With experience from universities in several parts of the world and a strong commitment to democracy, human rights and education, Annika Rudman has taken on the role of Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
“I want to contribute to the faculty’s continued development through dialogue, collaboration and a long-term perspective,” says Annika Rudman, who has served as Dean since 1 July.
Annika Rudman is a lawyer who has spent most of her professional career in academia as a researcher, lecturer and academic leader. Over the past twenty years, she has worked at universities in several countries, primarily in Southern and Eastern Africa.
“Those experiences have shaped me both as a researcher and as a leader and have sparked a strong interest in issues of democracy, human rights, gender equality and the role of education in societal development.”
Since 2024, she has been Professor of Gender Studies at Karlstad University. Before taking up the position of Dean, she served as Head of Subject, Research Centre Director and Programme Director in Gender Studies. She also led a research project on women’s rights and strategic litigation funded by the Swedish Research Council.
Creating conditions for development
What attracted Annika Rudman to the role was the opportunity to contribute to the faculty’s development from a broader perspective. Higher education and research are currently undergoing significant change, making the role both important and exciting.
“I enjoy building organisations, creating the conditions for others to succeed and working strategically with long-term issues. What I look forward to most is meeting colleagues, getting to know the faculty’s activities and continuing to build on its many strengths together.”
She describes her leadership style as values-driven, clear and relationship-oriented.
“For me, leadership is about building trust through openness and dialogue. I believe in listening, being present and making clear decisions when needed.”
Strong programmes and important societal issues
According to Annika Rudman, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences plays an important role in contributing knowledge to some of the major societal challenges of our time. The faculty’s disciplines help us understand people, society and the changes shaping the world around us.
“We have dedicated colleagues, strong degree programmes and research that has significant impact both regionally and internationally. I also see a culture where many people are eager to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, which is a great strength for the future.”
What opportunities and challenges lie ahead?
“The higher education sector faces a number of challenges, including financial pressures, demographic changes and intense competition for research funding. At the same time, the need for knowledge about democracy, culture, social sustainability, the implications of AI and global societal issues has perhaps never been greater.
“Many of these issues lie at the heart of what the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences works with. The challenge will be to continue developing and setting priorities wisely without losing the creative energy that characterise the faculty.”
First priority: listening
During her first months as Dean, Annika Rudman wants above all to foster dialogue and build relationships across the faculty.
“My first priority is to listen. I want to meet as many people as possible and gain a deeper understanding of the faculty’s needs, opportunities and challenges.”
In the longer term, she hopes the faculty will continue to be an open, courageous and forward-looking environment where high quality is combined with societal engagement and internationalisation.
“I want us to be a natural partner in addressing important societal challenges, while safeguarding academic freedom and the distinctive character of our different disciplines. I hope that both staff and students feel proud to be part of the faculty and that we continue to strengthen our visibility and international profile.”
