Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (12 November 2021):
"Dear students and colleagues,
Unfortunately, COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in Iceland. Today, stricter restrictions on gatherings were introduced by the public health authorities, meaning that a maximum of 50 people may now come together in one zone from next midnight. This week we have already tightened the rules on physical distancing and made masks mandatory where it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1 metre. As in previous semesters where our work has been affected by the pandemic, we will follow all instructions from the health authorities when it comes to teaching and examinations. We want to hold the ground we have already won through our pandemic response, and the best way to do this is by taking individual action to prevent infection. We must wash our hands, use disinfectant, and wear masks. If you notice any symptoms at all, do not come to campus – go to get tested immediately.
The University of Iceland strives to ensure that the research of staff and students delivers scientific, social and economic benefits, for Icelandic industry and the nation as a whole. This week we explored the importance and societal benefits of partnerships between industry and academia at a symposium on the future of innovation. This event is one of a series of symposiums organised together with the biotechnology company Alvotech, which has made its headquarters in the vicinity of the UI Science Park in the Vatnsmýri area.
The partnership between UI and Alvotech, which concentrates on the fast-growing biopharmaceutical sector, has been extremely fruitful. Past experience shows us that such partnerships strengthen links with Icelandic industry and create exciting opportunities for young people. Collaboration of this kind has economic and societal significance for Iceland as a nation, securing opportunities for future generations.
Entrepreneurs from the knowledge-based company Controlant certainly made excellent use of the symposium on the future of innovation this week, taking advantage of the chance to educate guests on the start-up's journey from an idea in a UI classroom out into the wider world of business. Controlant has received a lot of media attention in recent months, with the company's products playing a key role in monitoring the Pfizer COVID vaccine as it is distributed across the world. However, few people know that the company's first innovative steps were taken at the University of Iceland. The original idea was conceived in VR3 – just a stone's throw from the place where the high-tech company Marel was created.
Yesterday's symposium also included a talk from Professor Þorsteinn Loftsson as he shared his experiences of innovation and developing ideas. For many years, Þorsteinn has been among the University of Iceland's leading researchers in pharmaceutical development and the first to be included on a list of the world's most influential scientists. Þorsteinn is not only an outstanding scientists, but also a prolific and extremely successful entrepreneur. He has been involved in founding a large number of start-ups and developing solutions, many of which have now been patented.
The University Forum yesterday focused on urban planning. There are few things more important than urban transportation and how we can ensure that the many people studying and working at the
University are able to travel to campus quickly, easily and sustainably. We also discussed how important it is for our campus to be inclusive of everyone and promote a united University community – whether people are living, studying or working on campus, or visiting simply to access services or find out about all the vital work we do.
The University campus is historically unique and closely connected to the Vatnsmýri nature reserve, the Tjörn and downtown Reykjavík. We want to strengthen and cultivate these links and ensure that our campus is a flourishing, healthy and positive environment for work and study, where sustainable transportation promotes equal access and a united community.
A poem, performed by Gerður Kristný to mark UI's 110th anniversary this week, describes the University as a fortress, built on the unwavering belief in defending all that is good and true. "At night, the spotlights illuminate the fortress wall," says the poet. "People appear on the wall as giants. This is what the University does, it magnifies us so that we may defend all that is good and true."
The University of Iceland belongs to all of us. Through research, we seek the truth and strive to make new discoveries – to reveal things that nobody knew before. This is the way we create new knowledge. Through dynamic innovation, together we can build a good life.
Dear students and colleagues, let’s stay united and take care.
Have a good weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, rector."