New name for Hugo Valentin Centre
Engelska parken where the Uppsala Centre for Holocaust and Genocide Studies is located. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
The former Hugo Valentin Centre has been renamed the Uppsala Centre for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. The new name is intended to give the centre a sharper profile and raise the visibility of the research field.
The centre that was known until now as the Hugo Valentin Centre was established in 2010. When it was founded, it had a dual mission: firstly, research on the Holocaust and genocide, and secondly, research on ethnicity and the national minorities in the Nordic region. The reason why it was named after the former Professor Hugo Valentin was that his research represented both these fields, but because of a lack of funding in recent years, only one of them is still active.
“It’s called the Uppsala Centre for Holocaust and Genocide Studies because it is at Uppsala University and because its activities focus on the Holocaust and genocide. This is important research and we want it to be noticed. To this end, we need a name that reflects what we do and that is clear, not least in international contexts,” says Erik Lindberg, Dean of the Faculty of Arts.
Sharper profile
The change of name will not lead to any change in the focus of activities. In Lindberg’s opinion, what it will lead to is a sharper profile and increased visibility for the research field.
“In autumn 2026 we plan to start a new international Bachelor’s programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Together with the Master’s programme that we already offer, the centre will be able to provide an interdisciplinary study path from undergraduate to Master’s level that is virtually unique in an international perspective, in which the history and commemoration of the Holocaust has a central part. This therefore gives us an opportunity to sharpen the profile of our activities in a way that will enhance the visibility of the University in this field internationally.”
Hugo Valentin Lecture
The centre will continue with the annual Hugo Valentin Lecture. These lectures began in 2001 and have been delivered by a long series of the world’s foremost scholars in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
“The lecture series was established in memory of Hugo Valentin and to honour his research on antisemitism, the history of the Jewish people and his documentation of the Holocaust, which began even before the end of the Second World War. His achievements are something for Uppsala University to be proud of and the change of name has nothing to do with him personally. It is only being done for the sake of clarity.”
The decision was made by the Faculty Board on 10 December 2024.
Sandra Gunnarsson
Erik Lindberg, Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
About Hugo Valentin
Hugo Valentin (1888–1963) was a Swedish historian employed at Uppsala University from 1930 until 1955, and as a professor from 1948 onwards. He is primarily remembered for his writings on the history of the Jewish people in Sweden, in particular the seminal work “Judarnas historia i Sverige” (“The History of the Jews in Sweden”).