”It all boils down to writing”
Elina Gobena, a doctoral student at INDEK, seems to be everywhere lately. Recently, her book En ny jord received glowing reviews in Dagens Nyheter, where it was hailed as a “promising debut novel.” On top of that, this summer, she’s appeared as a columnist in Dagens industri, offering reflections on the role AI might play in our future.
Which do you enjoy most: being a researcher, a columnist, or an author?
“The best part is what all three roles have in common: writing! I absolutely love it. Whether I’m working as a researcher, columnist, or fiction writer, writing is at the heart of everything. The style may change depending on the context, but ultimately, it’s always about crafting something creative, expressing ideas clearly, and getting your message across.”
What topics engage you the most?
“My interests vary quite a bit, and I find a lot of different phenomena fascinating. For instance, I enjoy following the various debates on the future that unfold on social media — particularly discussions around generative AI and how it should be approached. At my core, I’m deeply interested in people — how we view our place in the world, and how we either create or maintain that position.”
What’s coming up for you this autumn?
“This autumn, I’ll be finishing my thesis and teaching at the department. I’ll also be discussing my book, including a talk at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Vällingby on the 23rd of September .”