Alumnus of the Year identifies the signals between research and industry
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.
Anders Åhlander
”Do what you enjoy and dare to network. New opportunities often arise through collaborations and conversations.”
Anders Åhlander, Alumnus of the Year 2026
“Everything was very nice and close. You really felt a sense of community”, says Anders Åhlander.
Today, Anders Åhlander works as a Technical Specialist at Saab Surveillance and is also an Adjunct Professor of Computer Engineering at Halmstad University. Throughout his career, he has combined research and industry, with a particular focus on technological development.
After completing his studies in Halmstad, Anders Åhlander continued to Lund University to study computer science and engineering. His connection to Halmstad University remained throughout this period, not least when he carried out his thesis project on behalf of the University’s former Centre for Computer Science. After Lund University, Anders Åhlander continued his studies at Chalmers University of Technology, where he completed his doctoral degree.
A career between academia and industry
Over the years, Anders Åhlander has moved between academia and the technology industry. He has held roles both as a researcher and lecturer at Halmstad University and within companies such as Ericsson Microwave Systems, Combitech and Saab. Today, he leads the defence technology development in high-performance signal processing for current and future sensor systems.
Throughout his career, collaboration between Halmstad University and industry has been a consistent theme. Anders Åhlander played a key role in the research collaboration between the University and industry that has been ongoing since the 1990s. He has also contributed to building research environments, participated in programme council and worked to strengthen the links between research and practical application.
Being named Alumnus of the Year is something Anders Åhlander describes as both unexpected and honouring.
“I was very surprised when I received the call. I thought I would have been considered expired by now, considering that I graduated 39 years ago. But it is, of course, both very enjoyable and a great honour.”
A student memory never forgotten
Despite a long and successful career, certain memories from his student years remain particularly vivid. One of them is the annual regatta, which is still an iconic student event where different programmes compete against one another during the Fresher’s Week using self-built rafts. Unfortunately, the launch was not particularly successful for Anders Åhlander and his classmates at the time.
“As soon as the raft touched the water, it fell apart into several small pieces, so I had to swim across the Nissan River. Then I stood there, soaking wet, and realised that I had locked myself out of my car. It may not have been very amusing at the time, but it is a fun memory today.”
The importance of following one’s interests
To today’s students, this year’s Alumnus of the Year wishes to emphasise the importance of following your interests and daring to build relationships along the way.
“Do what you enjoy and dare to network. New opportunities often arise through collaborations and conversations.”
Text: Vilma Olofsson
Photo: Dan Bergmark
Award citation
Since graduating from the Mechatronics Programme at Halmstad University in 1987, Anders Åhlander has maintained a long-standing and highly significant relationship with the University and has served as a valuable ambassador for the institution.
Throughout his professional career, at companies such as Combitech and Saab, Anders Åhlander has been an important link between Halmstad University and industry. He has helped raise the profile of the University’s research and education and has contributed to strengthening its reputation.
As a holder of a doctoral degree and as an Adjunct Professor, Anders Åhlander has for many years been deeply engaged in activities ranging from research projects and programme advisory boards to the supervision of degree projects.
Anders Åhlander has tirelessly supported students, lecturers and doctoral students, and has strengthened the University’s programmes through his extensive expertise, practical experience and in-depth knowledge of the industry.
About the award Alumnus/Alumna of the Year
Every year during the graduation ceremony for graduating students, Halmstad University presents the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year award to a former student. Through this, the University wants to recognise and highlight former students who have distinguished themselves after graduation and who are a positive role model for the University, its students and the surrounding community. The award is a way for the University to show appreciation and that the institution values a strong relationship with its alumni.
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Deputy Vice-Chancellor with specific responsibility for collaboration and innovation
