Vice-Chancellor’s blog: Closing the year

We are nearing the end of a year that just like the year before has very much been marked by the pandemic. The difference being that there are now vaccines that can rapidly be adapted. The tremendous speed with which vaccines are being developed is a real triumph for science, for healthcare and for the collaboration between industry, the public sector and policymakers. The key remaining question is how we will be able to vaccinate every single person on earth. In any case, we must be able to provide vaccine to the majority of the population globally if we are to minimise the risk of new mutations and outbreaks.

We have also had a year when Sweden has celebrated 100 years of universal voting rights. At the same time, it was a year when parliamentary democracy was tried and tested – and withstood the challenges.

The Swedish economy has during the year shown considerable strength, not least the manufacturing industry in our region has seen great success. A favourable development for employment rates and tax revenues – which in turn may result in increased funding for higher education and research.

It has also been a good year for Örebro University, with growing scientific publishing, increased research funding, a more than satisfactory number of applicants per place, and courses and study programmes that continue to display high quality. This despite the fact that a lot of the teaching has been online. Successes and hard work – let’s keep it going also in the new year.

But before that, my warmest thanks to all members of staff for your great contributions to our university. Our overall vision, “leading  towards a knowledge-driven society”, is it not in fact better describing where we are right now? It is not just a vision of the future. Well, at least to my exceptionally objective and unbiased vice-chancellor’s mind.

And so, I would like to thank you and encourage you to make the most of the festive season and everything it has to offer. And of course, to wish you all a very...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Johan