Academic ceremony 2022 - ”Strong and independent academic institutions are important pillars of democracy”

At this year’s ceremony, three new professors were inaugurated, and seven doctors were conferred. In addition, a new Honorary Doctor – Lennart Andrén – was conferred, and guest professors, adjunct professors, assistant professors, docents and excellent teachers were recognised. In addition, the University’s Prize for Collaboration and Innovation and the Teaching and Learning Prize were awarded.

The celebration was opened by Vice-Chancellor Stephen Hwang, who in his speech emphasised the importance of academic freedom:

“You who represent the new generation of scientists, as well as you who now have reached the peak of your career, should always bear in mind to be true to the ideals that science represents. Now and again, we are reminded that science and academic freedom are being challenged. In Sweden, we have parliament members who deny the reality of climate change or the theory of evolution of species. In addition, the politicians are distrusting universities about their ability to strategically distribute and use funding for research. Still, compared to many countries, we are prioritised and have not been forced to cut down on education and research despite a tough economic situation in Sweden”, said Stephen Hwang and continued:

“While there are dark clouds on the horizon, we should be optimistic, not least now when we are celebrating our university's academic success. Sit back and enjoy the ceremony, while appreciating the fact that we live in peace and in a democratic society that respects human rights and academic freedom!”

“Science has a responsibility to be a voice for those who need to be heard”

At Friday’s professorial inauguration, Antonia Liess, Professor of Environmental Science, gave the professors' speech, in which she spoke of her passion for science and the sometimes-difficult balance between research and teaching and the necessary administration.

During the ceremony, the doctoral promotion was also carried out. This year, the doctors’ speech was given by Ece Calikus, PhD in Signal and Systems Engineering, who turned her attention to the ongoing revolution in Iran:

“Science cannot exist in isolation from the surrounding society. We have a responsibility to be a voice for those who need to be heard. I take a lot of inspiration from the recipient of the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize, Elie Wiesel, who said in his acceptance speech: ’Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.’ Right now, Iran is the center of the universe. I show my support for their brave fight, and I therefore want to end my speech with their slogan ’Woman. Life. Freedom.’.”

During the academic ceremony, two prizes are also awarded each year. The University's Prize for Collaboration and Innovation was this year awarded to Staffan Enting, CEO of the University's company HH Innovation AB, and Jan Karlsson, University Lecturer in Pedagogy at the School for Health and Welfare. This year's Teaching and Learning Prize was awarded to Stefanie Obermüller, University Lecturer in Human Biomedicine at the School for Health and Welfare.

"Halmstad University is stronger than ever"

As is tradition, the chairman of the University Governing Board, Harald Castler, also gave a speech. He highlighted the importance of gathering and celebrating academic success in an otherwise rather dark age.

“Despite all the ongoing crises, Halmstad University is stronger than ever. We are well established in the academic arena in Sweden, and we also see how we are getting more and more attention internationally”, said Harald Castler, and ended his speech by looking ahead:

“Next year the University celebrates its 40th anniversary. We have every reason to be proud of what our university is achieving, and it is thanks to all of you here today. It is your commitment and motivation that makes our university thrive.”

The evening ended with Governor Brittis Benzler taking the stage and thanking for a memorable day in the name of science.

“Halmstad University is an important part of the Swedish academic landscape, but also an important part of the Halland landscape. It means a lot to the county that the University is here, for development opportunities and opportunities to supply the county with well-educated people. For young people’s opportunity to progress in studies. For the opportunity to realise dreams.”

She concluded by addressing the new professors and doctors directly:

“You not only have an important role to play here in Halland, at the University in education and research. What you do in your profession is also important in the world around you, where populism and anti-democratic movements are growing ever stronger. To protect the respect for knowledge, to protect the scientific conversation and the equal dialogue, where arguments meet and where the rights and opportunities of each person are respected, these are values ​​that belong to democracy and the academic profession. Strong and independent academic institutions are important pillars of democracy. Once again, many thanks for a fantastic evening. Cheers to the University, for a continued pleasant evening and for science!”

Text: Christa Amnell
Photos: Dan Bergmark