Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (1 April 2022):
"Dear students and colleagues.
The University of Iceland is bustling with life these days and it has been wonderful to see the campus so transformed since the public health restrictions were lifted. It is in those face-to-face interactions that the seeds of human discovery are often planted, particularly when people from different disciplines come together, perhaps even by chance. Conversations generate ideas, which lead to job-creating projects and flourishing businesses. The University of Iceland now turns once again to our students and staff, calling for original entries to the competition for the UI Science and Innovation Prizes. Entries should be ideas that will create societal or economic benefits, but they do not necessarily have to be focused on financial profit. The entry deadline is on Monday and I urge people from all schools to take part. There is a prize of up to ISK 3 million for the winning entry.
The University's digital newsletter was published yesterday, focusing on industry and community partnerships and providing yet more clear evidence of the incredible spirit of innovation that thrives at the University. For example, it reports a remarkable discovery from a new study at UI and Landspítali University Hospital, suggesting that aspirin is associated with improved survival in patients diagnosed with the most common form of bacterial pneumonia.
The Strategy of the University of Iceland, UI26, emphasises that learning and research should meet the needs of Icelandic society and industry and promote a sustainable world. It also refers to the importance of cultivating partnerships with local communities across Iceland. The newsletter reports one study that perfectly embodies these values and could support sustainable exploitation of natural resources. At the UI Research Centre in Bolungarvík, current research is exploring whether salmon farming in marine pens and lice infestations could affect the movements and distribution of wild Arctic char and brown trout in nearshore habitats. The study is carried out in collaboration with a company in the West Fjords and with the involvement of UI students.
Dear students, Education is one of your most important assets as you make your way in the world. It is also the foundation of any national economy, because knowledge is the currency of the future. It is important that prospective students are able to find a programme that suits their strengths and interests. So we hope to see as many people as possible at the University of Iceland Open Day tomorrow between 12 pm and 3 pm. This is a perfect opportunity to explore the range of graduate programmes on offer at all UI schools, as well as interdisciplinary programmes. There are over 200 fascinating graduate programmes available at UI, all of which open up exciting opportunities in industry and society. It is also always possible to explore your options for undergraduate study at UI.
Current UI students and instructors will be in the University Centre for the Open Day, as well as other University staff, to answer any questions about study programmes and career opportunities after graduation. Student counsellors who know the University inside out will be there to help you find a programme that suits your strengths, interests and academic background. There will also be people from the UI International Division who can provide information about exciting opportunities in other countries, including exchange studies at a huge number of universities abroad, many of which are among the world's leading higher education institutions. This is a great chance to learn more about your options for further study. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have worked so hard to organise the Open Day event.
Information technology has proved key to essential development and streamlining of services. We want to ensure that any changes have a wide-reaching and positive impact that will benefit staff and students and improve all aspects of operations. We can already see the signs of a digital revolution in services across the University, for example the new programme selection wheel on the UI website. The wheel helps prospective students choose what to study by linking their interests with programmes that will open up diverse career opportunities. This week we took yet another step forward in information technology when we came to an agreement with the Icelandic Meteorological Office, committing to working together to house and share equipment. Our strategy emphasises the importance of fruitful collaboration with public institutions. The Meteorological Office is a key Icelandic institution with which the University of Iceland has had an extremely successful partnership over the years, especially in the areas of volcanic and seismic activity. It is wonderful that we can continue to develop this partnership.
I have often said in these weekly messages that the role of universities is to tackle urgent challenges. We fulfil this role in many different ways, for example by providing support to international communities in need. We have worked systematically to prepare accommodation in Saga, the newest UI building, for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. We have almost a hundred rooms ready to house refugees and the first groups have already moved in.
Dear students and colleagues. Let's spread compassion. Have a good weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"