Society without a fully funded university is like a rudderless ship

- Society without a fully funded university is like a rudderless ship. These were the words of Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir, the newly appointed Rector of the University of Iceland, during the formal handover ceremony held at the university today. 

"Investment in higher education is one of the best investments a society can make.  A fully funded university sector is thus a key to prosperity and social wellbeing. Adequate funding is essential to enable the University of Iceland to fulfil its diverse legal obligations and societal roles without compromising the wellbeing and endurance of its staff. Adequate funding is a prerequisite for advancing research, education, and innovation; the pillars of any nation's prosperity and welfare. A society without a properly funded university is like a rudderless ship."

These remarks were made by Professor Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir of the Faculty of Political Science in her inaugural address as Rector of the University of Iceland, delivered in the university’s Ceremonial Hall before a large audience. She formally received the Rector’s Chain of Office, the symbol of the office of rector, from the outgoing Rector, Professor Jón Atli Benediktsson of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who has served in the role for the past ten years.

The Ceremonial Hall was filled for the occasion, with guests including the President of Iceland, members of the Icelandic government, former presidents, former rectors, and numerous staff and friends of the university.

Trust within society the most valuable asset

The ceremony began with a speech by outgoing rector Jón Atli Benediktsson, who expressed his gratitude to staff and students for their fruitful collaboration. He reflected on the progress and wide-ranging developments at the University of Iceland during the first quarter of the 21st century, highlighting how strategic planning within the university had led to significant achievements in research, doctoral graduations, research funding, and international research collaboration. He noted that the university’s most important step in international engagement in recent years has been its role in the Aurora, a collaborative partnership of research-intensive European universities, with the University of Iceland as a founding member. Jón Atli led the network for four years alongside his duties as Rector.

Jón Atli also addressed the major advances in teaching methods brought about by the ongoing digital revolution, the university’s growing presence around the country, and the substantial development of campus infrastructure, both by the university itself and its Science Park.

Jón Atli thanked the government for its cooperation and support during his tenure. "In my role as Rector, I have consistently witnessed the deep trust that the University of Iceland enjoys across all sectors. This trust, repeatedly confirmed in annual public opinion surveys, is our most precious asset. The leaders of the nation’s largest higher education institution, owned by the people, cannot succeed without active dialogue and cooperation with national authorities and policymakers," he said.

He concluded by wishing the new Rector, Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir, every success in her new role, noting her extensive and diverse experience as a teacher and researcher. "I know she is deeply committed to strengthening the university, improving conditions for staff, and ensuring that the University of Iceland continues to be a comprehensive research university that offers a diverse student body first-class opportunities to develop their talents and skillset," said Jón Atli, who also expressed heartfelt thanks to his family for their invaluable support.

Destruction of educational infrastructure leads to death of higher education

In her inaugural address, the new Rector of the University of Iceland, Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir, expressed what a profound honour it was to assume leadership of the country's oldest and largest university. She thanked the university community for the trust and support shown to her and extended her gratitude to outgoing Rector Jón Atli Benediktsson for his ambition and dedication during his tenure. She noted that he had been exceptionally supportive in preparing her for the role and that she was inheriting a strong and well-functioning institution.

In her speech, Silja Bára addressed global developments and the complex threats facing higher education today, such as pandemics, armed conflict, threats to democracy, and the climate crisis, and their impact on higher education, academic freedom, and the autonomy of universities worldwide. “We are witnessing increasing conflict and militarisation around us, and as governments are called upon to increase defence spending, we must remain vigilant in protecting funding for education and research, especially for those areas of inquiry that certain forces in the world seem to fear, such as research into diversity, man-made climate change, and equality. Academic freedom is under attack globally, freedom of expression is being curtailed, and educational institutions are in some cases being deliberately destroyed. We are part of the international knowledge community, which is now fighting for its very existence, and we must take part,” said the new Rector of the University of Iceland.

Silja Bára referenced the term death of higher education, coined by educational theorist Henry Giroux. “The deliberate dismantling of educational infrastructure can only be described as ‘the death of higher education’. It is a grave matter and must be condemned. But there is also a more insidious side to this threat, ideological violence that undermines freedom of expression and academic freedom by punishing and intimidating academics around the world. Often, no overt violence is needed; the academic community is simply made to understand that silence is safer than speaking out. It is thus our collective responsibility to defend academic freedom,” she said.

Opening the university to a more diverse student body

Silja Bára also emphasised the importance of increasing diversity among the student population, noting that the number of immigrants at the University of Iceland has not grown at the same rate as their numbers in Icelandic society. "We must examine what barriers prevent access and participation for certain groups. It may be the language of instruction; limited availability of distance learning; the timing of classes, or something else entirely. […] If education is to be a unifying force, and I believe it must be, we need to open the university to these groups. I will prioritise ensuring that the University of Iceland is a university for all who wish to learn, regardless of background or circumstances.”

She also expressed her commitment to fostering deliberative democracy within the university, promoting open and accessible science, and maintaining transparent and honest dialogue with society, with the advancement of science, technology, and knowledge as the ultimate goal. She highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between the university and industry, noting the many opportunities to do so, particularly through the forthcoming establishment of a university consortium between the University of Iceland and Hólar University, operational at the start of 2026.

Silja Bára also voiced her firm belief that the ongoing relocation of the School of Education to Saga will strengthen the university, particularly by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, an essential feature in promoting societal progress and addressing the major challenges of our time.

Creating a fair and supportive working environment

Turning to university funding, the new Rector called for close cooperation with the government to ensure full and sustainable financing of the university; enabling it to fulfil its mission while also creating a fair and supportive working environment for staff and students, with wellbeing as a guiding principle. “Recent studies show that university staff are under immense pressure, particularly early-career academics, and that symptoms of burnout are alarmingly common among academic staff and doctoral students,” she noted.

She also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, as well as to equality, diversity, and inclusion. “I want to create a working and learning environment that pays particular attention to those who are marginalised, listens to their voices, and ensures equal access to the University of Iceland community. That will make our university stronger and our society better.”

Women now lead all seven universities in Iceland

Silja Bára also drew attention to the historic milestone that women will lead all seven universities in Iceland as of tomorrow. “It is maybe not for me to analyse or assess this milestone, but I cannot help but reflect, especially in this ‘Year of Women’, as we celebrate so many victories in the struggle for gender equality, on the legacy of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir and the turning point her election marked, 45 years ago yesterday. Dear Vigdís, that moment still lives within us. I was a nine-year-old girl in Ólafsfjörður, watching with excitement, especially as our home served as a local campaign office! The changes that have taken place in Icelandic society since then are nothing short of extraordinary, and I must admit I take great pride in being part of this chapter in the history of Icelandic universities and the fight for equality.”

The new Rector concluded by expressing her eagerness to lead the university community in the years ahead and her determination to live up to the trust placed in her. “The academic community, more than anyone, must be ready to rise to current challenges with an eye to the future and evolve, learn, and adapt to new circumstances. Our responsibility is to ensure that the University of Iceland remains a leading force in Icelandic society. An essential element is preserving cultural diversity by enhancing our unique language, continuing to use it to express concepts and thoughts integral to our commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future.”