NEWS This summer, some of Umeå University’s leadership are stepping down. Two of these are Pro-Vice-Chancellor Katrine Riklund and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dieter Müller, who has responsibility for research and doctoral education. Having worked together in management for nine years, they were given a send-off and thanked for their significant efforts and important contributions at a reception in Rotundan at Umeå University.
The farewell of Pro-Vice-Chancellor Katrine Riklund and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dieter Müller took place in the Rotunda on 19 May 2025, led by University Director Hans Wiklund, right. More photos on Swedish page. Photo: Johanna Fredriksson.
“I am convinced that many here today would agree that you both have different strengths and different personalities, but you have truly complemented each other in a way that makes the whole greater than the parts,” said University Director Hans Wiklund, one of the many speakers who tried to summarise the efforts of these two leaders.
Another person who wanted to say a few words was Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg, who participated through a recorded greeting from Portugal, where she was attending the start of Umeå University’s participation in the EU alliance EC2U.
“It has been a special situation to join an existing management team as a new vice-chancellor, but you have really guided me well into the mystery that is Umeå University.” Vice-Chancellor Holmberg wished them both the best of luck and noted that we will be seeing each other in the future.
Cathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate and Master’s Education, was also in Portugal. In her video, she described how well she was welcomed when she began in her position in early 2023:
“You have been a bedrock of our management for a long time and you have defined the platform from which the rest of us could easily navigate: what is happening now and what is coming up. This has provided a great sense of stability. You also warmly welcomed me when I joined the management team as a new member.”
Another speaker was Peter Sköld, a professor of history, Sámi culture and social development at Umeå University and the Vice-Chancellor’s advisor on Arctic and international affairs. He was also the master of ceremonies. The incoming vice-chair of the Umeå Medical and Health Sciences Student Union, Benjamin Blecher, thanked the two for their close cooperation with the student unions.
Hans Wiklund wrapped up with some closing words:
“We’ve had fun and at times it has been challenging, but it has always been professionally enriching. I know that many others share the same positive view. So, on behalf of Umeå University, I would like to express our warmest thanks for your fantastic efforts and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
Afterwards, Riklund and Müller thanked everyone attending the reception, with Riklund concluding their comments with a look forward:
“Certainly, there are a lot of things we have done and accomplished, but I would just like to give a word of advice to those taking over that nothing is complete. There are plenty of challenges ahead. Be constructive while asking hard questions. We can always be better.”
“Yes, we are proud of what we’ve done but not satisfied,” Müller added before their farewell turned to personal thanks and mingling.
The formal change of leadership will be on 1 July 2025, when Katrine Riklund will take over as dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dieter Müller will return to his research at the Department of Geography.
The new Pro-vice-chancellor from 1 July will be Patrik Danielson, professor of anatomy, senior physician of eye diseases, and since 2017 dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University. Thomas Olofsson will become Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research. Olofsson’s previous positions have include serving as head of the Umeå School of Architecture, head of the Umeå Institute of Design and head of the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics. He has also worked as a principle investigator, with the management of research infrastructures and with undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral education.