SLU professor appointed Secretary General at the Swedish Research Council

Stefan Bertilsson's research focuses on the diversity, ecology, and importance of microorganisms for biogeochemical processes in lakes, oceans, wetlands, and groundwater. He has also been strongly involved in the development of national research infrastructures, including SciLifeLab and SITES (Swedish Infrastructure for Ecosystem Science).

The Secretary General for a subject area at the Swedish Research Council has a national responsibility to lead and coordinate development within their research field. The assignment involves driving development within the subject area, providing the government with a basis for its research policy, and working to ensure that Swedish research is internationally competitive. The role is also central to building networks and collaboration both nationally and internationally.

"In my opinion, this role represents a unique opportunity to work in a focused and strategic manner on issues related to research funding, research policy, and the role and influence of science in society. I want to contribute to ensuring that high-quality and innovative research has a greater impact and that scientifically based knowledge is used as support in decision-making," says Stefan Bertilsson.

Stefan Bertilsson sees great opportunities in strengthening the collaboration between the Swedish Research Council's Subject Council for Natural Sciences and the new Committee for Engineering Sciences, as well as in developing the interfaces with medicine and social sciences. He also highlights the importance of international collaboration and of creating strong, creative research environments.

"I want to push for more international research collaboration and to establish strong, creative research environments. In a time characterized by many alternative facts, it feels particularly important to me to highlight the role of science in the societal debate," he concludes.

Stefan Bertilsson will take up his position as Secretary General for Natural Sciences on 1 October 2025. He will continue a 25 percent research appointment at SLU, allowing him to pursue his scientific work alongside his responsibilities as Secretary General.