Keynote Speakers
Here you can explore the keynote speakers who will join us at NUAS Forum 2026. Each keynote offers a unique perspective on this year’s theme, University Sovereignty – Resilient Administration in a Rapidly Changing World.
Our speakers approach the theme from different angles and, together, provide a broad, inspiring, and thought‑provoking framework for the conference.
Gudni Th. Jóhannesson
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson is the former President of Iceland (2016–2024) and currently a Professor of History at the University of Iceland. Drawing on his experience from both the political and academic spheres, he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of geopolitics, democracy, and the role of universities in society.
During his presidency, he was a strong advocate for human rights, international cooperation, and social cohesion. His academic work has focused on international relations, constitutional history, and Iceland’s place in a changing global landscape.
Hanne Leth Andersen
Hanne Leth Andersen is a professor of higher education pedagogy and former Rector of Roskilde University. Throughout her career, she has combined academic leadership, educational research, and strategic university development, with a particular focus on assessment, quality assurance, internationalisation, and teaching innovation.
An internationally recognised advisor on university strategy and quality systems, she brings extensive experience from collaborations with universities and government bodies across Europe. Drawing on this background, she offers a forward-looking perspective on how Nordic universities can build on their shared strengths, foster innovation and international collaboration, and continue to play a leading role in addressing future societal challenges.
Kristiina Mäkelä
Kristiina Mäkelä is a Professor of International Business at Aalto University School of Business, where she specialises in international human resource management and global talent management. Her research focuses on people management in multinational organisations, including the future of work, diversity and inclusion, and the management of talent across borders.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to advancing knowledge on how organisations operate in increasingly international and complex environments, with a particular emphasis on leadership, careers, and global work. Her work has been widely published in leading academic journals, and she is an active contributor to international research collaborations.
Kristina Háfoss
Kristina Háfoss is Secretary General of the Nordic Council Secretariat, where she leads the work of supporting parliamentary cooperation across the Nordic region. With academic backgrounds in both economics and law, she brings extensive experience from public administration, politics, and international cooperation.
Throughout her career, she has held a number of senior leadership positions, including serving as Minister of Finance and Minister of Education, Research and Culture in the Faroe Islands. She has also worked in the financial sector and served as a member of the Faroese Parliament, contributing to policy development and governance across a range of areas.
Drawing on this background, she offers valuable insights into Nordic cooperation, public leadership, and the role of democratic institutions in addressing shared societal challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
Shirin Ahlbäck Öberg
Shirin Ahlbäck Öberg is a Professor of Political Science at Uppsala University, where her research focuses on public administration, governance, and the organisation of the public sector. Her work examines the auditing and monitoring of government, the development of the “audit society,” and how public sector reforms—particularly New Public Management—affect professionalism and institutional practice.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to advancing understanding of how public institutions are governed and how administrative reforms intersect with core democratic and constitutional principles. Her research also explores the governance of universities and the changing conditions for academic work and academic freedom.
In addition to her academic work, she has extensive teaching experience and is frequently engaged as an expert in public debates on governance and higher education. She also served as a member of the Swedish Corona Commission (2020–2022).
Drawing on this background, she offers a critical and forward-looking perspective on the role of universities and public institutions in balancing accountability, autonomy, and democratic values in a rapidly changing world.
Søren Lind Christiansen
Søren Lind Christiansen is University Director at Aalborg University and Chair of NUAS, the Nordic Association of University Administrators. With a background in political science and executive leadership, he brings extensive experience in university management, organisational development, and strategic governance across the higher education sector.
Prior to joining Aalborg University in 2020, he held senior leadership positions at University College Absalon and the University of Southern Denmark. Drawing on this background and his engagement in Nordic higher education collaboration, he offers valuable insights into university administration, institutional development, and the opportunities facing universities in a rapidly changing environment.
Søren Munk Skydsgaard
Søren Munk Skydsgaard is University Director at the University of Copenhagen and a member of the university’s Rectorate. An economist by training, he brings extensive experience in public sector leadership, governance, and organisational development.
Prior to joining the University of Copenhagen in 2023, he held senior leadership positions in the City of Copenhagen, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, the Agency for Science and Innovation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Drawing on this background, he offers a practical perspective on university leadership, institutional strategy, and the role of higher education in addressing complex societal challenges.