Christmas Greetings from the Vice-Chancellor

The semester has, as so often, gone by quickly. This year's Christmas calendar on television is called “The Time Thief” and maybe many of you are, as me, suddenly realizing it is December and, a little confused, wonder where autumn went. How come time was infinite when I was child?

I have heard that research shows that time is perceived as relative depending on how much is happening. Think of a vacation week with new experiences compared to a work week, or waiting for the bus for five minutes compared to five minutes left until a deadline. I think of the character Alfons Åberg whose time passed slowly when he was bored. But his grandmother pointed out that it was very healthy to be bored – because then you appreciate the fun all the more.

But 2025 at SLU has certainly not been boring.  Speaking of time, we have celebrated 250 years of Swedish veterinary medicine and one of our seven student unions, Skogsmästarskolans studentkår, has celebrated 125 years and many employees have celebrated NOR (Nit och Redlighet) after 30 years in government service. At the same time, we are preparing for the future; it is vital to remember the importance of the windshield being larger than the rear-view mirror. Before Christmas, the board decided on our updated strategy, and I am very grateful for all the wise input. Even if the world around us contains a lot or rapid change in climate, geopolitics, technological development or conditions for academic activities, we at SLU can continue to build on our many and great strengths as a university.

Through reliable data and scientifically based environmental analysis, we contribute to solid knowledge about the environment and its ecosystem services. Ultimately, it provides the right actions in the right place, long-term improvements to the environment, and a wise use of resources. Our research is extremely highly cited and with a university-wide call for Assistant Professors, SLU Futures, the number of applicants for our positions increased up to four times. We not only demonstrate scientific long-term relevance, but also the direct benefit is appreciated: For example through the government's long-term investment in our industry-close plant breeding activities in SLU Grogrund in the triple helix model. Within education, development takes place both in small continuous improvements and in large steps such as a master's degree in animal nursing, a five year engineering degree in bioresource systems, a new introductory year and investments in lifelong learning. Our student unions have also this year made great voluntary efforts for their fellow students, with everything from student participation in long meetings to the important social events that make student life a very special time.

In order to meet some of the challenges in the outside world, I can recommend the excellent website with support for AI that our university administration jointly have built and which contains courses, facts, links and tips. I also hope that the new organisation for an inclusive work environment will give us good support for how we can work with tricky situations, not least how we can support each other in case of goal conflicts or when academic fact-based results meet strong opinions in public debate.

Now we are entering a period that hopefully gives us a chance to stop, let our thoughts catch up and make room for things that are otherwise pushed aside in everyday life. I hope that during the Christmas holidays you will find time for rest, recovery and things that bring joy and energy. Even those of you who need to work during Christmas, I hope will have days with a slower pace. And maybe a few days can also be a little boring. Not too boring, of course, but just enough to provide moments where new ideas can find their way. Because new ideas are truly a hallmark of our university.

Thank you for your commitment during the year. When we meet again in January, the days will already be a little longer!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Maria Knutson Wedel