Peter Aronsson
Vice-chancellor, professor of history
Peter Aronsson is vice-chancellor of Linnaeus University. His research includes local and regional history, the dynamics of democratic political culture, history education, uses of history, and cultural heritage.
The International Association of Universities (IAU) was founded in 1950 under the auspices of Unesco. Today, IAU is the world’s largest global organisation for higher education institutions and organisations, with over 600 members from 130 countries.
– IAU offers insights into both the challenges and the positive experiences found in Africa, South America, and other continents. Keeping the global academic community vibrant and benefitting from mutual exchange of experience is incredibly important, says Peter Aronsson, vice-chancellor of Linnaeus University.
As a member of the IAU’s leadership, the Administrative Board, Aronsson is deeply involved in shaping the organisation’s operational plan. The IAU works with issues such as digital transformation, sustainability, international collaboration, and global leadership training.
Chair in open science
Aronsson’s greatest commitment is to open science. As chair of the IAU’s Open Science Expert Group, he has brought together 30 individuals from all continents to formulate recommendations on how universities worldwide should act on this issue. Their work has resulted in the publication Open Science: The Challenge for Universities, in which the expert group urges universities to take the lead in promoting open science.
– The differences of opinion we see in Sweden exist also globally. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the commercial publishers’ handling of academic content? It’s clear that our current agreements with them are not at all beneficial for the Global South. They simply can’t afford to publish, which increases inequality globally. Therefore, we must find alternative solutions.
A prerequisite for rapid progress
Open science is an absolute prerequisite for scientific progress to occur as rapidly as possible, argues Peter Aronsson. A vital example is the ability to collaborate across borders that was demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, which made it possible to develop vaccines so swiftly.
– It’s also important that we uphold the idea of peaceful cooperation based on knowledge and reason – especially at a time when there is a growing belief that conflicts can be resolved through military means. Thus, both the problem-solving and society-building roles of universities are present within the IAU.
Once a year, the IAU convenes for a global conference. This year’s meeting is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, and at Linnaeus University, plans to strengthen partnerships with Rwanda and Kenya are well underway.
The conference brings together representatives from hundreds of universities around the world. Issues are discussed, contacts are established, and collaborations are initiated. The conversations are many and rewarding.
– Europe is home turf – you recognise most things. But the conversations with representatives from other continents really give you pause for thought. When you ask someone from a university in Mali ‘What is your biggest challenge?’ and they respond that it hasn’t rained for three years, it puts budget discussions and other matters into perspective.