New AGRO strategy and thank you for the year

In many ways, we have been very successful with the current strategy, which has established a strong academic focus for the department as a key player in the green transition of agriculture. At the same time, we have largely succeeded in implementing a generational transition among researchers, technicians, and administrative staff. However, there are also areas where we have not yet reached our goals. These will be key focus areas in the upcoming strategy.

In October, the department underwent an international evaluation. The outcome of this evaluation can be briefly summarised as follows:

• AGRO has an excellent research environment, supported by strong field and laboratory facilities.
• There are clear examples of world-class research with significant impact both nationally and internationally.
• The research base has the potential to position the department as a leader in key areas of agroecology research.
• AGRO should develop a clearer approach to delivering on its ambitions, including prioritisation of key areas.
• Each research section should highlight 3–5 research results with high significance in terms of research or societal impact.
• The strategic focus areas should have clearer leadership and a plan for how results will be achieved.
• The department should develop a new leadership structure that ensures long-term sustainability in leadership.
• The entire department should be involved in the development of a new strategy.

Last week, the management group (AGRO management) held a two-day retreat where we initiated discussions on a new strategy. The AU and TECH strategies for 2026–2030, as well as the international evaluation, formed the basis for these discussions. We did not complete deliberations on all aspects of the new strategy, but we made a strong start and agreed on how to continue the process, including how to gather input from the sections.

The management agrees that the academic focus areas in the current strategy have been effective in setting direction, but they also require adjustment, as they are not fully comprehensive in all respects. During the winter, we will therefore give all sections the opportunity to provide input on the description of the department’s focus areas. As a basis for discussions within the sections, I will host a webinar where I will share my perspectives on where we come from, where we stand now, and where I believe we should be heading in terms of our academic focus—also with regard to delivering societal impact. It is extremely important that the new strategy clearly articulates how our research can address relevant societal challenges in both the short and long term.

We also discussed the sustainability of the department’s finances. Currently, more than 60% of our income is based on external funding, which places significant demands on effective cost management. It also puts us in a vulnerable position if and when opportunities for external funding change. There is no prospect of receiving a substantial increase in base funding. To strengthen the long-term sustainability of the department’s finances, we must therefore increase income from education and continuing education. Consequently, we are making a strong effort to recruit students to the Bachelor’s programme in Plant and Food Science. At the same time, we are working to establish the foundation for a diploma engineering programme that will complement Plant and Food Science. In addition, we are now initiating the establishment of continuing education programmes, for which sections will have the opportunity to propose topics. These programmes will be developed in collaboration with AU Cetera.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank everyone for an excellent effort throughout the past year. We have achieved a great deal, and I am particularly pleased that we have successfully integrated many new colleagues into the department. It is very important to me that we maintain and strengthen a collaborative culture based on respect and recognition. This contributes to daily well-being and strengthens us academically. I wish you all a very happy holiday season and look forward to our work in the coming year. I can also reveal that I have personally committed to an additional three years as Head of Department. I look forward to our continued collaboration in strengthening our department and our mission to secure the foundation for the green transition of agriculture.