Holiday Greetings from the Rector of the University of Iceland 2023 to students, staff and other friends of the University:
"Dear Friend of the University of Iceland,
Dear students and colleagues, We are fast approaching the end of 2023, a year which has been defined by significant challenges both in Iceland and across the world. Time and again we have the importance of leading scientists who can support the government to make decisions that affect not just the economy but our lives and safety. The most pertinent are the events currently happening on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Research is the cornerstone of the higher education sector across the world. Teaching is based on the vital knowledge created by research. We must unite to defend the importance of research and education, since knowledge is the currency that never loses its value.
Many of our students go into the holidays weary from their exams, which have now finished for the autumn semester. Examinations have changed a lot here at the University of Iceland, with over 80% now taken digitally. This is part of our systematic efforts to improve services at the University to benefit both students and teaching staff. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students and instructors at the University for doing their bit to ensure that the autumn semester exams went well.
The results of the latest PISA assessment are a wake up call for Iceland. The University of Iceland strives every day to overcome diverse challenges. The knowledge created within our institution is the foundation for maintaining our quality of life as we focus on sustainable development, which is one of the most pressing goals for humankind. As the leading Icelandic institution for education research, it is the University's role to look into the PISA results and work with the government and stakeholders to find ways to improve our performance.
Over the next year, the University of Iceland will continue to strive to implement our comprehensive strategy in the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, health sciences and engineering and natural sciences. Part of this will involve advancing in the fields of social work, health and STEM subjects, all of which are vital to the future of Icelandic society. The University of Iceland recently came to an agreement with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, securing half a billion ISK in additional funding to increase the number of students in health sciences, social work and STEM subjects. We aim to attract more students for programmes in medicine, nursing and social work. We will also introduce measures to increase the number of students at the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences and reduce drop-out rates.
The lights shine their brightest in the darkness of mid-winter. It is our custom to decorate with lights in Advent to drive away the shadows, to represent the promise of brighter times and better days ahead. 22nd December is the winter solstice, when the darkness gives way to the light, the days begin to lengthen once more, and we look to the future with hope in our hearts.
Let's make the most of the Advent season.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"