Many agree that this year’s HSE-seminar was «the best HSE-seminar ever».  We enjoyed a diverse programme consisting of group sessions with problem solving, a “feel good” seminar with Marco Elsafadi, and a panel debate on the issue – how can K2 become a better place to work?
The HSE-seminar is somewhat similar to Christmas services, it is nice and pleasant to hear about baby Jesus in the crib and sing Christmas carols, but then we forget about it until next Christmas.  This time I want at least some of the lessons and ideas to be remembered and implemented.

Marco Elsafadi talked about his experiences as an athlete and as head of a company, focusing on politeness and generosity.  He talked about Daniel who always greeted others by name, made coffee, and created a pleasant working environment around himself; about laughter and generosity.  It might sound like fluff for “hard core scientists”, but it is actually important that people are happy – the joy of work will increase, and productivity and creativity will rise.  You are all encouraged to greet everyone you meet at K2, and also to learn the name of someone you do not know.

The panel debate was constructive and engaging.  An issue raised by several contributors was common meeting areas.  The K1/K2 seminars and K2-news are both examples of meeting areas which I believe functions well.  Helge Ræder suggested a discussion forum such as Harvard catalyst.  As we do not have the possibility to create our own intranet at K2, we have this week launched the group “K2 katalysator” on Facebook as our “intranet”.  The idea is that the Facebook forum can work as a “water hole” where K2 people can discuss/ask about collaborations, advice when the PCR-reaction do not work, or put in a request for equipment or chemical badly needed.  Further, the page may be used to announce academic and social activities as well as to discuss other scientific or social issues related to K2.  You are all hereby invited to participate!

We will also present the summaries of the various group sessions at the HMS-seminar in upcoming issues of K2-news so that this work will not be forgotten either.  Thus, HSE is on the agenda throughout the entire year.

I wish you all a productive weekend and week.

Eystein Husebye

Acting Head of Department