Þórey S. Þórisdóttir appointed to lead University of Iceland research centres

Þórey S. Þórisdóttir has been appointed director of the University of Iceland’s Institute of Research Centres, selected from six applicants, mbl.is reported, citing a university announcement. The institute is due to move to the University of Iceland at Hólar under the founding agreement for the university’s new group, signed this summer.

Þórey holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in international business and marketing, and a doctorate in business administration, all from the University of Iceland. She has about 30 years of management experience in retail, including staff responsibilities, and more than 20 years of experience running businesses. Her work has given her broad experience in budgeting, strategy, human resources and communications, the announcement said.

She has also taught undergraduate and postgraduate students at the university’s School of Business for nearly a decade, supervised master’s students’ final projects and taught at Reykjavík University. Alongside teaching, she has conducted research, secured research grants and held leadership roles on boards and committees.

“I look forward to taking on this new role, learning more about the excellent work being done at the research centres around the country and working with staff on the projects ahead,” Þórey said in the announcement.

University of Iceland rector Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir welcomed the appointment and said the move was an important step in developing the university group. She said the research centres would play a key role in strengthening the university’s work across the country, with a strong hub in Skagafjörður. She also thanked outgoing director Sæunn Stefánsdóttir for her contribution to the institute and to the creation of the university group.

Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir, president of the University of Iceland at Hólar, said the appointment and the transfer of the institute’s administration to Skagafjörður, with a full-time director based there, reflected a policy of strengthening the university at Hólar as a specialised institution outside the capital region and increasing the research centres’ visibility nationwide.

The institute has operated within the University of Iceland for 25 years and includes 12 academically independent research centres around the country. The centres conduct research, educate students and advise postgraduate students. They also work with local communities, including municipalities, institutions, companies, organisations and individuals.

Their research covers areas including marine and terrestrial life, tourism, natural sciences, environmental and land-use issues, literature, history, ethnology and archaeology. Plans are also under way for two new centres: one in education, based in Eskifjörður, and another focused on the Icelandic horse, based at Hólar in Hjaltadalur.