Universities must tackle urgent challenges

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (25 March 2022):

"Dear students and colleagues, 

One of the primary roles of a university is to tackle urgent challenges. In order to do so, we need unwavering commitment to freedom of thought and expression. In our new strategy, we pledge to seek new solutions to problems, using forward-thinking based on collaboration and interdisciplinary vision. The University has also resolved to combat misinformation. We understand now better than ever how entire nations can be controlled through a bombardment of propaganda that bears no relation to reality.

When we developed our new comprehensive strategy, none of us could have foreseen the grave challenges now facing the West. Millions of refugees have fled across Europe, mainly women and children, forced from their homes by Russia's unprovoked attack on the free and sovereign state of Ukraine. 

Here at the University of Iceland, we have now established a special response team to help refugees displaced by the conflict. One action the University has taken is to offer rooms in Saga as accommodation for refugees. 

We are also looking into the possibility of finding additional rooms for university students from Ukraine who may wish to study at UI. Finally, we are looking into how the University of Iceland can support academics from regions affected by the war. The difficulties facing refugees and those still living in Ukraine are not theirs to bear alone; we all have a responsibility to help. The University of Iceland must take action. 

An important part of the University of Iceland's work is investigating and interpreting real situations as they happen. I want to thank the huge number of experts at the University who have discussed various aspects of the war in Ukraine using a range of different platforms over the last few weeks. 

The University of Iceland will soon start work mapping our partnerships with Icelandic communities outside the Reykjavík area, in order to develop even stronger links with other regions. Over the past two decades, the University has worked steadily to cultivate these partnerships and this week we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the University of Iceland's Institute of Research Centres. The Institute of Research Centres provides a platform for a wide range of research projects across the country, with the first research centre established in Höfn in 2002. There are now 11 regional research centres across Iceland. We can think of them as outposts of academia – one of their primary roles is to work together with local people in research, teaching and sharing information. They also contribute to the local economy and many of them pursue basic research and other projects in collaboration with local companies and communities. 

Speaking of the economy, a short while ago UI invited representatives of Icelandic industry to discuss how we can improve partnerships between the University and industry to the advantage of companies, learning and research. We also wanted to identify new shared opportunities, which would bring benefits not least for UI students. The event was held in collaboration with the Science Park, the on-campus hub for connections with industry, and UI Careers Connection which cultivates similar links, not least between students and companies. The initiative was considered a success by all parties and of course we plan to hold further meetings with representatives of Icelandic industry in the near future. Our goal is to create jobs in a knowledge-driven society, strengthening and enhancing the Icelandic economy.

This week also saw a similar event, in this case aimed at developing links between the University and the fishing industry. Business administration students met with key figures from this vital sector of the economy. Whether in terms of experience, profitability, innovation or sustainability, for a long time Iceland's fishing industry has been among the foremost in the world and this is no coincidence. One of the keys to its success is fruitful collaboration between the industry and the University. Our partnership is built on the experience of those familiar with management and practice in the industry on the one hand, and on the other hand the quest for new knowledge at the University of Iceland. This partnership has produced a huge number of exciting innovations, many of which have become essential to the Icelandic economy. The meeting specifically focused on the position of women in the fishing industry. Research shows that the proportion of female managers in the sector is considerably lower than is generally seen in Icelandic industry. It is clear that there is much ground to be gained here, since equality is the cornerstone of a sustainable society.

There is a great deal going on at the University of Iceland these days. At 11.30 this morning, the Aula in the Main Building will reverberate with the music of the rock band Sólstafir, who will be performing as part of the University concerts. Sólstafir began as a black metal band, but have developed their sound in various interesting ways, earning them a following that extends far beyond the borders of this country. This concert will be an exciting event for all music lovers and a real treat for modern rock fans.

Dear students and colleagues, Let's enjoy the concert today, make the best of the weekend and continue to take care. Look out for one another and spread compassion.

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"