A Christmas greeting from the school management

Dear colleagues!

2025 is coming to an end and as representatives of the ABE School management, we want to extend our great thanks to you for an invaluable contribution to the school's operations and development during the past year.

There is much to celebrate and rejoice over. To begin with, ABE School researchers have been awarded more research funding than in many years. Last year too, your successes in securing external financing were impressive; to surpass such a strong performance is proof of competence, creativity and hard work for which the school is grateful. It is needed. We face challenges that will require more of the same. We will return to that.

During the year, two of the school's departments have been involved in new graduate schools. The Department of real estate and construction management participates in “FOFOS – Graduate School for the Public Sector of the Future,” which is led by Mälardalen University, and the Department of philosophy and history participates in “School of Excellence in Arctic and Antarctic Learning (SEAL)” under the leadership of the University of Gothenburg. Two collaborations that will contribute reinforcement in the form of new doctoral students and courses within areas that are receiving increasing attention and that will be of great significance going forward.

The school's programme directors have done an excellent job with their future-oriented review of our educational programmes. There too, we are well equipped for the future.

And there is reason to reflect on the future at a time when interest is declining in issues such as the environment, climate, equality and gender equality, while concerns are growing about the effects of AI, energy use and energy production, war and conflicts and global political developments. KTH – not least we at ABE School – has a responsibility to stand up for sustainability in its various aspects.

This week, the president's decision to introduce a carbon budget for our air travel was announced with clear goals for reduced emissions. ABE School has previously been involved in a pilot study on air travel and now we have been given responsibility for reaching the school's CO2 level; exactly how will be interesting to discuss.

Locally at the school, we also have the opportunity to shape the future in a better direction through our education and research. During the year, a large number of new employees within the faculty, including three visiting professors, have started at the school and contribute to our common work. You are needed and you are warmly welcome!

During 2026, a number of management positions will be filled. Among other things, new heads of department, directors of first and second cycle education and a new JML group will be appointed. We want to encourage the school's employees to consider where you can participate and contribute while simultaneously developing yourself and the school.

There is much to reflect on and we will have important tasks during the coming year. But that is then. Now we want, on behalf of the management, to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care of yourselves, enjoy the holiday and recharge your batteries for a new year filled with opportunities. Together we continue to take on various challenges and to work for tomorrow's sustainable society!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Björn and Karin