Strategy of the University of Iceland 2021-2026

We guarantee quality in all aspects of our work, ensuring international competitiveness in teaching and research.

We are accountable and conscious of the University's societal significance as an institution that attracts students and staff from diverse backgrounds.

We break down barriers to collaboration and take the initiative in responding to change and challenges, both within the University and in society at large.

INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
The University frameworks will support interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching, research and all operations of the University.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
The number of joint degree programmes offered in collaboration with universities abroad will be increased, as will opportunities for exchange studies and support for international research collaboration.

INNOVATION AND PROGRESS
An environment conducive to innovation by students and researchers will be created in collaboration with the Science Park, industry, and society. Action will be taken to strengthen the Icelandic language in a changing world.

WORK-READY GRADUATES
Access to lifelong learning will be improved and greater emphasis placed on ensuring that students have the skills they need to pursue diverse careers and tackle challenges in an agile, digitalised world.

KNOWLEDGE CONTRIBUTING TO A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY
The University will lead the way in sustainability through teaching, research, and knowledge creation.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The University will lead the way in sustainable development by setting measurable targets for carbon neutrality during the strategic period, based on national targets.

A DIVERSE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
The University will be an even better workplace, ensuring equality and attracting students and staff from diverse backgrounds. Students with immigrant backgrounds will receive special support, and an emphasis will be placed on diversity in the student body.

WORKING TOGETHER WITH SOCIETY
The University’s impact on society will be increased with an action plan for improved support and direct dialogue between researchers and stakeholders, in order to combat fake news, reinforce trust in science, and lay the groundwork for public policy.

USER-CENTRED SERVICES
User-centred services based on the needs of students, faculty and administrators will be prioritised at the University through digital transformation.

QUALITY OF LEARNING PRIORITISED
Teaching methods and programme offerings will be continuously developed and form the foundation of the University's quality assurance work, with student satisfaction and quality serving as guiding principles. The development of digital teaching methods, distance learning and open online courses will be prioritised.

HIGH QUALITY GRADUATE STUDIES
Emphasis will be on strengthening the framework and funding for doctoral studies as well as expanding the availability of courses at Master´s level.

EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH
Support for researchers will be enhanced through increased access to grants and research infrastructure, as well as open and improved access to research data and findings.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND JOB SATISFACTION
The University will promote a motivating work environment, with focus on student and staff well-being, that will attract ambitious individuals from diverse backgrounds. Support services and administration will be improved through stronger frameworks, education, and training.

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RESEARCH AND TEACHING
Research infrastructure, facilities and buildings support the advancement of research and teaching, as well as interdisciplinary cooperation and quality of operations.

A THRIVING CAMPUS
A comprehensive vision for the University campus will promote equal access and a close-knit knowledge-based community of staff and students from all schools. Priority will be given to universal design, sustainable transportation, and green connections.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Funding, streamlining, and efficiency in management will be ensured. Funding and salary structure will reflect the University's strategic plan.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) map the most significant challenges facing humankind and will be a vital part of the effort to maintain our quality of life on Earth in the future. Universities are sources of knowledge that play a key role in the search for solutions to these problems.

The SDGs are explicitly manifested in UI26. Sustainability and diversity form one of the four main pillars of UI26, which means that sustainability will be the basis of all University operations.

The two most important objectives in this regard are as follows. First, the University of Iceland will become a global leader in the field of sustainability through teaching, research and knowledge creation and, second, the University will lead the way in sustainable operations and carbon neutrality.

Knowledge creation, research and teaching at the University have a broad impact and are utilised to promote quality, improve public health, tackle climate change, foster prosperous development of society, ensure sustainable economic stability and support innovation in all areas of society and industry. The university community thereby makes an invaluable contribution to the advancement of the SDGs.

The University of Iceland, in cooperation with international partner universities, has begun to systematically map the ways in which research and teaching contribute to the SDGs. The findings will be presented on dashboards that provide a clear picture of the University’s extensive contribution to these pressing challenges and will be used to support further development of University operations towards achieving the SDGs.

International rankings of higher education institutions are increasingly taking into account the societal impact of universities. In 2021, for the third consecutive year, the University of Iceland was included in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, a list of the world's top performing universities for social and economic impact with respect to the SDGs. The list ranks universities based on their performance against indicators of global social and economic impact and advancement of the SDGs.

The new strategy of the University of Iceland sets ambitious goals for the advancement of teaching, research, innovation, and other activities. The strategy enables the University to strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable development in the spirit of the SDGs, in collaboration with the media, society, industry and government, for the benefit of Icelandic society and the global community.