Recruitment of vice-chancellor

Peter Aronsson’s appointment as vice-chancellor of Linnaeus University runs until 30 September 2026, and he has announced that he will not be available for reappointment. On this page, you can follow the process of recruiting a new vice-chancellor.

Under the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, vice-chancellors are appointed by the government, based on a proposal from the university board. The appointment is for six years and may be renewed twice, for a maximum of three years at a time. This means that a vice-chancellor can serve at a higher education institution for a maximum of twelve years.

Linnaeus University’s local regulations for the recruitment of a vice-chancellor allow for recruitment either by reappointment or through open competition. The current vice-chancellor, Peter Aronsson, is in post until 30 September 2026, and he has announced that he will not be available for reappointment. Therefore, on 8 April 2025, the Linnaeus University board decided to initiate a recruitment process through open competition. At the same time, the board also decided on the composition of a recruitment group and an overall timeline for the recruitment process.

As part of the recruitment process, teaching staff, students and other employees are to be consulted. This is normally done through consultation groups.

Recruitment group

The task of the recruitment group is to coordinate the recruitment process and propose a candidate for vice-chancellor to the university board. The group consists of:

  • Maria Larsson, chair of the university board (convener)
  • Karin Röding, external member of the university board
  • Jarone Pinhassi, academic staff representative on the university board
  • The chair of the Linnaeus Union
  • Jan Andersson, representative of the staff organisations (rights to attend and speak)

Overall timeline

8 April 2025
The board approves the process, appoints the recruitment group and sets the overall timeline.

9 June 2025
The board approves the candidate specification.

June–Sept 2025
Call for applications and opportunity to nominate candidates.

Oct 2025
Interviews.

Nov 2025
Consultation.

19 Feb 2026
The board suggests new vice-chancellor.