Vetenskap & Allmänhet, VA (Public & Science) is delighted to announce the appointment of Ulrika Björkstén as VA’s new Secretary General. She succeeds Cissi Askwall and will become the association’s third Secretary General since the association was founded in 2002.
“Rapid developments in science offer solutions to the great challenges that we currently face but at the same time often confront us with new difficult decisions, both as individuals and as a society. Therefore, an organisation like VA (Public & Science) has an increasingly important role to play, and it is a real privilege to have the opportunity to be a part of, and lead this work,” says Ulrika Björkstén.
Ulrika Björkstén currently works as a science commentator at Sveriges Radio (Swedish Radio), and was previously Editor-in-chief at Vetenskapsradion (Swedish Science Radio). She holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry and recently received an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of History and Philosophy at Uppsala University for her work in science journalism.
I see it as a matter of democracy that as many people as possible are given the tools to understand and discuss new scientific knowledge
“I see it as a matter of democracy that as many people as possible are given the tools to understand and discuss new scientific knowledge,” says Ulrika Björkstén.
The Chair of VA’s Board of Directors, Ann Fust, is pleased to welcome Ulrika Björkstén as the new Secretary General of the association.
”Ulrika brings solid experience and will be able, together with VA’s staff and members, to continue to take forward VA’s important work. With Ulrika on board, the organisation has an opportunity to further dialogue between researchers, politicians and the public, at a time where these issues are really centre stage,” says Ann Fust.
Ulrika Björkstén will take up her position at VA on 14 August. In the meantime, Gustav Bohlin, VA’s Assistant Secretary General will act as interim Secretary General.
