2025: A year of clear strategic choices and a stronger position

“We have combined the drive for development with a sense of accountability. We have taken important steps forward and done what is required to remain stable over time”, says Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman.

Clear results in national comparisons

The University’s three strategic targets continue to drive development, and the results place the University among the very top tier of Sweden’s regional university colleges and new universities.

One of the targets is that at least two-thirds of the research and teaching staff should hold a doctoral degree. Halmstad University continues to rank among the top group of 16 comparable university colleges and new universities in Sweden. Only one higher education institution has a higher proportion of academic staff with doctoral degrees. This strengthens the quality of both research and education.

In terms of research funding, the target is that 60 per cent should come from external sources. Only two comparable university colleges and new universities have a higher proportion of externally funded research than Halmstad University, demonstrating strong competitiveness in national and international funding calls. At the same time, the Annual Report points to a structural challenge: research is underfunded in relation to the University’s mission.

“Our research is competitive and attracts substantial external funding, but the core funding is limited in relation to the scope of our mission. This means we must be even more strategic in our priorities and ensure that every investment is sustainable in the long term”, says Susanna Öhman.

Educational provision matches government priorities

The third strategic target is to ensure a robust portfolio of courses and programmes focused on the Government’s priority areas: programmes in shortage professions, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and courses for professional development. In this regard, Halmstad University stands out in particular.

Education in science and engineering accounts for 38 per cent of the University’s total educational volume – more than double the average among comparable university colleges and new universities (18 per cent). The University also offers a larger share of programmes in fields with shortage professions and received the highest allocation in the country of development funding for short courses for professionals for the years 2025–2026.

“We match the Government’s priorities better than any other regional higher education institution. This confirms that our strategic choices are the right ones”, the Vice-Chancellor notes.

Continuing challenges

There are also challenges within the University’s educational activities. For several years, the institution has produced education above the funding cap, amounting to approximately SEK 30 million annually, resulting in more study places than the funding system can compensate for. In 2025, a decision was made to reduce the range of courses and programmes to better balance mission and resources.

At the same time, the budget deficit decreased significantly – from the originally forecast SEK -26 million to an outcome of SEK -7 million. Through the measures implemented, the financial situation has been strengthened, and the budget for 2026 is balanced, although continued prioritisation will be required.

“We have taken responsibility for our finances and implemented necessary changes. This creates stability going forward, but we must continue to work in a structured way to ensure good conditions for both research and education”, says the Vice-Chancellor.

Collaboration that is strengthening the region

Collaboration remains an integral part of the University’s profile. During the past year, partnerships with companies, municipalities and the regional authorities have been further developed, particularly within technology and innovation.

The short courses for professionals are a clear example of how the University responds to competence needs in society.

Overall, the 2025 annual report demonstrates a higher education institution that combines academic quality with societal relevance and that, through clear priorities, further strengthens its position.

“We are stronger today than we were a year ago. With continued focus on quality, relevance and sustainable development, we are well prepared for the future”, says Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman.

Text: Lena Lundén

Photo: Dan Bergmark, unless otherwise stated