Torgny Näsholm

Important future issues for the faculty

The faculty has a very strong position in forest research, including tree biology, forest ecosystems and forest management. Developing this strength, by providing good career opportunities for young scientists and offering excellent conditions for new recruitments and to established scientists, is of central importance for the future of the faculty. I have been a researcher and a teacher for more than three decades. Despite so (or perhaps thanks to that?) I feel more and more inspired and I hope to be able to contribute with my experience and thoughts in the faculty board’s work.

The faculty also needs to strengthen its collaboration and communication, both internally and externally, so that our research results reach out and benefit society and are discussed in a nuanced way – not least in the light of the SVT-series “Slaget om skogen”, which both surprised and distressed me. The forest is a limited resource that should be used and in some cases preserved in the best way. To get there, we need world-class forest research and channels for constructive research and knowledge-based discussions.

A few personal lines

Like everyone else, I have mostly stayed at home during the past year. Before Covid, I traveled quite a bit. A lot of time is spent keeping old summer cottages from decay. The rest of the time is spent keeping track of a 6-month-old dog.