the highest number of educationally qualified teachers, and this year's summary shows that we take that first place again.

The University's common basic values form an ethical platform guiding how we should treat each other. These values are based on those for central government employees on a state level, on legislation applicable to our activities, and on the academic core values. A project is now focusing on elaborating our academic core values.

Last week, a small delegation from Umeå University participated in the annual Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, Norway. Representatives from research, politics, business and public sectors and civil society discussed the most pressing issues in the Arctic region.

Shortly before the Christmas holidays, I approved a new organisation aimed to strengthen and coordinate the University's work environment and equal opportunities organisation. That also marked the final step in implementing the forward-thinking proposals that Karin Röding presented in her report.

We have now finalised the accounts for 2023. the financial performance for Umeå University shows a deficit of SEK 186 million, which I must say is rather positive under the circumstances. I'd like to issue a sincere thank you to the Financial Office and all financial officers at Umeå University who have done a remarkable job in closing the accounts.