“Universities form an international community of scholars and scientists, dedicated to the search what is true and just, guided by human sanctity- never settling for alternative truths or discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, nationality or origin.” This is part of Jón Atli Benediktsson's address at the University of Iceland's graduation ceremony last Saturday where 455 candidates from all of the University's faculties graduated.
The University of Iceland has put increasing effort into scientific research as a driving force, which has earned it a place amongst the very best universities according to recognised international rankings. Jón Atli, Rector of the University of Iceland, spoke of the importance of research and innovation combined with the fruitful and dynamic collaboration with Icelandic society and industry. The latest development in that field is a new house of ideas which will be a part of the UI's Science Park on campus.
"The Science Park is an interdisciplinary collaborative forum for Icelandic industry and the University of Iceland. The house of ideas, which has received the symbolic name Growth (Icelandic: Gróska), will house the international interactive entertainment company CCP, and provide excellent facilities for start-up companies and innovation centres. Behind the idea of the UI Science Park is the conviction that Icelandic society cannot build a future solely on exploitation of natural resources and primary production. On the contrary, it is vital for us to have a prosperous community based on innovation, knowledge and originality," said Jón Atli, Rector of the University of Iceland at the ceremony.
Jón Atli also spoke of the many changes occurring in the world today. "Economic instability, the increasing number of refugees, the environmental threat caused by climate change, the unequal division of wealth, the dissolution of ethical values, and increasing national- and isolationism are an example of concerns that already mark our daily lives and will continue to do so in the future."
"The most important gain of a university education, when all is said and done, is the chance to grow as individuals and become better human beings."
The Rector said that university education should aim at training students to think of the whole and beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines as the biggest problems in our future are not limited to single fields of study, and will only be solved by interdisciplinary scientific collaboration. "It is thus vital to strengthen communicability, the ability to work together in groups, language skills, cultural literacy, ethical judgement and critical thinking. University education does not only revolve around helping young people adapt to the ever changes needs of industry and society, but should also enable them to take an active part in forming the society they are a part of with their knowledge and courage."
The Rector of the University of Iceland encouraged all the candidates to do their very best for a new world view. He said it is important to bear in mind that the strength of each society hangs on how we treat the least fortunate.
He concluded his address by quoting the lyrics of Forever Young by the Nobel laureate Bob Dylan "May you grow up to be righteous / May you grow up to be true / May you always know the truth / And see the lights surrounding you. / May you always be courageous / Stand upright and be strong / And may you stay / Forever young."