Plans for broadened recruitment and new measurable ways for quality assurance
Last week’s faculty board meeting included discussions on new important strategic tasks for the board as well as ongoing decisions and plans for the school’s development.
Luigia Brandimarte , teacher member of the board, tells more.
What did you discuss at the latest meeting?
Dean of Faculty Sofia Ritzén visited us to discuss the identified need for each school to develop a structured plan to broaden student recruitment. We were tasked with developing an action plan to both expand and diversify the backgrounds of those entering our bachelor's and master's programmes and to also ensure equal opportunities for all students to succeed in their studies. The plan should be presented to the Faculty council by the end of the year.
We also discussed the ongoing work with quality assurance and research evaluation with the Dean. A key focus is the need to review our current system and develop new ways to assess the quality of our research. There is a central working group exploring new ways to evaluate our impact, and each faculty board has now been asked to contribute by defining key parameters, ways to analyse results, and determining follow-up actions. The goal is to create a more structured and measurable approach to quality assurance and research evaluation.
Did you have any other strategic discussions?
Another significant discussion centered on impact, with Johan Silfwerbrand, ABE Impact Leader, outlining the priorities of the local impact group. The school’s impact strategy is being updated using the SMART framework—ensuring goals are Specific, Measurable, Accepted, Realistic, and Time-based. The new strategy will focus on clear priorities, partnerships, and faculty skill development.
Were there any decisions made?
As usual, we had a few formal decisions to make. We approved cancellations of certain First and Second cycle courses that are no longer offered within the school’s programme syllabuses. This is part of the on-going quality work to ensure our courses and programmes continues to develop in line with academic and industry development.
Additionally, we decided on the opening of several new adjunct teaching positions, in architecture, urban and regional planning, investment analysis and rail transport. We also approved a new adjunct professorship in environmental statistics and economics within SEED.
Is there anything else going on for the board?
The Faculty Board has initiated two events for the school’s faculty during the spring to co-develop ideas for strategic research initiatives, and we recently had the first meeting. The idea is to discuss ideas, network and find new or strengthen existing research areas. It was a well-attended event, where nine pitches were presented. The next event will be on 3 April. It will be a great opportunity for everyone in the faculty to continue discussions, network and work together on new ways to strengthen interdisciplinary research areas within the school. I would encourage everyone to join, whether you attended the first event or not!
In January, the faculty board also had an internal retreat with the school management to discuss long-term strategic questions and other focus areas.
How has the faculty board evolved over the past (first) year?
During this first year, we’ve been refining our decision-making processes to allow for deeper strategic discussions, and the results are starting to show. There’s a lot happening for the faculty council, the faculty boards and KTH:s schools, and we are looking forward to keep building our collaborations and to work together to develop KTH. It’s an exciting time!