Changes in SLU Aqua's management

Last update of the page: 2025-04-25.

Latest news about the recruitment of a new head of department

The recruitment phase has started in January 2025 and the work of recruiting a new head of department will run during the spring of 2025. 

Nomination closed

The nomination period closed on April 22. The nomination group is now reviewing the submitted nominations and preparing for the upcoming hearing. Thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination process.

Our intention is to hold the hearing in mid-May, and we will announce the exact date as soon as possible. The goal is to complete the process and appoint a new head of department during the first half of June.

Process overview

• A nomination group has been appointed and is now led by Per-Olof Larsson.
• The group will nominate a new Head of Department for the period July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028.
• The nomination took place between April 7 - April 22, 2025.
• All staff members were welcomed to nominate and a link to the electronic nomination has been sent to all.
• A hearing with the selected candidate(s) will be held.
• The Dean will then decide on the appointment (May/June).

Read the full news story on the recruitment process here.

Nomination group

The nomination group consists of the following persons:

This is what happens until a new head of department is appointed

• From January 1, 2025, and until a new Head of Department is appointed, the department is led by Sara Bergek as temporary Head of Department and Per-Olof Larsson as Deputy Head of Department at SLU Aqua. 
• Sara Bergek is primarily esponsible for the work of SLU Aqua's management team, external relations, and communication with SLU’s leadership. She will also retain some tasks within the management of the Institute of Freshwater Research, as well as other research assignments.
• Per-Olof Larsson is primarily responsible for HR, finance/contracts, and infrastructure.
• The plan is to have a new Head of Department in place by July 1, 2025, at the latest.

Changes at the Institute of Freshwater Research

• Helena Strömberg will become temporary Head of Division until April 1.
• Johan Östergren will take on the role of Deputy Head of Division until April 1. From April 1, Johan will take over the role as temporary Head of Division.
• From April 1, Magnus Dahlberg will be Deputy Head of Division.

Head of Department matters

All departmental matters should now be sent to the head of department mailbox: Aqua-Prefekt@slu.se

More information to come

We will provide regular updates about the recruitment process for a new Head of Department and how it will proceed and other changes in our organization. Updates will be shared on this page and during division meetings.

Questions?

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact Sara, Per-Olof, or your division manager.