New Strategy of the University of Iceland presented at the annual forum this morning

The new Strategy of the University of Iceland 2021-2026 is focused on increased international and interdisciplinary collaboration in research and teaching, as well as sustainability, diversity and innovation that benefits society, and creating a positive work and learning environment for students and staff. The strategy was presented at the UI annual forum this morning in the Aula of the Main Building. The forum also provided an opportunity to present the University's earth scientists with the annual award for enterprise and leadership.

The new Strategy of UI is entitled "Better University – Better Society", highlighting the vital role the University plays in driving social progress and global knowledge creation. 

"Urgent challenges, both current and future, require solutions based on forward thinking, knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration. The evolution of higher education over the next few years will make an enormous difference to our ability to tackle the complex issues facing us. It has never been more vital for universities to have a clear vision of their own futures. Universities are places for the free pursuit of knowledge, creative thinking, innovation and the education of new generations. They must blaze the trail with new knowledge and have the courage to adapt in the face of new challenges."

So said Jón Atli Benediktsson, rector of the University of Iceland, this morning as he introduced the new strategy, explaining the importance of higher education as we tackle the most pressing challenges of our time. 

The rector also explained that the new strategy was based on extensive consultation, incorporating contributions from staff, students and partners over the past months and semesters. 

A new strategy on the 110th anniversary of the University of IcelandThe University of Iceland celebrates its 110th anniversary on 17 June. Since it was founded, 55 thousand students have graduated from the University and made their mark on all areas of society and industry. The University has also worked systematically to earn a position of international trust and respect as a successful comprehensive research university. This is reflected in the fact that the University's student population of 16,000 includes people from almost a hundred different countries, with international staff numbers also increasing every year. 

Four main focusesThe new strategy, known as HÍ26, is based on four main focuses: an open and international University, prioritisation of sustainability and diversity, strength based on quality teaching and research, and ensuring that the University community is a good place to work and study. 

The three guiding principles of the strategy – quality, trust and agility – are also designed to ensure that the University attracts people from diverse backgrounds, to make the University more internationally competitive in teaching and research, and to enable us to respond proactively to changes and challenges within the University, in wider society and in a global context.

The strategy outlines ambitious reform projects, which will be implemented in order to achieve defined goals. Projects will address, for example, pedagogical development and international collaboration in teaching, further development of research infrastructure, expansion of digital solutions in all areas of operations, and promotion of sustainability in everything we do. This will make an enormous difference to the ability of both the University community and Icelandic society as a whole to handle fast evolving circumstances and boost our international status.

The target for 2026 is that:

• The University of Iceland will be working closely with partners across the world, acting as a channel for social innovation and preparing students to address the questions of a diverse society and future challenges.
• Comprehensive sustainable thinking will distinguish the work of the University of Iceland, which will be home to a diverse community of students and staff. The University will lead informed debates and act as a force for positive social development.
• The University of Iceland will be a thriving international research university and continuous development of operations will ensure that we stand out for the quality of our teaching and research, thereby guaranteeing absolute trust.
• Research infrastructure, facilities and equipment will support the goals of the University. The wellbeing of students and staff will be prioritised, making the University an attractive and competitive place to study and work.

The strategy supports advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The strategy also explicitly incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals, enabling the University to cultivate our position as a leader in sustainable development, in cooperation with the media, the public, industry and the government, in the interests of Icelandic society and the entire world.

Strategic implementation will be based on ten programmes, addressing all different areas of the University's work. A programme is a formal framework for reform projects related to the overall interests of the University and may last several years. Shared strategic accounting, with clear metrics, will be introduced in order to provide an empirical indication of progress and success at any given point.  

A special website for the strategy was launched this morning, where you can find further information about specific sections: https://stefna.hi.is.

Earth scientists at the University win award for enterprise and leadership

It has become tradition to use the annual forum as an opportunity to present a group at the University with an award for enterprise and leadership. This year, the University's earth scientists won the award for outstanding innovation in earth sciences research, professionalism, and knowledge transfer to the public and the government. 

The University's earth scientists have been in the line of fire, including quite literally, over recent months as they research and interpret the seismic and volcanic activity on Reykjanes peninsula, as they have done for other natural disasters over the last years and decades. The award recognises a large group of world-leading scientists who have worked determinedly to uncover new knowledge about natural forces, knowledge that has attracted attention from all over the world. This group has also done incredible work advising both the government and the Department of Civil Protection on natural disaster responses and made daily media appearances to explain events to the public. The University of Iceland would like to thank them for their tireless efforts.