"I am humbled and delighted to have been given the trust of universities across Europe, and I am ready to contribute a Nordic perspective to the discussions within EUA," says Rector Sunniva Whittaker.
"There are worrying developments in several European countries. The university sector must stand together to safeguard democracy and demonstrate the value of research, education and innovation for society," says Whittaker.
Asked to stand for election
The European University Association (EUA) represents over 900 universities and national rectors' conferences in 48 countries and is the most important voice for higher education and research in Europe. Currently, there is no representation from Northern Europe on the board.
When one of the board positions recently became vacant, she was asked by Nordic rector organisations to stand for election. Whittaker recently handed over the role as chair of Universities Norway (Universitets- og høgskolerådet) to NTNU Rector Tor Grande after four years. She has also served as a representative on EUA's strategic council.
"In that role, I could contribute important perspectives, but as a board member you're naturally closer to shaping what EUA stands for and does," says Whittaker.
Before the election was decided, the UiA rector highlighted EUA's vision of "universities without walls" as another motivating factor.
"It describes the dual role universities have: to be a critical voice in societal development, but also to contribute to value creation and competitiveness," she toldKhrono, the online newspaper for the university and university college sector (in Norwegian).
Whittaker has also recently been appointed to the board of Stockholm University and sits on the Strategic Council of Université Bourgogne Europe in France.