Scientific research reduces uncertainty and promotes prosperity

• 423 graduate from the University of Iceland from all fields of study 
• Imperative to ensure financial independence for universities
• Each generation should leave the Earth better than they inherited it
• Safeguard important human rights 

"Scientific research has enabled us to reduce various uncertainties and learn to live with them," said Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, in his address today as 423 students graduated from the university at Háskólabíó. 

He reiterated the importance of knowledge-seeking in his speech, emphasizing that the University of Iceland is a research university operating in an international environment where basic research significantly impacts the welfare of society. In this regard, Jón Atli specifically mentioned research on the ongoing volcanic activity that has been occurring intermittently on the Reykjanes Peninsula since March 2021. There, the nation's geoscientists monitored the crustal movements closely in their research whilst informing the government and the public about the challenges that may arise each time. 

Jón Atli said that it had increased the credibility of our scientists and respect for higher education in general, how tirelessly the scientists had been explaining the criteria of their disciplines. "At the same time, it is noteworthy how willing scientists are to acknowledge the limitations of their knowledge. We simply do not know,' is sometimes the only answer to questions from the media. Although the quest for knowledge never ceases, research in all fields of nature, history, society, health, education, and culture is the foundation of our well-being, present and future."

It goes without saying that it is extremely hard to tackle difficulties that seem to have no end. "This especially applies to the residents of Reykjanes and especially the people of Grindavík, who live in uncertainty about their future. At this moment, our thoughts are with all those who are dealing with the consequences of natural disasters in Reykjanes."

Financial independence of universities and a solid legal framework for university operations

The allocation of funding for university operations has been heavily debated recently, and Jón Atli emphasized in his speech the importance of establishing financial independence and a reliable legal framework for universities so that they can continue to play a key role in ensuring prosperity. 

"It is crucial that government policy regarding higher education, our guide to a prosperous future, is shaped for the long term in agreement with stakeholders. "Fundamental changes in the approach to university education in Iceland must be thoroughly presented and discussed in detail before they are implemented," said the university rector.  

He also referred to a recent statement by the European University Association (EUA), urging the authorities of the continent to open up universities for cooperation across nations, "instead of limiting, restricting, and isolating them. ...The prosperity of nations has largely depended on how well they have adopted the ideas and fundamental values of universities." 

The university rector referred to the same statement from the university associations when he urged the authorities in Iceland to achieve the goals of allocating at least three percent of gross domestic product to research and innovation and at least two percent to higher education.  
"Icelandic authorities can do better in this respect," said the rector.