Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (4 March 2022):
"Dear students and colleagues,
The founding of the University of Iceland almost 111 years ago was one of the most significant achievements in Iceland's struggle to become a sovereign and independent nation. Independence fosters democracy. Progress depends on education, vision and the autonomous creation of new knowledge. We must never rest in our defence of these values.
Unfortunately, we are now witnessing how fragile a nation's independence can be. A short while ago it would have seemed unthinkable, but war has broken out in Europe with an authoritarian state using superior military force against a neighbouring country. Our thoughts are with the people in Ukraine and those who have fled to seek refuge in other countries. These terrible events have been a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity between democratic nations.
Earlier this week, the Icelandic Rectors' Conference, an organisation comprising the rectors of all Icelandic universities, issued a statement condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The statement expresses solidarity with students and staff at Ukrainian universities and all people living in Ukraine. Icelandic universities will closely follow the situation and respond as it develops. We will all work with the government to find ways to accommodate students and staff from Ukrainian universities who flee the conflict and seek refuge in Iceland. The universities will also offer special support for our staff and students from Ukraine and Russia and those with friends and family there.
Over the last 111 years, almost 60,000 people have graduated with degrees from the University of Iceland, people who have gone on to develop diverse industries and build a modern democratic welfare state that is unparalleled across most of the world. It would be hard to find another university that has contributed so much to its home nation.
This week, Gallup published the results of the annual survey on public trust in major Icelandic institutions. The survey also asks about trust in various public services, such as the healthcare system and the police. The survey has been conducted every year since 1993.
From the outset, the University of Iceland has been among the most trusted Icelandic institutions and this year is no exception. 77% of people surveyed said that they had high or very high levels of trust in the University. Only the Icelandic Coast Guard (87%) and the police (78%) scored higher. We are extremely grateful for this acknowledgement, which above all is testament to the wonderful work that our students and staff do every day.
Trust is one of the guiding principles outlined in the new Strategy of the University, so it is particularly gratifying to see the University of Iceland improving on last year's position on the list of most trusted Icelandic institutions. But the strength of the University of Iceland is not limited to Iceland – we are an international university. UI has also earned respect across the world as a strong comprehensive research university and many of our academics are leaders in their fields according to prestigious international rankings.
Dear students and colleagues, The events in Ukraine have brought home to us the value of liberty, human rights, democracy and freedom of expression – principles which are essential to both universities and societies. We must never take these basic principles for granted. We need to prioritise them at all times and be prepared to defend them.
Have a good weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"