I am Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University since 1 July 2016. As the chief executive of the University, I lead the ongoing work and represent the University both internally and externally
I am Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University since 1 July 2016.
As the chief executive of the University, I lead the ongoing work and represent the University both internally and externally. Among other things, I make decisions on overall institution-wide policy documents on topics such as research, education and finances.
Biography:
From 1985–1989, I studied chemistry at Stockholm University, and in 1990, I started my doctoral studies at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. I defended my doctoral thesis in 1995 with the title Ligand design for selective catalysis.
From 1996–1998, I had a postdoc in Professor Sharpless research team at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, USA. After the postdoctoral appointment, I was hired as a postdoctoral research fellow at Stockholm University, later as associate professor and in 2007, I was installed as Professor of Organometallic Chemistry.
At Stockholm University, I have held positions as director of studies in organic chemistry, member of the Faculty of Science's first-cycle courses and programmes board, and member of the Chemistry Section Board. In 2009, I was elected member of the Faculty of Science Board at Stockholm University, and between 2010 and 2013, I was section dean of the Chemistry Section.
In July 2013, I took office as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Stockholm University – a role I had for three years before I took my current position as Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University. Other than vice-chancellor, I am also chair of the board of Umeå University Holding AB, and member of a council of accountable authorities at the Wallenberg Foundations.
Research:
I study organometallic chemistry specialising in the development of environmental processes for selective production of organic compounds. Characterising for the research is green chemistry and selective catalysis.
A specific ongoing research domain is to develop selective catalytic methods for the production and conversion of amides. The amide is a very stable functional group often prevalent in biologically active compounds, for instance in many pharmaceuticals, and using the catalysis and environmental method we have developed, these can be produced with water as the only residual product.
We have also shown that amides can be selectively converted to other functional groups such as aldehydes, amines or enamines with mild catalytic methods – which can be of great use in the search for new pharmaceuticals.
Academic merits:
Professor of Organometallic Chemistry (2007)
Docent (associate professor) in Organic Chemistry (2002)
Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry (1995)
Bachelor in Chemistry (1989)
Managerial merits:
Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University (2016–)
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Stockholm University (2013–2016)
Section Dean, Chemistry Section, Stockholm University (2010–2013)
