Throughout my career, I have taken on diverse roles across various subjects and sectors, with a primary focus on science and communication. On this page I share some key experiences that reflect my versatility and adaptability.

My work is built on a strong foundation, including two Master of Science degrees—one in Biochemistry (1996) and another in Science Communication (2000).

I began my career by promoting science to young people in Sweden and the UK for ten years. Since then, I have completed numerous assignments, including assisting small organications in developing marketing strategies. Additionally, I have traveled throughout Sweden on behalf of the Swedish Writer’s Union, teaching publishing and marketing.

Three roles held in the life sciences industry

Even though I’ve worked in various sectors, I have always returned to chemistry, medtech or pharma. Below are three examples from the life sciences sector, each representing a different period in my professional journey.

Project leader at IKEM – Innovation and Chemical Industries in Sweden

At IKEM, I serve as project leader on two European projects co-funded by the EU. In the IRISS project, focused on safe and sustainable design, I planned an early career researchers’ event, in collaborating with international colleagues.

In the ChemSkills project, a four-year initiative aimed at enabling the green and digital skills transformation of the European chemical industry, I am IKEM’s project leader. This project spans six sub-sectors, with IKEM responsible for the pharmaceuticals sector. I started this as an employee and continue it as a consultant.

Kristina Svensson, IKEM. Foto Bengt Säll.

Head of Communication at Medtech4Health

As Head of Communication for the first 3.5 years of the Medtech4Health programme, I was responsible for building and executing all communication strategies. This involved traveling across Sweden to present the programme’s offerings and leading initiatives like the Innovation Award.

Medtech4Health is a strategic innovation programme focused on advancing medical technology and driving innovation in healthcare. During external evaluations, the programme’s communication efforts were highly praised, reflecting the effectiveness of the strategies I implemented.

Kristina Svensson, Medtech4Health.

Associate Director Employer Branding at AstraZeneca

During my five years at AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant, I held several roles in HR, including Associate Director. I was accountable for AstraZeneca’s employer brand in Sweden and played a key role in shaping the company’s future approach to attracting and recruiting talent based on market intelligence.

My team was responsible for key areas such as recruitment marketing, employer branding, graduate strategy, and the induction process, ensuring that AstraZeneca remained a competitive and attractive employer in the industry.

Kristina Svensson, AstraZeneca

My publications: a testament to achieving results

For over a decade, I have combined consultancy with travel writing. I would like to highlight my collection of books, written both independently and in collaboration with others. These works exemplify my ability to deliver and complete long-term initiatives, showcasing my commitment to seeing complex tasks through to completion—an attribute I bring to every project I lead.

So far my books are only available in Swedish. They cover topics from archaeolog and industrial history to biology and geology.