University of Gothenburg Takes Over Responsibility for the Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment
As of the turn of the year, the University of Gothenburg is the sole host of the Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment. The decision comes from the Government and aims to simplify the governance of the Institute’s operations.
The Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment was established in 2008 to coordinate important marine environmental research and provide knowledge to authorities and the government. Previously, the Institute operated as a collaboration between several Swedish universities, with a coordinating office in Gothenburg. However, following a new government decision, the entire assignment is now transferred to the University of Gothenburg.
"It shows that the Government has great confidence in the University of Gothenburg and its marine-related research activities," says Carina Mallard, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Gothenburg.
Continued Collaboration Remains Important
Following discussions with representatives from the universities involved in the Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment, the Government concluded that the governance and organization of the institute needed simplification. At the same time, the Government acknowledges that the Institute plays an important role, and its core mission remains unchanged, that is to support authorities and the Government with scientific expertise and conduct analysis and synthesis work in the field of marine environment research. Collaboration with researchers from other universities and institutions remains a key priority.
Kajsa Tönnesson, director of the Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment, looks forward to building the new organisation.
"I am proud to continue this work together with my colleagues at the Institute’s office and the University of Gothenburg," she says.
She emphasizes that the Institute already has an extensive network of researchers, but also identifies opportunities to further expand co-operation with universities that were not previously involved. Her next steps include developing a revised budget and operational plan.
"On top of the priority list is strengthening dialogue with authorities on various issues, as well as engaging more with researchers and staff at the University of Gothenburg, particularly through the Centre for Sea and Society, which serves as a hub for the University’s marine-related activities."
A Natural Fit for the University’s Profile
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Carina Mallard also highlights the institute’s broad collaboration with both other universities and researchers at the University of Gothenburg, where marine research is already one of the University’s strategic profile areas.
"It is too early to say exactly how this collaboration will develop, as a new operational plan first must be established. But I see great potential for even deeper co-operation in this vital field."
The revised mandate, which places full responsibility on the University of Gothenburg, is in effect from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2032.
Text: Per Adolfsson
- Conduct interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary analyses and syntheses and disseminate findings to support the work of the government, authorities, and other stakeholders in improving the marine environment.
- Provide authorities with scientific expertise and decision-making support in marine environmental issues.
- Develop interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary networks within and between universities.
- Inform about research concerning the marine environment and the ocean as a resource, raising awareness of marine environmental challenges and how to address them.
- Promote communication between researchers and users of scientific knowledge about the marine environment.