Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir, the rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to students and staff on the first day of the autumn semester:
"Dear students and colleagues,
Welcome to a new academic year. Each new academic year marks a new beginning, where each of us is given the opportunity to engage in the central mission of universities: the pursuit of truth with an open mind and unyielding curiosity.
A university is not only a place of learning and research, but also a community of people of diverse backgrounds and experiences, where the variety of ideas is an inexhaustible resource. The university is a place where different perspectives meet – at times in harmony, at times in disagreement – yet always with the purpose of bringing us closer to a deeper understanding of ourselves, of society, and of the world we live in. Without such discourse, we will not be able to deal with the challenges facing humanity today.
Free thought and critical discussion form the foundation of all progress. It is therefore our duty to cultivate respect for one another, even when we disagree, and to nurture the courage to ask difficult questions. There is no other way to ensure the growth of knowledge, and this is the only way to take on the responsibility that comes with being part of the university community.
I hope you have a successful fall term and I look forward to working with you.
Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir, Rector"