New jubilee campaign promoting boundless knowledge
The charter for the establishment of Uppsala University issued by the Council of the Realm in Strängnäs at the beginning of July 1477, written in Swedish. Photo: Kurt Eriksson, Swedish National Archives
Uppsala University will celebrate 550 years on 7 October 2027. Ahead of this occasion, a jubilee campaign is being launched: “Boundless knowledge – since 1477”, whose aim is to further strengthen the University’s research. The goal is to raise SEK 1 billion by 2027, and the campaign is already halfway towards that goal. The anniversary and awards ceremony in the Grand Auditorium will highlight this year’s donors on 7 October 2024.
Vice Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Through strong research and interdisciplinary collaborations, Uppsala University has contributed important scholarly expertise over the centuries. Alongside core government funding and grants from both public and private funding bodies, major private donations have been crucial. A substantial donation from King Gustaf II Adolf enabled the University to develop rapidly in the 17th century, and donated funds have repeatedly contributed to research and student funding throughout history.
“For more than 500 years, Uppsala University has helped shape society, but we are not content to leave it at that. Given the many complex societal challenges of our time, we want to hone our expertise even further. We have many people to thank for major investments in the University over the years. At this year’s anniversary ceremony, we have invited certain people to whom we would like to express our special gratitude for their generous contributions over the past year,” notes Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt.
Need for more sources of funding
As competition intensifies between both Swedish and international universities, the need for more sources of funding is also increasing. It was therefore a natural step for Uppsala University to consider launching a campaign, and in 2022 the decision was made to implement it.
“Through the name of the campaign, “Boundless knowledge – since 1477”, we want to highlight the breadth of our research and the strength of being a comprehensive university. This is also illustrated by the fact that the donors visiting us today have decided to support areas as diverse as hydrogen research for shipping and a Latin professorship, to name just two examples,” Hagfeldt continues.
External Campaign Committee
To support the campaign, the University has engaged an external Campaign Committee, chaired by entrepreneur and alumna Maria Rankka.
“They will bring an outside perspective on our research and a broad network, which will help us reach out to new stakeholders, which is something we are delighted about,” says Hagfeldt.
The anniversary is traditionally celebrated with an award ceremony, music and a lecture in the Grand Auditorium. The programme is open to the public.
Anneli Waara
New jubilee campaign promoting boundless knowledge
Uppsala University will celebrate 550 years on 7 October 2027. Ahead of this occasion, a jubilee campaign is being launched: “Boundless knowledge – since 1477”, whose aim is to further strengthen the University’s research. The goal is to raise SEK 1 billion by 2027.