Relaxations of the public health restrictions
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (28 January 2022):
"Dear students and colleagues,
This morning, the government announced relaxations of the public health restrictions in place due to the pandemic. As of midnight, the limit on gatherings will be raised to 50 people and the physical distancing rule will drop to 1 metre. Specific restrictions on the education system remain unchanged, except that the 1 metre rule will be in place in all UI buildings and facemasks must be worn where this distance cannot be maintained. Gatherings of up to 50 people will be permitted; this applies to both staff and students.
Today's announcement is significant news for us all. The government has also signalled tentative plans for fully relaxing domestic restrictions and hopefully we can now start to look forward to the end of this pandemic which has taken such a toll.
The University of Iceland newsletter was published yesterday, jam packed with fascinating articles as always. The spring semester is now in full swing, despite the setbacks in the pandemic which have certainly affected us all.
The University of Iceland plays a vital role in democratic and informed public debate, and knowledge creation at the University enables our society to tackle a variety of challenges. This is clearly evidenced in this month's newsletter, which contains articles about socially significant research in a wide range of disciplines. For example, there is a report about UI scientists who are working on an international research project developing ways to extract critical raw materials from geothermal springs. These materials are used in electronic devices and high-tech equipment. The project has been awarded a grant of almost ISK 1.1 billion from Horizon Europe, the European Union's new research funding programme. This is the first Horizon Europe grant awarded to UI scientists.
The newsletter also reports a project about tackling food sensitivity through playfulness, in order to promote healthier diets in childhood. Various studies have shown that a healthy diet in the first few years of life can have significant implications for lifelong health. The project is also aimed at reducing food waste.
UI has long supported our staff and students from all schools to pursue innovative ideas and to exploit research findings. This boosts the University's societal impact and opens up new opportunities in industry and other areas of society. The University now owns shares in around 20 start ups founded by staff and students. All these companies aim to find solutions to the challenges currently facing our planet. Among them is Atmonia, developers of a revolutionary technology for manufacturing fertilizer in a more sustainable way. You can read about this in the latest newsletter.
Study programmes at UI meet rigorous international standards and prepare our students to take part in a wide range of dynamic industries. Monday is the start of the annual Career Days event at the University, which will focus on the world of work and preparing you to enter the job market. The Career Days programme is organised by the UI Student Counselling and Career Centre and the Student Council's Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. Due to pandemic restrictions, the programme will be online this year, but I urge you all to take part and take advantage of the services available.
Dear students and colleagues,
It is essential that we remain cautious and follow the public health rules, despite the relaxations announced this morning. We should all be washing our hands, using disinfectant, and wearing masks where we cannot keep our distance.
Let's make the most of the weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"
