Thank you Södertälje – let's turn the page

You're one of the longest-serving members of KTH Södertälje, having worked at various locations and campuses in Södertälje since the 1990s. Do you remember any particular highlights?

"The royal couple attending the inauguration of the new school building in 1989.

When two students from the Bachelor of Science programme in Electrical Engineering, specialising in industrial economics and production, received the 2003 Wimanska Prize for their thesis on ‘Economic and technical consequences of the introduction of lead-free solder in the manufacture of printed circuit boards.’

In addition, in 2000, the Swedish Society of Engineers awarded us the prize as Sweden's best technical education for our IOD specialisation in the mechanical engineering programme (TIMAS). That made us SEK 2 000 000 richer!"

What are you most proud of from KTH Södertälje?

"That we have been able to use the small scale to our advantage to create a close and personal contact with the students. We have talked to them in the corridors, often learnt their names and sometimes even participated in the gasques."

What are you most looking forward to in the autumn?

"Being the ‘little brother from the country’ to join the ‘big boys’ on Valhallavägen :) "

Over the past year, you have started working with new colleagues at the KTH campus in Sing-sing. How do you feel about changing workplaces?

"When we found out that we would have new workplaces, I first thought: ‘No, I don't want to!’ Then I realised that I shouldn't be so negative without having tried it. Having split my time 50/50 between Södertälje and Stockholm since last autumn, I've realised that it's worked out well. I commute a bit by train and usually I have arrived without major delays. Something that feels sad is that some colleagues choose to leave or start on another campus. I will miss them!"

Have you worked in a different way at Södertälje campus?

"My work tasks look largely the same. The big difference is that we have worked closer together in Södertälje and that we have had teachers in the same building, so if you had a question, you just had to go up one or two stairs. Then I'll be honest and say that it's not as ‘cosy’ in the office in Sing-Sing compared to Södertälje ;) "

What are you most looking forward to this autumn?

"I look forward to not having to flit between Södertälje, Stockholm and the home office in Strängnäs. Not having to think about where I have my things I need for the day, which now means that the backpack can be quite heavy. Once I only have one office in Stockholm, I know that my material is there."

You are a researcher in production logistics and usually work with partners in Södertälje. What will the move mean for you in your daily work?

"I see both opportunities and some concerns. The move will likely strengthen collaboration within our IPU department, especially through shared lab environments with other research groups. This is valuable for production logistics, which depends on a strong production system perspective. Being closer to other KTH departments may also increase internal collaboration.

At the same time, I’m concerned about losing the close proximity to key industry partners in Södertälje, like Scania and AstraZeneca. Being nearby made it easier to organize meetings and host visits. We’ll continue working together, but the dynamics may shift slightly. Still, I’m confident we’ll adapt through planned visits and online meetings.

My daily work will remain largely the same collaborating with colleagues, students, and industry. A shorter commute is a definite plus. I will miss the advanced lab and the familiar environment in Södertälje, which was my first workplace in Sweden."

What are you most looking forward to in the autumn?

"I’m looking forward to setting up experiments in the new labs and working more closely with colleagues. I also hope to engage more in KTH-wide initiatives and explore new synergies that the new location makes more accessible."

You are an operations controller and were involved during KTH Södertälje's most expansive phase when you moved into Södertälje Science Park and shortly afterwards received your first doctoral students. What are you most proud of from that time until the move this June?

"What I'm most proud of from this journey is how together we managed to build a brand new campus with new programmes, exciting research and a well-functioning administration. What has really characterised this whole journey is that everyone has helped each other – regardless of role or background."

What are you most looking forward to in the autumn?

"To have the whole department coming together and getting to know my colleagues in Stockholm. I think this will create better conditions for co-operation, knowledge exchange and community!"

You are the head of one of the units moving from Södertälje to the KTH Campus this summer and have been since the first investigation of the satellite campus. What has it been like to lead during these three years?

"Turbulent and uncertain. Three years ago, I could not have imagined this development. It's sad but understandable that several staff members have chosen to change jobs. The department has spent a lot of time on campus investigation, relocation planning and, earlier, reorganisation. There have been many changes in a short time, and although the decisions may bring benefits in the long run, it has been labour-intensive to manage everything in parallel with the daily work."

How do you see the opportunities now that operations are centralised in Stockholm?

"The economy will continue to be a challenge, but we will have significantly lower rents and better conditions. I hope we can find more synergies in teaching and research now that we are working closer together. In Stockholm, I also think we can get better application pressure for the programmes we provide courses for, which hopefully also gives a better throughput."

What are you looking forward to most this autumn?

"Being able to look ahead and work in a shared, positive environment. The move and the reorganisation have taken a lot of energy, but going forward there are many things that will be easier in everyday life. I'm now looking forward to the entire department coming together in one place, which will enable us to focus on quality and finances. And with a stable economy, we can start hiring again – something that is crucial for the department's future."