Launching Gothenburg Global Scholars to attract international researchers

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“We have traditionally been good at recruiting talent from Sweden, but the world is a much bigger place. Now we want to become even better at attracting talented researchers from other countries and learn from others,” says Vice-Chancellor Malin Broberg.

The 25 researchers will be recruited across a broad range of disciplines, including medicine, social sciences, fine art and education. Once in Gothenburg, they will join established research groups and research environments.

“Gothenburg Global Scholars Initiative is intended to provide an injection of new energy that will take our research in new and unexpected directions. Without strong individuals and talented researchers, we cannot continue to develop these research environments,” says Malin Broberg.

Call for 25 Assistant Professors - Gothenburg Global Scholars

Sweden and Gothenburg as attractive destinations

There is a reason why the recruitment drive is aimed at researchers at the beginning of their careers. At this stage, many are still willing to relocate, while their employment situation is often uncertain. The University of Gothenburg can provide both time for research and a path towards permanent employment.

“We can also offer our strong research environments and research groups, where researchers can become part of the community at a large, comprehensive university. Our breadth allows us to bring different disciplines together and tackle major societal challenges.”

Malin Broberg also highlights the opportunities Sweden offers for combining work and family life. Gothenburg itself is another attraction, with two major universities, a thriving business community and a coastal location.

Part of a wider community

The coordinated recruitment effort is intended to raise the University of Gothenburg’s international profile, while also creating a sense of community for the researchers when they arrive.

“By recruiting as a group, we are better placed to support the researchers and connect them through networks. In this way, we can build bridges between our different disciplines and create a sense of belonging to a wider community.”

A ripple effect

Malin Broberg hopes that several of the researchers will choose to stay and, in a few years’ time, become leading figures in research groups that go on to recruit further research talent to Gothenburg.

“They may have developed their research further and attracted more researchers to their research environments. An initiative like this can have a significant ripple effect.”

The hope is that, in the long term, the new researchers will see the University of Gothenburg as a place where they want to stay and contribute to its continued development. At the same time, international mobility is an important part of the research world.

“If, after five, six or seven years, they decide to move on, that should not be seen as a failure either. During their time here, they will have contributed new energy and new networks. They can also become ambassadors for the University of Gothenburg in other research environments,” says Vice-Chancellor Malin Broberg.

By: Thomas Melin