Ole Petter Ottersen, president Karolinska Institutet 2017-2023

University Director Per Bengtsson and myself in Erling Persson-salen at one of four information meetings for students and staff.

During the latter part of this week I participated in a number of information meetings in relation to the crisis that has, among other things, led to the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor, Anders Hamsten. For me, this was a valuable opportunity to meet colleagues and students. Our dialog and your questions, opinions and reflections are critically important for my ability to lead KI forward.

I have not been able to answer all the questions posed. This is partly because I have limited knowledge about the Macchiarini affair. The issue is complex and stretches several years back in time. In part it is also due to the fact that many questions still await an answer.

Many wonder how KI could end up in the present situation. I also ask myself this question. At present there are twelve on-going investigations that will provide answers to at least some of the questions that have been raised. The investigations should also give advice how we can act to minimize similar events in the future. However, even if we improve rules, controls and support the most important thing will still be how we as individuals act. Undesired events will always occur in a large organisation like KI. The important thing is that we act rapidly and strongly in such situations.

Some believe that KI’s leadership has not distanced itself sufficiently from the events that have occurred. The reaction of the KI leadership could have been stronger. The events that were unveiled by the SVT documentary appear to be highly unethical and unacceptable. Both the previous and present leadership position themselves clearly against the happenings that were described. I recommend all of you to read Anders Hamsten’s self-critical article in Dagens Nyheter.

At the meetings, questions were raised about the future of Jan Carlstedt-Duke, Senior Adviser Rectorate (rektorsråd) under Anders Hamsten. Carlstedt-Duke tendered his resignation as “rektorsråd” on Monday this week and will be given new work tasks. This news was not spread internally since his future work tasks have not yet been decided. Instead, the news was spread first by the media after the first information meeting. The media presentation indicated that the he had been dismissed but this is not the case. It is however true, that there will not be a ”rektorsråd” position during my time as acting Vice-Chancellor.

My most important task now is to take the steps needed to re-establish trust  in our university and to achieve this I need help from you all. I want to know what you think and I want you to challenge and question my ideas. I welcome your feed-back.