History

2018

The start of a new annual tradition – a new joint graduation ceremony for all students. Two new awards were established, Alumnus of Student of the Year. Project applications in collaboration were granted, including two EU projects: Digga Halland and Test Environment Halland. Pernilla Nilsson became new Pro Vice-Chancellor. Thorsteinn Rögnvaldsson became new program manager for the KK environment Research for innovation. Anna Isaksson was appointed program director for gender mainstreaming. The University’s two profile areas Health Innovation and Smart Cities and Communities got new program managers: Jens Nygren and Magnus Jonsson respectively. Two new School managers: Lena-Karin Erlandsson at the School of Health and Welfare, and Susanna Öhman at the School of Learning, Humanities and Society.

2017

The University is scheduled to become a national university of sports in 2018. The collaboration arena and learning environment Health Lab is initiated, the volume of research increases and applications from international students are almost doubled. The University continues to be a force in the development of the region, through (among other things) agreements with the municipality. Stephen Hwang is inaugurated as new Vice-Chancellor, Harald Castler takes over the presidency of the University Governing Board and Catarina Coquand becomes the new University Director. Anders Nelson becomes the first Deputy Vice-Chancellor with specific responsibility för collaboration, internationalisation and innovation. During the Academic Ceast three new professors are installed and four new doctors are promoted. Hans-Erik Eldemark becomes the first person to receive the newly established Collaboration and Innovation Prize.

2016

In September, Vice-Chancellor Mikael Alexandersson leaves his position after five years at Halmstad University. Pro Vice-Chancellor Thorsteinn Rögnvaldsson substitutes as Vice-Chancellor during the recruitment process. On November 18, the University celebrates its Academic Ceremony for the tenth time, where seven Professors are inaugurated. The day also marks the start of the Digital Laboratory Center (DLC), which opens during the festivities.

2015

The Electronics Centre in Halmstad (ECH) is inaugurated, and a new entrance is built. Several international collaborations in, among other places, China, Brazil, the United States and India, are started or strengthened. The University makes several major organisational changes: the five schools become four, and the eight research environments become six in number. Also, the central administrative support is reviewed and reorganised.

2014

The number of educational programmes is heavily reduced while the level of research increases. Many educations are once again top ranked in societal collaboration. The theme Health Innovation, a University spanning venture, is launched, as well as a doctoral degree in Health and Lifestyle. The Centre for Educational Development (HPC) is established at the University, as well as a Bennet professorship. The University's first Civil Engineering programme also starts this year.

2013

The University wins the right to independently conduct research training and award doctorates for Health and Lifestyle. The School is also granted the right to award degrees for Civil Engineering. In the same year, the University institutes the Assessment of Research and Coproduction – an international evaluation of all the University’s research, more than half of which is classified of international calibre. Thorsteinn Rögnvaldsson is appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor and Pernilla Nilsson is appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The University also celebrates its 30th anniversary and launches a new logo.

2012

This year marks the beginning of major changes at the University, beginning with its profile – that is, shaping what distinguishes the University. At the end of the year, the board of the Knowledge Foundation decides to grant the University SEK 70 million for research and co-production of innovation.

2011

The University welcomes its new Vice-Chancellor Mikael Alexandersson. This is also the year the University is designated an environment of knowledge and expertise by the Knowledge Foundation, named Research for Innovation.

2010

The University receives the right to conduct research in the third cycle and to award doctoral degrees in two profile areas: Information Technology and Innovation Sciences. Karin Starrin is appointed chairman of the Board of Governors; with Carina Ihlström Eriksson as Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

2009

As the first small university, Halmstad University is given the right to award Master’s degrees in Business and Economics. This year also marks the beginning of the Health Technology Centre of Halland (Hälsoteknikcentrum Halland, HCH). This is a three-year project financed by EU Structural Funds and the Halland Development Council and arranged by Halmstad University. Romulo Enmark is reappointed as Vice-Chancellor for a further three-year period and six new Professors are appointed.

2008

The University is awarded the right to offer Master’s degrees in Health Science. Science Park Halmstad is inaugurated and a new graphic profile is launched. The University celebrates its 25th anniversary and now has around 40 Professors.

2007

The University gains the right to award Master’s degrees in Computer Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. Six new Professors are inaugurated.

2006

The newly-built Health and Sports Centre is inaugurated. Marita Hilliges is appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor and four new Professors are appointed.

2005

Halmstad University establishes a cooperation agreement with Örebro University and Skövde University on research within the fields of engineering and technology. Romulo Enmark is reappointed Vice-Chancellor.

2004

The University campus area is designated the Baertling Quarter, featuring some of artist Olle Baertling's works of art.

2003

Halmstad University celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Utexpo student fair breaks the record for exhibitors with over 160 degree projects on display. The new student union building is opened. Halmstad University appoints five new Professors.

2000

The University is re-organised into interdisciplinary schools. Romulo Enmark is appointed Vice-Chancellor.

1999

The first public defense of a doctoral thesis at Halmstad University is presented by Magnus Jonsson. Four years later he is appointed Professor.

1998

Lars Fredén is appointed the Vice-Chancellor. Josef Bigün is appointed the University's first Professor. The new University Library is opened.

1997

The University is granted permission to establish a number of professorships.

1995

The College of Nursing is integrated into the University.

1994

The University receives the right to award Master's degrees.

1988

The University moves to Larsfrid in the eastern part of Halmstad.

1983

Halmstad University is formally inaugurated as an independent University, with Sven-Ove Johansson as Vice-Chancellor.

1982

The institution is established in the western part of Halmstad.

1979

Degree programmes and courses for pre-school teachers and innovation engineers start.

1978

The institution begins to offer individual courses for after-school assistants as well as sports education.

1977

This year marks the beginning of higher education. Jan Arvidsson is in charge.

1975

Halmstad is appointed by the Swedish Parliament as the site of a higher education institution.

1973

Pre-school teacher education is established as a pilot project.

1970

The N-committee is set up to pave the way for a university in Halmstad.