Change of Vice-Chancellor in 2028

Vice-Chancellor Robert Egnell has informed the Chair of the University Board that he will not be seeking another extension of his appointment. This means that he will step down as Vice-Chancellor on 31 March 2028, when his current term of office ends. The Chair of the University Board and the Vice-Chancellor have informed the Board, which will now begin the recruitment process.

“I understand and respect Robert Egnell’s decision. He has made significant strategic contributions to the development and positioning of the University. At the same time, I look forward to continuing to work with Robert and the Board over the remaining 18 months,” says Carl Fredrik Graf, Chair of the University Board.

Robert Egnell took up his position as Vice-Chancellor in 2019 and will therefore have served a total of nine years.

“It is far too early to start summing things up, but what an incredible few years I have had at the Swedish Defence University! I cannot imagine a better or more rewarding job, but after nine years it will be time to hand over the reins. What comes next for me remains to be seen,” says Robert Egnell, whose permanent position is Professor of Leadership and Command at the University.

Recruitment of a new Vice-Chancellor

The recruitment of a Vice-Chancellor at a Swedish university is governed by the Higher Education Ordinance. Vice-Chancellors are appointed by the Swedish Government following a proposal from the University Board. The initial appointment is for six years, with the possibility of two extensions of three years each.

The Higher Education Ordinance sets out several requirements for the recruitment process, including:

• Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for appointment as a professor or senior lecturer.
• Before proposing a candidate, the Board must consult academic staff, other employees and students through a formal consultation process.
• The Board must take gender equality into account by ensuring, as far as possible, that both women and men are represented among the candidates.

Based on the requirements of the Higher Education Ordinance, the Swedish Defence University Board will establish local procedures for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor.

The recruitment process is led by the Chair of the University Board and typically takes just over a year before a final candidate is proposed to the Government.