Graduation season – and towards a pleasant summer

Last week, I participated in Lund University’s diploma ceremony, where students who have devoted the year to full-time efforts representing and supporting their fellow students in various contexts received diplomas and were thanked for their contributions. Full-time representatives of the Engineering Students’ Union were among those receiving well-deserved diplomas for their efforts and our fruitful collaboration throughout the year. The speech to the diplomates, given by Lars Trägen, a Lund University alumnus and coordinator at the Nordic Council of Ministers, particularly emphasised the importance of extracurricular activities – an aspect employers should pay extra attention to during recruitment. The contributions students make outside their studies provide experiences and knowledge that are undeniably valuable throughout an entire professional career.

LTH’s final exam week before the summer has concluded, and our Campus is gradually emptying as students head off to other activities and summer jobs. Meanwhile, those of us remaining at LTH are fully engaged in planning for the autumn semester, preparing to welcome the many new students who have chosen our programmes. I am particularly pleased that LTH continues to attract numerous international students and that we are once again seeing increased interest among them.

At the end of May, LTH once again conferred degrees upon civil engineers, university engineers, architects, industrial designers, and international master’s students – this time in the grand hall of AF-borgen. Friends, families, and, most importantly, the graduates gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion. A diverse and highly skilled group now leaves their studies at LTH behind. I sincerely hope that employers are lining up to seize the opportunity to recruit these young talents, representing a broad spectrum of expertise and experience. Through employment and active participation in the workforce, we collectively ensure that this competence continues to contribute to the future development of society in Sweden.

The week before, we celebrated our honorary doctors Semmy Rulf and Maragret Anne Storey, as well as last year's honorary doctor, Sabeth Verpoorte, alongside faculty members who had earned their doctoral degrees and jubilant doctors marking special milestones. This tradition once again serves as an important marker for competence and growth in our society. Many years of hard work precede the completion of a doctoral thesis, and it is a joy to witness these delighted doctors marching out of the cathedral with their insignia – the hat, diploma, and ring.

We reflect on yet another successful term, when LTH’s lecturers and students have been visible in numerous positive settings – showcasing research breakthroughs, award-winning dissertations, strong research funding, and exciting new projects in collaboration with national and international partners. So, another term earns top marks for LTH’s faculty, staff, and committed students, who consistently uphold our vision: Together we explore and create – for the benefit of the world.

Now, we can look forward to a restful summer – perhaps relaxing in a hammock – to recharge before welcoming new students in the autumn term. But before we fully close for summer and holidays, we will meet at Almedalen to discuss crucial topics, particularly focusing on how biotechnology can contribute to a green transition and the future of food. You can learn more about these discussions by visiting us at Hästgatan if you happen to be in Visby.

Almedalsveckan | Lund University (Programme in Swedish)

I would like to wish all LTH’ers and our partners a truly wonderful summer, filled with time for relaxation!

Annika Olsson

Dean of LTH