Thomas Olofsson appointed new Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Thomas Olofsson has a broad and long experience from several management and leadership positions, including head of department of Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå Institute of Design and the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics. He has also worked as head of research, managing research infrastructures and with undergraduate and Master’s level education as well as doctoral education.

“Thomas has a very solid and broad experience and knowledge of education and research at universities. He also has valuable experience from his various roles as head of department, which is a perspective that is important for our academic activities”, says Tora Holmberg.

Thomas Olofsson, new Deputy Vice-Chancellor. 

ImageHans Karlsson

Thomas Olofsson has experience of developing and leading research and research infrastructures also at other universities in Sweden and the USA, as well as in industry. He has worked with research infrastructures as part of his experimental research. One area he considers important is establishing activities and collaborations with partners that complement and reinforce each other, and which in turn can provide access to various networks with companies, authorities and other infrastructures.

Within academia, Thomas Olofsson has worked for 25 years with strategic funding of both doctoral projects and time for senior researchers by simultaneously applying for and receiving grants from both research councils and regional funds with EU funding.

”Thomas's experiences in all aspects of external research funding are also extensive. By both seeking, obtaining and conducting research together with international networks and participating in evaluations of research applications both nationally and internationally, such as for the European Commission, he possesses considerable knowledge in this area as well”, says Tora.

The assignment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor is valid for the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2031.