Alumnae appointed first female vice-chancellor at Uppsala University

Eva Åkesson, a graduate of Umeå University, has been appointed as the next vice-chancellor of Uppsala University. The Swedish government reached its formal decision on 24 November. It’s a historical occasion as she will become the first female vice-chancellor of the prestigious institution.

"I am very pleased and honoured, as well as looking forward to this," says Eva Åkesson in an with Sydsvenskan newspaper. "It is a relief that the decision has been finalised, as I can now seriously start preparing myself for my new role and finish up the fun assignments I’ve had here at Lund University."

Eva Åkesson began studying the chemistry at Umeå University in the autumn of 1981 and received a Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1989. She moved to Lund in 1996, where she became involved in efforts to build a research group. Eva Åkesson has held the position as pro-vice-chancellor of Lund University for the past three years, where she had a special responsibility for education.

Eva has continued to keep in touch with Umeå University, including participation in Umeå University’s alumni network, where she regularly receives updates about what’s going on. In addition, her daughter Saga has moved to Umeå to study law.

Eva Åkesson assumes the office as vice-chancellor of Uppsala University on 1 January 2012. Umeå University sends congratulations and wishes her the best of luck.