Samuel Engblom – New Director of the Nordic Welfare Centre
Photographer
Stina Gränfors
Samuel Engblom has held several senior roles at the intersection of research, politics, and public administration, and has extensive knowledge of the Nordic welfare system.
The Nordic Welfare Centre is an institution under the Nordic Council of Ministers, focusing on research and development in the welfare sector. The centre serves as a platform for Nordic co-operation, bringing together expertise and inspiring decision-makers for the purpose of translating knowledge into concrete solutions that strengthen welfare across the Nordic region. The recruitment process for a new director has now been completed.
Samuel Engblom looks forward to taking up his new role:
With both curiosity and enthusiasm, I am very much looking forward to taking on the role as director of the Nordic Welfare Centre. The centre plays a key role in promoting Nordic knowledge exchange and co-operation across the welfare domain. I want to ensure that the Nordic welfare centre continues to turn research into concrete benefits, particularly by developing new ways of communicating research findings so that they are relevant and useful for policy development.
- Samuel Engblom, incoming director of the Nordic Welfare Centre
Experienced Leader at the Intersection of Research, Policy and Public Administration
With his extensive experience at the intersection of research, public administration and labour market policy, Samuel Engblom is particularly well-suited to lead the Nordic Welfare Centre. He is currently chief of staff and deputy equality representative in Sweden, where he is responsible for strategic planning, international affairs, and executive management support.
Secretary General Karen Ellemann welcomes Engblom:
The Nordic Welfare Centre is an extremely important institution for the future of welfare in the Nordic region. I look forward to working with Samuel Engblom for further advancement the Nordic welfare agenda for a sustainable future.
- Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers
Stepping into the Role after Eva Franzén
Samuel Engblom will start his position on 1 August 2026. Engblom succeeds Eva Franzén, who has led the centre since 2018. The Nordic Council of Ministers thanks Eva Franzén for her strong commitment, deep expertise, and strategic vision, which have helped make the Nordic Welfare Centre a key player in the welfare sector in the Nordic region and increased the visibility of the institution’s important work.
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