The Rector is chair of the University Council, the University's most senior administrator, and the University's ultimate representative and advocate in dealings with individuals and institutions within and outside the University. The rector presides over University operations and initiates institution-wide policy-making by the University Council. Between University Council meetings, the rector holds decision-making power in all University matters.
The role of the rector is in accordance with the Act on Public Higher Education Institutions, no. 85/2008.
The rector is appointed for five years by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation after being elected by the University community.
Dr. Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir took office as Rector of the University of Iceland on 1 July 2025, becoming the second woman in the university's history to hold this position.
Silja Bára brings decades of academic and leadership experience to the role. Her research has focused on Icelandic foreign and security policy, Arctic politics, and gender and security studies.
Known for her commitment to academic excellence, inclusive governance, and social responsibility, Silja Bára is dedicated to further strengthening the university's position, both national and internationally.
© Kristinn Ingvarsson | Háskóli Íslands
Request of better quality pictures may be sent to: skjalasafn@hi.is
Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir’s career reflects a deep and sustained dedication to equality, democratic governance, and global engagement.
She brings a distinguished academic and leadership background to her role as Rector of the University of Iceland. Since 2020, she has served as Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, where she taught international politics, foreign policy analysis, US politics, and negotiation strategies. Her interdisciplinary approach has enriched programmes across public health, geography, gender studies, and education. Over her academic career, she has supervised more than 200 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students and led the development of the International Affairs MA programme from 2014 to 2022. She is also a member of the Teaching Academy of Iceland’s public universities.
Silja Bára has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public service and academic governance. Her leadership has extended to national and international arenas, including her presidency of the Icelandic Red Cross and board roles with the Nordic International Studies Association and Lewis & Clark College. Her work includes participation in the Nordic Women Mediators network, EU accession negotiations, and national risk assessment initiatives. She has advised Icelandic ministries on gender equality, foreign affairs, and national security, and was appointed to the Constitutional Council by the Icelandic Parliament in 2011. Within the University, she has held numerous governance roles, including elected faculty representative on the University Council (2022–2026). Her contributions span committees focused on equal pay, language policy, teaching and learning, and research funding. She has also played a central role in shaping academic programmes within the School of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Political Science.
Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir has received extensive recognition for her research and teaching. Her work has been supported by major funds including the Icelandic Centre for Research, the University of Iceland Research Fund, the EU, and the Fulbright Arctic Initiative. Notable projects include studies on abortion rights, extremism, and international parliamentary organisations.
She has led and participated in international collaborations through Erasmus+, Nordplus, and NATO’s SSANSE programme, fostering academic exchange across Europe, North America, and beyond. Her teaching excellence has been recognised with the University of Iceland’s Outstanding Contribution to Teaching award, alongside multiple grants for innovation in education and public engagement.
