During my period at K2 I have yet to come across a colleague who is not great and dedicated, either they have been research fellows, post doctorates, scientists, technicians, administrative staff or professors.

There is a staggering amount of competence at our institute. The infrastructure is good, and eventually all the different departments will be able to move into new sites.

With the good conditions, it has been truly inspiring to see the first results of K2´s new structure. One of the measuring parameters especially interesting to me is the increase in applicants. In the planning process we thought we were ambitious in our estimates of contributors to increase by 30 %. The most recent calculations show an increase of 45%. This is a clear sign of the difference all of you make every day -you made it happen! You are a force to be reckoned with, in a competitive international arena.

It’s sad then, when the focus is on contribution margins, when we should be celebrating our results which are science and research led. Contribution margins are governed by politicians, and an important component of the financing of our institute. However, the decisions are led by politicians, while the institute management can focus on influencing (politicians), and argue in favour of full finance packets, in those arenas available to us.

Within the field of teaching K2 has shown its credentials, winning multiple prices and awards, we have dedicated teachers strategically placed in the new semester board, these are important premise providers of future education within the field of medicine.

Talk each other up! You’re only as good as the company you keep, therefore cheer your colleagues on. I find that the best reward is rather accolades from a colleague, than an acquaintance. Motivate each other, work is so much more fun smiling. If it doesn’t quite go to plan, make sure you have each others backs. The support you can give a colleague is invaluable for the work environment.
It’s a fact. All scientists have been rejected at some point, it helps up and coming scientist if you share your experience, help them along by not giving up.

A hope I know I share with many of you, is to recruit more women scientists. The female share is embarrassingly low, so here’s my cry of hope for the future: get more of those brilliant women here!

I wish you all the best of luck with all your exciting projects, the new study schedule within farmacy and medicine the coming years. It’s been a great joy to be a part of K2. New (and greener) pastures await me at the institute of Biology. I do hope we can find projects to work for both institutes in the future. You are all welcome to visit me at Marineholmen.

Enjoy your weekend,
Kindly,
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