“ It’s so worth the time you put in”

“It is an incredibly rewarding and interesting assignment, and I am grateful for the trust my colleagues placed in me,” Edlund says.

“Being part of the university board has given me a completely new insight and understanding of how KTH works from the inside – what lies behind various decisions and what strategies shape the university’s future development.”

What is the best part of the appointment?

“It is very enriching to share thoughts on different proposals and issues with others within KTH, but also with dedicated members from other organisations, companies and government agencies, as well as students,” Edlund says. “It is rewarding to take part in other people’s perspectives and ways of thinking.”

“It is also inspiring to see how engaged the student members are in the board’s work. They show a genuine interest in contributing to KTH’s development.”

What are the most important lessons?

“I have, of course, learned a great deal about the specific issues, but also about how the university functions as an organisation,” Edlund says. “I initially thought the board would be more operational than it actually has the mandate to be. Change processes are complex and take time – something that can sometimes be frustrating.”

“At the same time, the board has significant opportunities to act strategically, and it is very interesting to take part in those discussions.”

What does the role of a faculty member require?

“The role requires openness – the ability to look beyond one’s own department and take a holistic view of KTH,” Edlund says. “It also takes a willingness to engage in a wide range of issues to help make KTH even better.”

“The work is not particularly time-consuming, but before each board meeting, members naturally receive a large amount of material to familiarise themselves with.”

Your best advice for new faculty members?

“Read up on what the university board does and think about how you want to get involved – what you are passionate about and what you can contribute to the board’s work,” Edlund says.

Text: Marianne Norén

About the University Board

The University Board is KTH’s highest decision-making body. It decides on key matters such as the university’s overall direction, annual report, budget proposals, admission regulations, working procedures and employment policy.

The board also holds main responsibility for SciLifeLab and KTH Ventures, and it decides on KTH’s Grand Prize. It also manages foundations affiliated with the university.

At each meeting, the president reports on current developments. The board regularly receives in-depth reports from various parts of the university. Student members provide an annual update on the work of the KTH Student Union.

The internal audit function is the board’s tool for reviewing and ensuring that the university’s processes are properly conducted and that KTH fulfils its public responsibilities. After each audit, an action plan is drawn up based on the audit report, and the president is responsible for its implementation.

More about the University Board and its members