On June 13, 2025, Rectors and Deans from NORDTEK member universities convened at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilnius Tech) for the Annual General Meeting. The gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, reflect on ongoing initiatives, and set the course for the future of the NORDTEK network. Here are the key takeaways:
New Appointments to the NORDTEK Board of Directors
The meeting elected four new members to the NORDTEK Board of Directors:
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Jyrki Vuorinen, Tampere University – replacing Mika Hannula
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Johan Ölvander, Linköping University – replacing Mikael Elofsson
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Adas Meškėnas, Vilnius Tech – replacing Eugenijus Valatka
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Louise Møller Haase, Aarhus University – replacing Finn Borchsenius
We thank the outgoing members for their service and warmly welcome the new Board members as they take on this important role.
NORDTEK Secretariat Transition
After many years of dedicated service, Secretary General Peter Göranson will be stepping down. From August 1, 2025, the NORDTEK Secretariat will be operated by Linköping University, with Mathias Henningsson taking over as the new Secretary General. The network extends its sincere gratitude to Peter for his invaluable contributions.
New NORDTEK President
Ólafur Pétur Pálsson from the University of Iceland will assume the position of President of NORDTEK, succeeding Maarja Kruusmaa from Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). We thank President Kruusmaa for her leadership and look forward to continued progress under Ólafur’s guidance.
Upcoming NORDTEK Conferences
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54th NORDTEK Conference
📍 Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
📅 June 2–4, 2026
🧠 Theme: “Digital Humanism and Engineering” -
55th NORDTEK Conference
📍 The Arctic University of Norway, Narvik
📅 June 8–10, 2027
These events will continue to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation among Nordic and Baltic technical universities.
Reflections on European University Alliances
The Rectors and Deans also shared insights and reflections from their involvement in various European University Alliances. While many noted the value of international collaboration, recurring challenges such as differing university cultures and organizational structures were highlighted.
In this context, NORDTEK was recognized as a highly effective and complementary platform. Its dynamic and flexible model offers member institutions a more streamlined and impactful avenue for cooperation in engineering education and research.
