A chapter ends: Gitte Adler Reimer steps down as rector of Ilisimatusarfik

After eight years as rector and as an indispensable part of Ilisimatusarfik, Gitte Adler Reimer is stepping down. 30 November 2025, will be her last official day at work, and on 28 November, Ilisimatusarfik will mark her departure with a reception on campus Ilimmarfik.

From student to rector

The story of Gitte Adler Reimer and Ilisimatusarfik is one of lifelong commitment to education, research, and community. Gitte began her journey at Ilisimatusarfik as a student - and has since made a significant mark on virtually every aspect of Ilisimatusarfik's work.

In 2011, she defended her PhD thesis "Kinship and Gender in Greenlandic Urban Communities - Feelings of Connectedness", a PhD project that still stands as an important contribution to the understanding of modern Greenlandic social structures.

She then became head of the Culture & Social History program, and on 1 February 2015, she took over as head of the institute of Culture, Language & History.

On 4 December 2017, she was officially appointed rector of Ilisimatusarfik - the second woman to hold that position.

A rector with a heart for students

As rector, Gitte Adler Reimer has led eight years marked by development and collaboration - and has been a strong voice for the students' cause. She has repeatedly emphasized that the students are the heart of the university - and her commitment has been evident in everything from study policy to daily well-being.

It is also no secret that Gitte has a special fondness for Ilisimatusarfik's international study environment. She has often been spotted in the middle of the conversation - and the tasting - when international guest students hold their traditional International Kaffemik on campus.

A university in transition

Under Gitte Adler Reimer's leadership, Ilisimatusarfik has also strengthened its role as Greenland's knowledge center - and as a university with both local roots and international perspectives.

She has been a driving force in the work to expand cooperation between Greenlandic and international research communities, and she has worked tirelessly to create better conditions for both students and staff.

One of the major initiatives that Gitte has launched is the expansion of campus Ilimmarfik.

With a growing student population and increasing activity levels, she has been a central voice in the work to create better physical conditions for the future of Ilisimatusarfik.

This work will continue under the next rector, but the first important steps were taken under Gitte's leadership.

An era comes to an end

When Gitte Adler Reimer steps down as rector in November, she will leave behind a university in strong shape - and a legacy marked by professionalism, warmth and commitment.

"Ilisimatusarfik has always been a big part of my life - and it will continue to be so", she says. "It has been a privilege to work with so many talented, dedicated people - and to see our students grow, develop and shape the future".

Ilisimatusarfik invites all current and former employees, partners, and students to join in celebrating and thanking Gitte Adler Reimer at her farewell reception on 28 November 2025.

Gitte is on vacation in November, and Mari Kleist will step in as acting rector until a permanent rector is appointed.