Oskar Lövström: from student representative to Uppsala Student of the Year
Oskar Lövström graduated from the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy this spring, and is now Uppsala Student of the Year. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Alongside his studies on the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy, Oskar Lövström has worked hard to make student voices heard. This dedication was awakened by the community he discovered right from his first day at the Pharmaceutical Student Union. And now he’s been awarded the Uppsala Student of the Year award scholarship.
Lövström had no inkling that he had been nominated for the Anders Wall foundation’s Uppsala Student of the Year award, worth SEK 150,000. But then came the call from the Vice-Chancellor.
“It’s pretty crazy to be recognised in this way, but obviously it also feels good to get confirmation that you've done something that has been appreciated,” comments Lövström as he shows us around the pharmacists’ union building.
It was here at the union building that he met his girlfriend during the very first welcome lunch of the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy. And it was also where he met the other students who inspired him to become a student representative and part of the union. His official involvement in the student union was less of a plan and more of a natural consequence of the community that existed there.
“When there is a good atmosphere, it’s fun to do things together. The more you get involved in something, the more interesting it becomes; and that’s how my involvement grew. I now think that student influence is one of the most fun things you can do,” he adds.
It was his interest in chemistry and biology that led him to the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy. "Pharmaceuticals seemed like a good pathway. It is a very concrete field and can be used to help others.” Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Oskar Lövström
Oskar Lövström
Age: 24.
Recent news: Awarded the Anders Wall Foundation’s Uppsala Student of the Year scholarship.
Enjoys in free time: Really interested in fitness – I like running, roller skiing and cycling. I enjoy meeting friends, picking fruit and berries and experimental cooking. Tip: try adding a little baking powder to your tomato sauce to remove the acidity.
Tips for new students: Get involved earlier than you think you want to! Otherwise you'll end up like me; I've already been here for six years but want to stay for another five years to get involved in more things.
Making students’ voice heard
Lövström has held student representative positions on almost all boards and bodies at the Faculty of Pharmacy, and has also served as president of the Pharmaceutical Student Union. His driving force has always been ensuring that the students’ perspective is included when important decisions are made about their studies.
“There are many ways to provide good and bad education. If both the education providers and recipients work together, the education will be better than if the teachers alone come up with what they think is good. Student influence simply makes for higher quality education.”
New perspectives through travel
Lövström is convinced that a university thrives on having a vibrant student influence. Student policy efforts also give a lot back.
“I’ve met some amazing people through my involvement. The social aspects of studying are often emphasised when talking about Uppsala’s student life, but there is so much more to it. I’ve had many great experiences as a student representative and active union figure.”
He cites all the international conventions he has been able to attend as examples. For example, he has met with international students and discussed the differences in educational programmes between countries.
“Without having something to compare to, it’s difficult to know how you can do things differently. You can improve so many things after gaining new influences, while at the same time gaining perspectives on what actually works well at your own institution.”
Lövström has therefore tried to make it easier for more students to travel abroad to attend similar conferences and to study. While it is possible to study abroad, it is often difficult to transfer credits for some programmes because of their highly different structures.
Graduates can work in a pharmacy, which Lövström did during the summer. In the future, he would like to work in labs on drug development. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Would like to continue researching
Another important aspect of internationalisation is pastoral care of students who move here. Lövström graduated this spring but is currently organising a welcome reception for the international Master’s students who will be studying at the Faculty of Pharmacy.
After these welcome arrangements, his future is somewhat uncertain.
“The most interesting option would be to do some kind of research, to be allowed to indulge my curiousity and to dig deep into a field! It would be great to continue at Uppsala University. I have so much to be grateful for, so it would be nice to give something back.”
Sandra Gunnarsson
Uppsala Student of the Year
The Anders Wall Foundation Scholarship – the Uppsala Student of the Year award – is given out each year to promote contributions by young people to a spirit of entrepreneurship and creative thinking at Uppsala University. The scholarship was first awarded in 2000.
Oskar Lövström will be honoured in connection with the celebration of Uppsala University's birthday on 7 October. The scholarship will be presented at the Anders Wall Foundation's annual scholarship award ceremony on 10 March in Stockholm.
Find out more about Uppsala Student of the Year
Award citation
"This year’s Uppsala Student of the Year and recipient of the Anders Wall Foundation’s scholarship is Oskar Lövström, student on the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy.
Oskar Lövström is a high-achieving student with extraordinary grades, an interest in research and a deep involvement in student affairs. Alongside his studies, Oskar has been very active in the life of the union and nations, and has promoted studies at a local, central and international level. As a student representative in a number of groups and on boards at the Faculty of Pharmacy, he has worked in a committed and determined way to improve conditions for students and advocated on their behalf.
As president of the Pharmaceutical Student Union, Oskar has worked to expand the union's internationalisation efforts, include exchange students in union life and increase the union's contacts with students in other countries. Oskar has also been a driving force in developing international student issues within the ENLIGHT alliance and has worked to re-establish the Swedish National Association of Pharmaceutical Students (SNAPS) to improve collaboration, knowledge exchange and development opportunities between and for pharmacy students in Sweden.
Oskar is a visionary who has done an outstanding job of representing pharmacy students in various contexts and safeguarding their study environment. With his commitment and performance, he is a fantastic role model for other students and a well-deserved recipient of the scholarship."