When it comes to my summer vacation, I have spent it picking berries, fishing and hiking in Marsfjället in the Swedish mountains.
Hans Adolfsson, Vice-Chancellor, Umeå University
Photo: Mattias Pettersson
Back at campus, I am happy to see that Umeå University continues to be one of the most popular Swedish universities with better admission numbers than the national average. It is true that we, similar to most other Swedish universities, have experiences a reduction in the number of admitted students compared to the records broken during the pandemic. But in comparison to 2019, this year's number of applicants still exceeds the pre-pandemic statistics.
When discussing applicants per place, it is easy to get too focused on numbers and statistics. I try to remind myself that each individual applicant that chooses us actually puts a portion of their future into our hands. It is a proof of trust that comes with obligations which we need to nurture in the best possible way.
This autumn semester also marks an exciting new chapter for me and my colleagues in the University Management as we enter into a new three-year term of office. I am looking forward to working together with all staff and students to further strengthen the University's education and research. We will also jointly be continuing to focus on issues of work environment, how we approach and treat each other, and what type of culture we want the University to be permeated by.
Higher education helps develop people and simultaneously brings forth research-based knowledge and skills to society. At the minute, the University has a particularly important role in the green transformation that Northern Sweden is undergoing. Together with other stakeholders in society, we have an enormous and exciting job ahead of us. Over the next three years, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dieter Müller will be particularly responsible for coordinating the University's role in that transformation of society.
In a few weeks, the University will host this year's Student Welcome Fair for new students who are curious of what Umeå University and the town of Umeå have to offer. I am really looking forward to welcoming both old and new students to Umeå University. And to all staff members, I would just like to say – it is great to have you back! Let us aim for an autumn filled with new wisdom and inspiration.