The vital knowledge created at the University of Iceland helps our society to tackle diverse challenges. These challenges include environmental and climate changes and natural disasters, as well as a variety of threats to human health and well-being, as it says in the Strategy for the University, UI26. Universities are sources of knowledge that play a key role in identifying solutions to the challenges outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the SDGs.

Anyone who follows the news will have noticed an increase in the frequency of wildfires that threaten human lives and health, as well as damaging the environment, ecosystems and human infrastructure. Even in Iceland, wildfires have become a problem in a way that few people would have predicted. 

Historically, the port in an Icelandic fishing village was often a ramshackle area built on a spit of land. It was also a vibrant hub of human activity, the heart of the village reflecting the prosperity of the community. 

Since then, ports have developed into high-tech areas equipped with powerful, complex machinery and controlled by processes that ensure safety, optimal performance and efficiency. In recent years, ports have been required to meet higher standards with regard to adaptability and sustainability. This has meant that some ports have even been designated closed and secure industrial areas – no longer a destination for a Sunday stroll. 

Even though birds are a prominent feature of Icelandic nature, there are species that are not often seen, in spite of the fact that their numbers are slowly growing. The Icelandic sea eagle is thus rarely seen; a species with a low population that has long been threatened with extinction. The sea eagle is now doing better now than in a long time. Owls are also seldom spotted, but two types of owls have succeeded in nesting in Iceland in recent years. It is a worthy question to find out why they are succeeding in Iceland now, however, owls are not easy birds to study. Their behaviour seems to be aimed at staying out of the limelight. “I love owls, and they constantly rekindle a spark that drives me to better understand their lives. When you look an owl in the eye you get a certain sense of mystery and wish to know more. Their secretive habits make it even more exciting!”