Season's greetings from the vice-chancellor

So how can we contribute? Voltaire’s words of cultivating our garden are rather fitting for those of us at SLU. His aim was to highlight the importance of creating meaning in an uncertain world by focusing on what we can do to influence our surroundings and make positive contributions. One small change – that, in turn, contributes to the bigger picture.

As we summarise this SLU year, we can proudly state that the university continues to make a difference, both nationally and internationally. In this turbulent world with its various challenges, we continue to demonstrate that our research, teaching and environmental assessment, as well as our collaborations, contribute to a better future.

And the garden we cultivate stretches far beyond our geographical locations.

One international example comes in the form of a historic partnership agreement we signed this year with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – making us the first Swedish university to do so. This is testament to our role as a bearer of knowledge for global questions about sustainability and food security. In addition, we hosted the IUFRO World Congress – a global meeting point for forestry research. This strengthened our role as a leading authority within international forestry. At EU level, many of us – including our students – have contributed to European university partnerships such as ELLS, ICA and EBU.  The role of knowledge in a changing world – particularly knowledge of our planet’s biological conditions – was a recurring theme for many 2024 meetings.

When we reflect upon what has happened at the national level, we do so with the realisation that we are entering 2025 with much of the framework in place to enable us to do an even better job in the future. As of this year, SLU may now issue the Degree of Master of Science in Engineering with focus on agricultural and forest management. We perform well in the competition for external funding and we received the fantastic news that direct government funding for the University Animal Hospital will increase, thus strengthening our ability to offer the highest quality research and education. Research propositions also look promising. Even so, the key factor lies with those who will work together to create the best quality SLU of the future, and it delights me to hear that active skills provision planning is ongoing at the faculties, departments and operational support. Not least, we have high hopes for our expansive efforts in the form of SLU Futures, where we are recruiting internationally for nine leading associate senior lecturers. They will impart their skills and knowledge to develop the areas in which SLU is strong, areas that correspond with some of the most burning questions relating to the future.

In the 17th century, Axel Oxensierna wrote that public officials must act with integrity and constantly strive to facilitate the work of others. This call goes hand in hand with Voltaire’s philosophy of focusing upon your own responsibility and contribution to the bigger picture. Regardless of whether we are acting globally or locally, it is just as essential that we ask ourselves the following questions as part of our everyday work: How do I contribute to the bigger picture? What can I do to make things easier for others? At our university, we work together to create solutions that make a difference to society. But just as significant are the little things we all do each day – how we cooperate, support each other and create a workplace where we are all able to grow. By doing our bit, both individually and together, we are building something better for our tomorrow.

As we look forward to the coming year, we should be inspired by Candide’s wisdom to nurture what lies closest to us, and make a positive difference to the small things, in our international garden, and contribute to success in the shape of a more resilient society. Thank you for everything you have done for SLU over the past year.

I wish you all the best for this festive season and hope you have a happy new year!

Warm regards,
Maria Knutson Wedel
Vice-Chancellor, SLU