Academic ceremony 2021 – ”Science is humanity’s greatest common endeavor of all time”

“It feels fantastic to welcome you today and that we can be here together. We have not been able to escape the fact that we have lived a year and a half in the shadow of a pandemic. I think it is fantastic that Halmstad University has been able to continue with our education and research in a successful way during this time. It has taken a significant and great effort from all our staff. Despite the changed conditions – to study from home for the most part – our students have achieved results that measure up to about the same levels as usual, which is fantastic”, said Vice Chancellor Stephen Hwang in his introductory speech during Friday’s ceremonies.

Inaugural lectures planted seeds of knowledge

The professors at a university form its academic backbone. They are the foremost in their field and are therefore expected to take on a great deal of responsibility. The professors will inspire and lead their colleagues and students. In this way, the seeds of knowledge that were planted at the festive week’s inaugural lectures may be harvested in the form of future wisdom.

This year’s inaugural lectures filled two full days and covered everything from biogas to digital learning. Kristina Ziegert, Professor and Vice Chair of the Recruitment Committee, led the participants through the programme:

“The professor’s role is important both in research and education, and not least for the postgraduate education. It opens the possibility for the University's students to become doctors. Through postgraduate education, the next generation of teachers and researchers is created.”

In the afternoon, the conferment of doctoral degrees was held. In addition, attention was drawn to doctors who are employed at Halmstad University but who have defended their dissertations at another university, as well as to excellent teachers. Two prizes were also awarded:

The University’s Prize for Collaboration and Innovation in 2021 was awarded to Olga Torstensson, Malin Bornhager and Muhammad Ahsan Rasool for their work with digital security. They are lecturers at the School of Information Technology at Halmstad University. They are responsible for the University’s Bachelor’s programme in IT Forensics and Information Security, as well as the Master’s Programme in Network Forensics. They also manage the University’s Cisco Academy and provide commissioned education in cyber security and network technology for various authorities, both Swedish and European.

This year’s Teaching and Learning Prize was awarded to Hans Löfgren, Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the School of Business, Innovation and Sustainability. Hans Löfgren is a very popular teacher who is passionate about his subject and who always makes sure that the students understand the content of the teaching. He encourages curiosity and asking questions.

”Who doesn’t want to say they’ve changed the world?”

The University Board, which on Friday was represented by Vice President Monica Karlsson, also wanted to congratulate both the University and those who were celebrated during the ceremonies and others who contribute to the University's success.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate knowledge, education, innovation and societal development. We see a stream of misinformation spreading in society today, and considering that, I think it is very important to work on a scientific basis. In today's social climate, it is important to promote freedom of thought, critical thinking, and the free exchange of knowledge. Halmstad University plays an important role in that, which I highly appreciate”, said Monica Karlsson in the University Board's speech.