Stockholm University researchers praised for their academic leadership
Researchers Georgia Destouni and Lisen Schultz given a grant of SEK 100,000 for their leadership efforts
The scholarship from the Janne Carlsson fundraising foundation for academic leadership is awarded to encourage people active in Swedish academia to develop their leadership skills.
Georgia Destouni , professor at Stockholm University and visiting professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, is awarded for ‘her outstanding academic leadership and significant contribution to interdisciplinary research and collaboration for sustainable development.’
By initiating and leading collaborations in living labs that bring together expertise from different disciplines, universities and sectors, such as the SATORI Research Lab , Destouni has created platforms to address complex sustainability challenges and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Building bridges
Destouni's achievements combine scientific depth and collaborative capacity at the highest international level, as evidenced by her extensive positions of trust and recognition, the motivation says.
‘Dr Destouni's work has not only fostered innovative research but also built bridges between academia, society and strategic partners for a sustainable future.’
Lisen Schultz , associate professor and deputy director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University, is recognised for her ‘innovative academic leadership’ and her extensive work in integrating sustainability research into practical solutions for both business and trade unions.
Through her leadership of initiatives such as the Executive Programme in Resilience Thinking and training programmes for trade union leaders, she has provided leaders with tools and insights to strengthen their role in the climate and just transition.
The motivation reads:
‘Lisen Schultz is an inspiring leader whose efforts are leaving a significant mark on the future of sustainability.’
Genuinely curious about the world
The recipients are honoured and pleasantly surprised to receive the scholarship. They are also keen to highlight the work of their respective colleagues at SATORI Research Lab and Stockholm Resilience Centre.
Both are passionate about leadership that inspires researchers, students, and society at large to develop new knowledge and use it to make informed decisions.
“I am passionate about a leadership that inspires, guides and creates the best conditions for knowledge development in leading research and research-related education of the highest quality, with collaboration and innovations that can strengthen our societies, the interaction with all other life around us, and the ability to meet major changes and challenges,” says Georgia Destouni.
"A strong inner compass combined with genuine curiosity about the world are, I believe, good ingredients. Interdisciplinarity also requires a well-developed ability and willingness to co-operate with people who think differently from you," adds Schultz.
The scholarship was established in 1998 by the Janne Carlsson fundraising foundation for academic leadership and was awarded by KTH at the academic ceremony on 11 April. The confirmation of the scholarship is given in the form of a diploma.