The annual Ceremony for Doctoral Graduates was held for the thirteenth time today in the UI Ceremonial Hall, where 73 doctoral graduates who have completed their degrees at the university in the past twelve months were honoured with the university's gold medal.
The ceremony was first held on the University of Iceland’s centennial in 2011 and is usually held on 1 December, the Day of Icelandic Sovereignty. Due to the parliamentary elections in Iceland, the ceremony was moved to 2 December. It was attended by newly graduated doctors and their supervisors, along with several guests who wished to celebrate with them.
They graduated from all of the University’s five Schools: 34 men and 39 women. Joint degrees with international universities are two, and this year, a candidate completed their PhD jointly from two University Faculties. Thirty-six per cent of the candidates have a foreign nationality. The number of doctorates awarded at the University of Iceland is now over a thousand; this milestone was reached the year before last.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, addressed the ceremony and congratulated the doctoral candidates and Ingibjörg Gunnarsdóttir, pro-rector for science, presided over the ceremony.
Furthermore, Anna Þóra Hrólfsdóttir, doctor in food science, delivered a speech on behalf of the PhDs. "Collaboration between universities and industry is not just important but essential, as it not only deepens our understanding of real-world challenges but also increases the practical value of our research. Research becomes increasingly important in a world where sustainability, innovation, and technological advancements are at the forefront. In the field of food science, as in many other academic disciplines, the need for new solutions is urgent, whether it involves utilizing resources more efficiently, developing environmentally friendly production methods, or solving problems related to climate change and food security," said Anna Þóra in her speech.
Edda Sif Pind Aradóttir, CEO of Carbfix & Carbon Disposer, addressed the ceremony, but she is among the almost 200 doctors who have completed their degrees at UI over the past two decades with support from the University Fund. (Háskólasjóður hf) Eimskipafélag Íslands This year marks 60 years since the founding of the scholarship fund Háskólasjóður hf. Eimskipafélags Íslands. It has supported a diverse group of doctoral students in achieving success in society and worldwide.
Doctors contribute greatly to the University of Iceland’s scientific work
It is emblematic of the growth of doctoral studies at UI in the 21st century that in 2001 four doctorates were completed, but in the past decade they have been around 70 annually. This can, among other things, be attributed to strong funding sources such as the University Fund of Eimskipafélag Íslands and successful efforts in securing grants on an international level.
“Dynamic doctoral studies at the University of Iceland have strengthened our position as an internationally recognised research university. PhD programmes at UI are in high demand, from both domestic and international students, and thesis projects are often completed in collaboration with international partners. This is very important as research and solid and diverse education are usually considered the foundation of economic growth and prosperity," say Jón Atli Benediktsson, rector of the University of Iceland, and Ingibjörg Gunnarsson, pro-rector for science in their address in the booklet published on this occasion. The booklet includes an overview of all graduated doctors from 01 December 2023 to 01 December 2024 with various statistics on the development of doctoral studies at the University.
The University of Iceland is particularly proud of this accomplished group, who have already found their places in a broad range of roles throughout society and indeed throughout the world.
