Railwayman changes track and joins SCI management team
After many years as director of the KTH Railway Group, Professor Sebastian Stichel has decided to dedicate more time to his other passion: faculty renewal. He is the new Deputy Head of the SCI School and future FFA.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Berlin, where I also began my academic career, studying Aerospace Engineering at the TU Berlin, where I also obtained my PhD. My first contact with KTH was through an exchange programme at Master's level, and after my PhD, I was offered a research position at KTH, which was the start of my career here. I also spent a decade at Bombardier in Västerås, a leading player in the railway industry. I have been a professor at KTH since 2010.
Why did you want to become Deputy Head and FFA?
I was previously Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and for the past four years, I have held the role of FFA in the Department of Engineering Mechanics. In both of these roles, I have discovered how inspiring it is to be involved in recruitment and promotions and to get to know new colleagues. It also feels like a very important task. I even enjoy working on more general issues that concern the whole school and KTH, in addition to teaching and research in my field.
When did you start and what is first on your agenda?
I have started on 1 February. For the first few months, I will be working alongside Mark Pearce, the school's current FFA, to ensure a smooth transition into my new role. My first priority is to familiarise myself with current affairs and attend meetings, such as the Recruitment Board, to settle into my new role effectively.
What happens with your other assignments?
At the beginning of this year, I handed over the responsibilities of the department's FFA to Elena Gutierrez Farewik. I will also be handing over the position of director of the KTH Railway Group to someone else. I have been leading the centre for a long time, so it feels right to leave this responsibility.
What else are you doing apart from your new role?
I will continue teaching and looking after the railway research group. This will occupy the time when I'm not at my FFA duties. To relax on the weekends, I like to go cross-country skiing in the winter or running in the summer. It's a great way to recharge my batteries.