The Academic Ceremony was celebrated in the spirit of knowledge

The Academic Ceremony is celebrated every year at Halmstad University to draw attention to academic achievements and merits from the past year. Friday’s programme included the inauguration of new professors, the conferment of new doctors, award ceremonies and many inspiring speeches.

“Let’s continue to contribute to a better world together”

The University’s Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman welcomed the guests and spoke about the importance of higher education both in the present and for the future.

“Academia has always played a central role in society. Not only as a place of knowledge, but also as a foundation for critical thinking, free research and democratic development. At a time when we are facing global and local challenges, academia is becoming even more important”, said Susanna Öhman and continued:

“At Halmstad University, we are determined to be a place for dialogue, collaboration and deeper understanding. Let’s continue to contribute to a better, more understanding and more sustainable world together.”

Celebratory inauguration of new professors

At the Academic Ceremony, new professors are inaugurated at the University during a ceremony that is based on centuries-old academic traditions. This year, five new professors were inaugurated. One of them was Ingrid Larsson, new Professor of Health and Lifestyle, who gave the professors’ speech.

“The University is a place where education and research interact in an environment characterised by close collaboration with the surrounding society. It provides the opportunity to transform ideas into practical applications that promote people’s health and lifestyles and contribute to sustainable development. The power of research lies in the ability to create change”, Ingrid Larsson said.

New doctors, new honorary doctors and award ceremony

An important element of the evening was the conferment of new doctors. According to tradition, doctors receive a hat or wreath and a diploma. They then take the step over the white ceremonial rug that symbolises the Greek gods’ mountain, Parnassus.

This year, an Honorary Doctor, Sarah Pink, was also conferred. She is honored for outstanding contributions in the field of information technology. Sarah Pink is the second person, and the first woman, to become Honorary Doctor in the field.

This year’s Teaching and Learning Prize and the Prize for Collaboration and Innovation were also awarded during the evening. Struan Gray, Senior Lecturer in Physics at the School of Information Technology, received the Teaching and Learning Prize and Sara Helmersson, Helena Eriksson and Sara Högdin received the Prize for Collaboration and Innovation for their work with the Competence Platform for Social Work.

“We have a shared responsibility for future generations”

When Halmstad Student Union’s president, Felicia Jakobsson, addressed the audience to give the students’ speech, it was with a call to protect the academic freedom.

“It’s an honour to be here today. We are here to remind ourselves why we do research, why we study and why academic freedom is so important”, said Felicia Jakobsson and continued:

“Academic freedom means that we have the courage to be able to seek knowledge without limitations, to think freely and dare to question. We have a shared responsibility to preserve and strengthen this so that future generations of students can continue to challenge and change the world. Together, we will create a future that we can all be proud of!”

The University was highlighted as an important part of the county

As the Academic Ceremony came to its end, it was time for Anders Thornberg, Governor of Halland County, to speak. He drew attention to our troubled times and the importance of higher education institutions in society. He also thanked the University for its important role in the county.

“I would like to join previous speakers that underlined the importance of the University for our democracy. That we have factual accuracy and that we can confirm correct statements is extremely important”, Anders Thornberg stated and concluded:

“Halmstad University is not only a place for education and research, but also a hub for ideas and innovations that strengthen Halland as a whole. Your work helps us to stand strong and meet the challenges of the future, so with both seriousness and joy, I would like to say a big thank you to all of you!”