Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (5 November 2021):
"Dear students and colleagues,
"Mighty oaks from little acorns grow."
So said Björn M. Ólsen, the first Rector of the University of Iceland, in his inaugural address 110 years ago, when the University of Iceland was founded by the Icelandic Parliament. We can see the truth of these words today as we look back to that tiny university, without even its own building, with just 45 students and 11 members of teaching staff, and think about how it has grown into a dynamic and comprehensive research university with 5 schools, 26 faculties and numerous research centres devoted to finding solutions to pressing challenges.
You, dear students, now number almost 16 thousand and the University employs almost 1,500 permanent members of staff working in a large number of buildings. And taking place inside those walls is world-class teaching and research. Universities are sources of knowledge, systematically seeking solutions and transforming the world through teaching, research and innovation. In this area, staff and students at the University of Iceland have made absolutely vital contributions.
Today, UI staff will come together to celebrate 110 years since this little University was founded, a University that has grown and flourished in a most extraordinary way, now ranking among the very best in the world. This week saw yet another acknowledgement of this success, when it was announced that UI was among the 300 best universities in the world for the humanities, according to a new subject ranking from Times Higher Education. This year, UI has been included in a total of nine lists ranking the performance of universities in certain subjects. UI was also included in 14 worldwide subject rankings from ShanghaiRanking Consultancy this year. This highlights not just the strength of our University across many different subjects, but the value of a UI degree which opens up opportunities to work and pursue graduate studies all over the world.
The University of Iceland will lead NUAS, the Nordic Association of University Administrators, for the next two years. Guðmundur Ragnar Jónsson, Director of Central Administration, has taken over as chair of the NUAS Board of Directors.
NUAS aims to improve the work of universities in as many areas as possible, exchange knowledge, develop important networks between university administrators in the Nordic countries, and promote professional development.
It is wonderful news that the University of Iceland will be leading this association, now as we launch our new strategy that prioritises international collaboration.
Dear students and colleagues,
Unfortunately we know now that cases of COVID-19 are rising rapidly. We must continue to show the solidarity and resilience that have, over and again, delivered us from dark times. Follow the public health rules. Hygiene is absolutely key to preventing infection. We should wash and disinfect our hands. Research shows that the use of disposable gloves also reduces the risk of transmission. If we notice any symptoms, we should go and get tested right away and under no circumstances come to campus or attend any gatherings.
Let's take care, dear students and colleagues. This is the most important thing we can do to improve our current work environment.
Have a good weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"