Fredrik Lundell receives the Borelius Medal
This year’s Borelius Medal is awarded to Fredrik Lundell, who is recognised for his inclusive leadership and his work with innovative student centred teaching methods. He highlights the importance of presence, dialogue and creating conditions that allow both students and colleagues to develop.
What does it mean to you to receive the Borelius Medal?
“I am above all very happy! Among the previous recipients are many teachers, mentors and colleagues whom I value highly, and it means a great deal to me personally to be added to this list.”
The motivation particularly highlights your inclusive leadership at the Department of Engineering Mechanics. What does that mean to you in practice?
“At the individual level, I try to be present, available and listening, and when needed responsive or explanatory, when I am contacted about different matters. At group level, I strive to ensure that relevant information is shared in good time, both about what is happening and how I reason about different issues. This gives as many people as possible time to understand upcoming changes and events, comment on them and correct me if needed. I try to understand the different needs and circumstances of all colleagues and, as far as possible, take them into account in my actions. I would not have the energy to do this year after year without all the wise and ambitious colleagues at Engineering Mechanics!”
You are also recognised for your work with innovative and student centred teaching methods. What has been most important to you in that work?
“The students! Since I started teaching at KTH in the academic year 1994/95, I have met thousands of students in learning processes of different lengths. Thanks to the positive response I received from the very beginning, I have dared to test, reflect and build on what has proven to work. It has become a positive spiral. Inspired by courses in teaching and learning, colleagues, a trip to Boston in 2011 and conferences, I have continuously developed my teaching. Two concepts that I always return to, because they almost always activate the students and make them take charge of their own learning, are peer instruction and design thinking. Educational development is great fun!”
What advice would you give to other teachers and leaders who want to develop both education and the work environment at KTH?
“Study, reflect, act, evaluate. And discuss! I believe we need to be on site as much as possible so that we meet more often, for both planned and unplanned conversations.”