Dear colleagues,

the position of Rector of the University of Iceland has now been advertised, and with this email I would like to confirm the media reports; I am running for the position. My aim is to lead the university in service to society. The advertisement for the position states that eligible candidates must qualify as professors; have leadership skills, and a clear and ambitious vision for the university; strong communication skills, and extensive experience in management and policy-making.” I am proud to declare that I believe I meet all of these criteria.

I became a professor at the Faculty of Political Science in 2020, but I have worked at the University of Iceland for almost two decades. First I was a part-time lecturer and adjunct III; then director of the Institute of International Affairs at the University of Iceland, and later as adjunct I. While in that role, I completed my PhD from University College Cork in Ireland and was subsequently hired as assistant professor at the Faculty of Political Science.

Since 2022, I have represented the university community by serving on the University Council of the University of Iceland, which has been a great way to prepare for this role. There I have gained valuable insights into most aspects of the university’s operations, and in my work for the University of Iceland I have also served on various boards and committees. Outside of the University, I have held various leadership positions, for example, as President of the Icelandic Red Cross, where I led the development of its strategy for 2020-2030. I was also the last chair of the Gender Equality Council in 2019-2021. My interests are diverse, which is reflected to some extent in the fact that I have taught at all five schools of the University.

Although I work a lot, I enjoy many hobbies ranging from cross-stitching to powerlifting. I read a lot, chair my housing association(!), and participate in the community on Hrísey island, where I share a vacation home with my friends (and have a 70 year old Ferguson tractor).

I am running for Rector of the University of Iceland to fight for and safeguard the interests of the university, to strengthen its dynamic and important work whilst improving the working conditions for both staff and students. As can be seen from the scant discussion of universities in the new government’s platform, there is work to be done. Due to my extensive experience in public communication explaining and analysing various research and social issues, I believe I am well suited to become a spokesperson for the University of Iceland.

My goal is to maintain and increase transparency at all levels of the university’s administration. I want to work towards interactive consultation, for major issues to be presented at faculty meetings and school boards, and for leaders to be trained in having conversations and consultations to resolve the challenges facing the university. I want to seek the opinions of school boards on all major decisions that the rector must make, thus ensuring active consultation.

The University of Iceland is a leading force in Icelandic society, and its strength is an important prerequisite for the growth and success of Icelandic society. The strength of the university lies in its competent staff, and I want to both utilize and protect that resource. At the same time, I want to ensure increased consultation with students about the development of studies and the future of the university, for example through user consultation. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with students and staff in the coming weeks to introduce in more detail what kind of rector I want to be.

Below are my main focus areas. You can also follow my candidacy on my Facebook page