Scientific research reduces uncertainty and promotes prosperity

• 423 graduate from the University of Iceland from all fields of study 
• Imperative to ensure financial independence for universities
• Each generation should leave the Earth better than they inherited it
• Safeguard important human rights 

"Scientific research has enabled us to reduce various uncertainties and learn to live with them," said Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, in his address today as 423 students graduated from the university at Háskólabíó. 

He reiterated the importance of knowledge-seeking in his speech, emphasizing that the University of Iceland is a research university operating in an international environment where basic research significantly impacts the welfare of society. In this regard, Jón Atli specifically mentioned research on the ongoing volcanic activity that has been occurring intermittently on the Reykjanes Peninsula since March 2021. There, the nation's geoscientists monitored the crustal movements closely in their research whilst informing the government and the public about the challenges that may arise each time. 

Jón Atli said that it had increased the credibility of our scientists and respect for higher education in general, how tirelessly the scientists had been explaining the criteria of their disciplines. "At the same time, it is noteworthy how willing scientists are to acknowledge the limitations of their knowledge. We simply do not know,' is sometimes the only answer to questions from the media. Although the quest for knowledge never ceases, research in all fields of nature, history, society, health, education, and culture is the foundation of our well-being, present and future."

It goes without saying that it is extremely hard to tackle difficulties that seem to have no end. "This especially applies to the residents of Reykjanes and especially the people of Grindavík, who live in uncertainty about their future. At this moment, our thoughts are with all those who are dealing with the consequences of natural disasters in Reykjanes."

Financial independence of universities and a solid legal framework for university operations

The allocation of funding for university operations has been heavily debated recently, and Jón Atli emphasized in his speech the importance of establishing financial independence and a reliable legal framework for universities so that they can continue to play a key role in ensuring prosperity. 

"It is crucial that government policy regarding higher education, our guide to a prosperous future, is shaped for the long term in agreement with stakeholders. "Fundamental changes in the approach to university education in Iceland must be thoroughly presented and discussed in detail before they are implemented," said the university rector.  

He also referred to a recent statement by the European University Association (EUA), urging the authorities of the continent to open up universities for cooperation across nations, "instead of limiting, restricting, and isolating them. ...The prosperity of nations has largely depended on how well they have adopted the ideas and fundamental values of universities." 

The university rector referred to the same statement from the university associations when he urged the authorities in Iceland to achieve the goals of allocating at least three percent of gross domestic product to research and innovation and at least two percent to higher education.  
"Icelandic authorities can do better in this respect," said the rector.  

Let's safeguard rights that we may take for granted.

In his speech today, Jón Atli also addressed the challenges of our time, noting that the future prospects of the world look gloomy. "Multinational studies show that large groups of people are anxious about the times ahead." He said it is urgent to take these concerns seriously, but we should also focus on all that has been achieved through research in recent years and decades. In that context, he mentioned success in the fight against poverty, hunger, inequality, disease, and environmental threats. The fight for a better world is far from over.

"The research shows that tolerance has increased for different views," said the university rector, "and how each of us chooses to manage our lives. But nothing of this is given and we must constantly safeguard the rights we may take for granted. Throughout the world, there are people who cannot express their thoughts and opinions without fearing horrendous consequences."  

Let's foster the unique role of universities 

Jón Atli also talked about trust in his speech and said that no one earns trust overnight, but it can easily be lost. The university has been ranked for years among society's most trustworthy institutions," said the rector, adding that it is crucial that the university remain a forum for academic freedom and exchange of views. 

"This means that we are far from always agreeing, but we are willing to listen to different arguments and perspectives that, all things considered, build trust and credibility. It is invaluable for any society to have such a platform, and we have a duty to cherish the unique position of the university."

Each generation should leave the Earth better than they inherited it

At the end of his speech, the rector of the University of Iceland emphasized the crucial role of each generation in leaving the Earth to the next one in better condition than they received it. 

"In doing so, we show our gratitude to previous generations who laid the foundation for us, and we similarly support future generations with our own thoughts and actions. ... This way, the generational pact is strengthened so that each one will leave behind a better world than the one they inherited."