Håkan Pettersson receives the University’s Teaching and Learning Prize 2026
Congratulations Håkan Pettersson, recipient of the University’s Teaching and Learning Prize 2026!
Håkan Pettersson is the 2026 recipient of the University’s Teaching and Learning Prize.
“It is great to see students with a sometimes weak background develop and overcome challenges to finally complete an excellent degree project on their own or in a group.”
Håkan Pettersson
How does it feel to receive the Teaching and Learning Prize?
“It feels fantastic! Especially since I know that both students and teaching colleagues who work with teaching themselves can nominate candidates. That makes the award extra meaningful to me!”
What should a good teacher be like?
“A good teacher should first and foremost have very good subject knowledge. Then they should show a strong passion for the subject that rubs off on the students. I think it is valuable to have worked with both research and teaching in your subject area. As a teacher, you develop an intuitive sense of what students usually find difficult. You have to be able to explain difficult things in several different ways so that all students can keep up, not just the sharpest ones.
“In my field, there are enormous opportunities to talk about fascinating discoveries and new technologies that can really give students a ‘wow experience’. I believe in varied teaching with lectures, exercises, seminars and laboratory sessions where the students get to work independently and practically. A good dose of humour from the teacher is also important to lighten the atmosphere in the classroom and so that the students, not least international students, dare to ask questions.”
What drives you in your role?
“I am driven by helping students with different backgrounds and conditions to succeed in their studies. It is fun to see students with a sometimes weak background develop and overcome challenges to finally complete an excellent degree project on their own or in a group.”
What is your own academic and professional background?
“I have a Master of Science in Engineering Physics. My degree is from Lund University (LTH) in 1988, and I received my PhD in Solid-State Physics at Lund University in 1993. During 1997–1998 I was a postdoctoral fellow at the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich. In 1999 I was employed as a senior lecturer at Halmstad University and later became professor of physics here in 2003.”
Why do you think you have received this award?
“Of course, it is difficult to answer yourself – perhaps it is because I have the ability to explain physical phenomena and technical solutions in a clear and engaging way. I place great emphasis on making teaching accessible to all students, regardless of their prior knowledge. At the same time, I try to create curiosity by connecting the theory to real applications and current research.”
How do you motivate your students?
“I try to present the course content in a way that works for all students, even for those who have a weaker background. I am constantly developing the course material and using many real-life examples to show why knowledge is important. I also try to highlight exciting technological advances and research results that show what fantastic opportunities the subject opens up for in the future.”
Håkan Pettersson conducts both research and teaching at the Rydberg Laboratory. Here in the optoelectronics lab with a measuring instrument known as a broadband Fourier transform spectrometer.
Citation
Håkan Pettersson, Professor of Physics, demonstrates genuine care for each student’s development and well-being through his great dedication and high level of professionalism. By combining in-depth subject knowledge with a teaching approach that stimulates curiosity and understanding, Håkan Pettersson is not merely a teacher. He is also a great source of inspiration who leaves a lasting impression on his students.
Håkan Pettersson’s teaching is characterised by clarity, quality and a strong focus on ensuring that students truly understand. Theory and practice are interwoven in a way that makes learning both meaningful and enriching. With an inclusive and respectful approach, Håkan Pettersson creates a safe environment where students feel seen, encouraged and motivated to develop.
Through his work, Håkan Pettersson contributes to students’ academic development and inspires them to continue exploring, learning and believing in their own abilities. His ability to link subjects such as physics, electronics, nanotechnology and quantum mechanics to current research sparks an interest in the world of academia. The fact that a teacher has such a tangible influence on students’ choice of study is one of the strongest expressions of good higher education pedagogy. Håkan Pettersson is an obvious and worthy recipient of Halmstad University’s Teaching and Learning Prize 2026.
“Awakens curiosity and a desire to learn more”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Malin Hallén describes Håkan Pettersson as a worthy recipient:
“It feels great to be able to recognise a teacher who not only helps students develop their knowledge, but also awakens curiosity and a desire to learn more. Through his teaching, Håkan Pettersson creates commitment, deepens understanding and creates interest in research and knowledge seeking. He is therefore a very worthy recipient of Halmstad University’s Teaching and Learning Prize.”
Text: Linnéa Andersson
Photo: Ida Fridvall
About the Teaching and Learning Prize
Halmstad University has awarded the Teaching and Learning Prize since 2007. The award goes to a teacher who is particularly successful in developing the students’ learning. The winner will receive a specially designed glass apple, a diploma and the opportunity to participate in a European conference on teaching and learning in higher education. This year, a total of 52 nominations were received, all from students. A total of 31 teachers were nominated. All four schools were represented.
Students and staff have the opportunity to nominate one or more candidates. A working group consisting of teacher representatives from all schools and a representative of the student union has the task of developing proposals for prize winners. An external expert, who is skilled in higher education pedagogy, will make an assessment based on the working group’s proposal. The working group then decides who will be recommended to be the winner. The Pro Vice-Chancellor is the one who decides who is awarded this year’s Teaching and Learning Prize.
