Newsmail #74, 2023-11-17

Dear all,

This week we have continued to discuss the increased rent of our buildings and their utilization. It’s clear that many rooms have a low utilization, and we therefore proceed with the plans to move the IPD group from the third floor to the fourth floor. We have now agreed that the three units will develop a plan per unit for how many rooms that are needed, who’ll use which room, how the rooms should be equipped etc. If we have a plan for each unit, which the unit manager is ok with, then we’ll proceed with the move. When we have defined the boundaries, which unit that is allocated which rooms, then the unit will be in total control on how to allocate and utilize the group of rooms. That’s the idea now.

On Monday I joined a management workshop together with the management group of the ABE-school. It was quite fascinating to see similarities and differences between our two schools. While the workshop was focused on change management, strategies, and culture, I note that we have the same challenges even though we focus on different domains. I continued the discussion yesterday, when I joined the new ABE/ITM seminar series on gender equality, diversity and equal treatment. When I see how much the ABE school has been able to integrate JML-issues and sustainability in their everyday work I feel a bit jealous.

Today and yesterday, we have had PhD- and licentiate seminars. My congratulations to our most recent doctors and licentiates. On Wednesday we also celebrated some age-related achievements, in particular Jenny, Jens, and Sara, who have had birthdays and gave us a reason to have cake.

Wrapping up, I come back to the issue of rent. We have been notified today that the overhead will increase next year, several other costs as well, for example the cost of lecture rooms. I think many colleagues think that we have passed all kind of lines already, that we are beyond reasonable costs, rents, percentages. I agree with that, we are now at a level which is not sustainable. I do hope that the new organization with the school faculty groups, with elected representatives, will be able to prioritize these issues and bring enough attention to the KTH mgmt. turn the development around.

Now I wish everyone a nice weekend,

Martin