A total of 162 people. That is the number to have held the prestigious position as Vice-Chancellor of Lund University. The next term of office begins on 1 January 2027, and to say the recruitment process has begun in good time might be an understatement.
“The Recruitment Committee has already had a number of meetings, in which we have produced a draft person specification,” says Ingrid Petersson, chair of the University Board and of the Recruitment Committee.
The post of Vice-Chancellor at Lund University entails an overarching responsibility for education, research and external engagement with wider society. The Vice-Chancellor sets aside funding for strategic investments and monitors the activities of the University’s nine faculties. The role also includes a significant amount of travel, for visits to partner universities such as Imperial College London or the National University of Singapore, on the other side of the world.
When in Lund, the Vice-Chancellor takes part in formal events and ceremonies such as the annual inauguration of new professors. On such occasions, the Vice-Chancellor wears a gold medal that is as heavy as it is old – originally a gift from King Oscar II in 1882. Such events, however, are significantly less common than meetings with the Government, businesses and municipalities.
“Being Vice-Chancellor means acting as Lund University’s foremost outward representative and standing up for and utilising the University’s interests locally, nationally and internationally. That could mean influencing Government proposals or establishing international collaborations,” says Ingrid Petersson.
Challenges to academic freedom are significant
This year’s recruitment process for a new Vice-Chancellor does not see any major changes. However, the threat to academic freedom in many parts of the world is expected to affect the assignment in future.
“Protecting academic freedom and the University’s autonomy is getting more and more important. Geopolitical tensions also mean that more attention needs to be paid to security issues. In the past six years, developments in digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence have moved very quickly. This presents the University with opportunities, but also challenges. This is something that the Recruitment Committee needs to factor in when selecting candidates,” says Ingrid Petersson.
A new Vice-Chancellor is appointed for a six-year term. The appointment can then be extended for three years. The Government has on occasion extended the term by a further three years. To date, the post has been held by a woman once.
Key dates
- December 2025: Person specification established.
- Spring 2026: The Recruitment Committee interviews candidates for Vice-Chancellor and makes a selection.
- May 2026: Consultations with teaching staff, other employees and students in the Electoral College about the Vice-Chancellor candidates and a vote, the result of which is reported to the Recruitment Committee.
- June 2026: The University Board proposes a Vice-Chancellor to the Government. The Government then decides who is to be appointed Vice-Chancellor.
- Autumn 2026: The Recruitment Committee interview candidates for Vice-Chancellor and make a selection for deputy vice-chancellor.
- November 2026: Consultations with the Electoral College about candidates for deputy vice-chancellor.
- December 2026: Deputy vice-chancellor appointed by the University Board.
- 1 January 2027: The Vice-Chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor take office