News

Almost 40 years ago, this year’s Alumnus of the Year, Anders Åhlander, began studying the then two-year mechatronics programme at Halmstad University. At the time, the University was located in the Eketånga area, a few kilometres outside central Halmstad. Anders Åhlander describes his years as a student as being shaped by the small and close-knit environment at the University.

Johan Söderman is a new Professor of Education at Halmstad University. His research focuses on learning that takes place outside the formal structures of school – in music, civil society associations and other environments where people are driven by interest and engagement.

Professor Emeritus Hans Landström has been appointed Honorary Doctor in Innovation Sciences at Halmstad University. During the 1990s, Hans Landström was employed at the University and played a decisive role in establishing the fields of business administration and entrepreneurship at the University. In 1999, he was appointed as one of Halmstad University’s first five professors.

After many years at Halmstad University, Urban Johnson, Professor of Sport Psychology, is retiring.

Halmstad University has notified the Swedish Public Employment Service that up to eleven employees may be at risk of redundancy at the University. The background to the restructuring is a reduction in higher education funding and the requirement for the University to maintain long-term financial stability.

Over 100 operational managers in Region Halland have taken part in training on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implementation. The programme was delivered in collaboration with researchers at Halmstad University and aims to equip managers with the knowledge to make strategic decisions about how to use AI responsibly within their organisations.

Mental health issues among children and adolescents are increasing both in Sweden and globally. At the same time, new research indicates that alternative, more holistic forms of treatment may play an important role. Several studies conducted at Halmstad University suggest that equine-assisted therapy can contribute to improved wellbeing, enhanced self-esteem and better ability to cope with everyday life.

Eva-Carin Lindgren, Professor of Sport Science with a specialisation in Health Promotion at Halmstad University, has reviewed a report by the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU) on the current state of knowledge regarding orthorexia nervosa. The review shows that the research field is still characterised by considerable uncertainty in terms of definition, diagnosis and treatment.

Halmstad University and three major sports federations are deepening their collaboration to examine the effects of organised sport on children and young people. Through the project Sports for life, they are building a register that includes more than one million participants.

The Government is providing Halmstad University with additional funding to develop courses in artificial intelligence (AI) for professionals. It is also investing in more short courses for this target group. In total, the University will receive just over SEK five million in 2026.