Royal visit with students in focus
Today, August 24, The King and Queen of Sweden visited Halmstad University as part of their anniversary visit to Halland. A visit to Fab Lab and a presentation of the solar car project Halmstad University Solar Team, HUST, were the main points, as well as the University’s own anniversary.
Many students, employees and other spectators, had gathered outside the S building to welcome the Royal Couple. Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman (far left) and Student Union President Linnéa Håkansson (to the right of the King) welcomed the Royal Couple upon arrival at the University, and told them about the ongoing Fresher’s week.
The King and Queen asked many questions about both the car and the project as a whole. On the way out, The King and Queen got a few glimpses from the University’s history.
This year, King Carl XVI Gustaf celebrates 50 years as Head of State and as part of the celebrations, the King and Queen will visit all of Sweden’s counties. On August 24, The King and Queen visited Halland, and started the day at Halmstad University, which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. Colourful students, staff and other spectators had gathered behind the barriers outside the S building to welcome and catch a glimpse of the royal couple. Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman and Student Union President Linnéa Håkansson welcomed and talked about the ongoing Fresher’s Week.
Fab Lab collaborates with the Swedish Armed Forces
Martin Bergman, responsible for Fab Lab, presented the laboratory together with Research Engineer Joakim Wahlberg. They showed, among other things, the project that Fab Lab is running together with the Swedish Armed Forces’ Technical School to be able to manufacture spare parts for repairs in the field using 3D printers. The King and Queen were very interested and asked many questions about manufacturing, methods and materials.
Fab Lab runs a project with the Swedish Armed Forces Technical School to be able to manufacture spare parts in the field using 3D printers. The King was very interested in Fab Lab’s activities and asked many questions.
“Good thing the competition is in Australia then," exclaimed The King, after learning all about the Halmstad University Solar Team, HUST, who will compete with their solar-powered electric car in Australia in a couple of months.
The HUST solar car competes in Australia
The tour then continued through the S building on to one of the solar-powered electric cars that Halmstad University Solar Team (HUST) has manufactured. Three students presented the project where they in the group of a total of 35 students from 12 different programmes have worked together to plan, design, produce, budget and market the HUST project. This year's car is now on its way to Australia and the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge competition in October.
“Good thing the competition is in Australia then,” exclaimed The King, jokingly alluding to the Swedish weather.
The King and Queen asked many questions about both the car and the project as a whole. On the way out, The King and Queen got a few glimpses from the University's history. A hoodie from Halmstad University with the jubilee print ”Innovative since 83” was handed over to The King before The King and Queen left campus for the next item on the anniversary visit list, Halmstad City Library.
Text: Selma Sedelius
Picture: Dan Bergmark
