(Original Swedish post published 18 November, English version posted 21 November.)
Today we formally installed 45 new professors at the University. The grand ceremony in the Cathedral was the culmination of a week in which the new professors have been in the spotlight. They have given inaugural lectures in the lecture hall at Museum Gustavianum. The broad range of topics offered the audience a fascinating sample of many aspects of our multifaceted University.
Read about the professors and their research.
An inauguration of professors is always a historic occasion. However, this year it is noteworthy that women were in the majority for the first time since we started holding collective inaugurations of professors in 2000. The ratio was 23 women to 22 men. We are moving in the right direction towards a gender-equal university!
The ceremony in the Cathedral began with music played by the Academic Orchestra. After that, I gave the traditional Vice-Chancellor’s inauguration address, in which I drew attention to some principles that our new professors must bear in mind. I also took up certain problems the government needs to resolve if we are to be the university Sweden so sorely needs.
The inauguration had a full programme. Inaugural lectures were given by:
- Per Andrén: Brain diseases – and new opportunities to understand them
- Charlotte Platzer Björkman: From sunlight to electricity through new materials
- Dag Blanck: Is the United States different?
In addition, we honoured some of our skilful teachers, who received the Distinguished Teaching Award. This year’s recipients were:
- Senior Lecturer Sina Tezel, Department of Linguistics and Philology
- Senior Lecturer Per Engström, Department of Economics
- Lecturer Per Holmfeldt, Department of Medical Cell Biology
- Lecturer Johan Larsson, Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Senior Lecturer David Black-Schaffer, Department of Information Technology
The University’s innovation prize Hjärnäpplet, awarded to a researcher or research student for an outstanding transfer of academic knowledge that has resulted in an innovation, was also presented. This year it went to Maria Strömme, Professor of Nanotechnology.
I would like to thank everyone who participated and everyone who contributed to making the day a splendid showcase for the University and our activities. You make me feel proud and impressed.