Catherine Legrand, Professor of Marine Ecology, started her position as Dean and Academic leader at the School of Health and Welfare in spring 2025.

Catherine has an extensive background in academia with experience in leadership in education and research, as well as sustainability and internationalization issues. She joins us from Halmstad University where she was Head of the School of Economics, Innovation and Sustainability. She has previously been Vice-Chancellor at Linnaeus University. She is appointed by the Swedish government as a member of the Water Delegation for the Water Authority of the Southern Baltic Sea Water District.

Catherine Legrand is Professor of Marine Ecology. Her research on aquatic microbes, mainly marine, linked to the health of aquatic ecosystems under human pressure is internationally recognized. A focus on innovative solutions contributes to clean water and clean air in a climate change perspective. The vision is to contribute to sustainable blue growth with innovative monitoring tools, algae technologies, renewable energy, high-value products and nutrient recycling. She involves students, communities and the private sector in research and teaching where there is room for experimentation, prototyping and creativity. She received VR's Swedish Science Impact Award in 2017 and has a solid network in the international research community, including in the Nordic countries.

Read more about Catherine Legrand's research here External link, opens in new window.