The entire ceremony revolved around the close ties between Denmark and Sweden, ties that go back over a thousand years and have left their mark on both Skåne and Lund University.
Panel discussion at Skissernas Museum
The ceremony began with a panel discussion at Skissernas Museum – Museum of Artistic Process and Public Art. The conversation centred around the University’s top ranking in sustainability. The panel comprised Maria Nilsson, state secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research, Markku Rummukainen, professor of climatology, and Marie Sandin, MD of Tetra Pak.
Markku Rummukainen suggested that the ranking reflected the University practising what it preaches, and that brings credibility:
“Sustainability isn’t something for the future, it’s about how we live today. Being highest ranked doesn’t mean that we’re the absolute best – just that we’re the best that could be found right now. Being number one also comes with its own obligations.”
State Secretary Maria Nilsson was particularly proud of the result since Lund University is her Alma Mater.
“It shows that Sweden is leading the way in terms of the quality of education and research. Now we also have to make the most of the result, and continue to focus on sustainability, including those of us at the Ministry of Education. In a world where the concept of sustainability is often looked down upon, it is even more important that Lund and Sweden stand proud and carry it forward.”
Archaeology in the presence of the Queen
In honour of Queen Margrethe, three lectures on archaeology and ancient history were delivered. Focusing particularly on Skåne’s Danish links, Professor of Archaeology Mats Roslund told the story of Uppåkra as a key location from the 6th century until Harald Bluetooth’s unification of the Danish realm in the 10th century.
Nicolò Dell’Unto, professor of archaeology, spoke about restraint during archaeological digs. Sometimes it is better to leave remains untouched so that they can be examined in the future. He demonstrated how his research team has discovered hundreds of previously unknown remains using laser drones.
Lovisa Brännstedt, associate professor of ancient history, described the legal status of women in the Roman Empire, including how women had the right to own property, inherit and marry on the same terms as men. In the Roman Empire, women accounted for one-fifth of those brought to trial, which is a significantly higher figure than in many countries today. Men and women were equal before the law, which reveals something about the political standing of women in the Roman Empire.
The lectures were accompanied by piano music played by Francisca Skogh, senior lecturer at the Malmö Academy of Music. Among other pieces, she played a dramatic piece by Staffan Storm and Clair de Lune by Debussy.
Time for the University’s Annual Academic Ceremony
It was then time for Queen Margrethe and the invited guests to make their way to the Annual Academic Ceremony itself, in the Main University Building.
The atmosphere in the packed auditorium was expectant.
Vice-Chancellor Erik Renström began by talking about the natural and historical ties between Lund and Denmark and how the founding of Lund at the end of the 10th century marked an important step in the unification of the Kingdom of Denmark. Yet it was only after Denmark lost Skåne following the Treaty of Roskilde that it was decided to establish a university in Lund as part of the “Swedification” of Skåne. The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised the purpose of the Annual Academic Ceremony:
“To remain a leading university requires excellence and delivering education and research that attracts interest internationally. Today, we are highlighting an element of this by honouring those colleagues who have performed far beyond expectations.”
Queen Margrethe as Honorary Fellow
The University’s Annual Academic Ceremony began with the presentation of Queen Margrethe as an Honorary Fellow. The title of Honorary Fellow is awarded to individuals who, through outstanding achievements in public or private activities, have made a significant contribution to the University and society.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted Her Majesty’s personal commitment to science and the arts, and her studies in archaeology and other subjects. Through her close ties to both Denmark and Sweden, she helps to strengthen relations between our countries.
“The age we live in calls for determination, perseverance and close cooperation with our neighbours. Presenting Her Majesty as an Honorary Fellow is a symbol of our cross-border cooperation.”
The Lund University Silver Medal
The Lund University Silver Medal was awarded to two of the University's most distinguished researchers: Professor Markku Rummukainen and Professor Cecilia Jarlskog.
Markku Rummukainen was awarded the Silver Medal for his leading climate research and his commitment to national and international climate policy.
Cecilia Jarlskog was awarded the Silver Medal for her world-leading research in theoretical particle physics, which has had a major impact on our understanding of the fundamental structures of the universe. She has given her name to the parameter in particle physics known as the Jarlskog invariant.
Ceremonial lecture
David Gudmundsson, associate professor of church history, gave this year's commemorative lecture and spoke about where history and the present meet.
“I sometimes hear the tapping sound of archaeologists outside my office. They might have found an arrowhead, or a fragment that tells us something about our history. These kinds of concrete encounters with man-made artefacts boost understanding of research and teaching and contribute to developing both students’ and teaching staff members’ understanding of the world. This is particularly true in religious studies, which plays an important role at a time when religion can easily be misinterpreted, misused or exploited for political purposes, while scientific and evidence-based knowledge is being called into question. That is why our educational mission is so important.”
The Lund University Administrative Prize
The Lund University Administrative Prize was awarded to Håkan Håkansson and Tomasz Lesniak of the University Library for their long-term work in developing the Ravensbrück Archive into an internationally recognised research resource, which has also been designated a Memory of the World by UNESCO. Through digitisation, transcription and making materials accessible, they have created a platform that combines historical material with modern digital solutions. The work shows how administration and archive development can work together to preserve a vulnerable but vital memory.
They are not simply administrators – they are facilitators. Their determination and commitment create opportunities for others to access the archive and for research to continue to progress.
The Lund Students’ Prize for Excellence in Teaching
Teo Houmann, president of the Lund University Student Union Association, highlighted the importance of the relationship between students and teaching staff, pointing out that the greatest threat to the University is not that students drop out, but that they stop caring.
“It’s the interaction between students and university that drives development, quality and innovation. Students asserting themselves, pushing issues and asking those simple but crucial questions – “Why are we really doing this?” – keeps the University inquisitive, critical and alive.”
“That is why today we are celebrating the educational role models who help people to grow. Teaching staff members who inspire students not only to stay, but to get involved,” said Teo Houmann, and the three recipients of the Lund Students’ Prize for Excellence in Teaching were invited to come forward individually.
Hannah Herde, associate senior lecturer at the Faculty of Science, Karin Nykvist, senior lecturer at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology, and Olof Sandgren, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine.
The award ceremony concluded with a scholarship from the Karin Dahlgren Memorial Fund being awarded to student Lotta Flink for her commitment to preserving and developing academic traditions, including her role as wreath bearer at the Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony.
A soaring trumpet serenade from the musicians’ gallery by the Lund University Academic Orchestra signalled that the time had come for Queen Margrethe to leave the University Auditorium escorted by Vice-Chancellor Erik Renström. The Annual Academic Ceremony was brought to a close by rousing choral music from the Lund Academic Choir.
You can read longer interviews with the award winners in the publication produced for the ceremony:
The 2026 Annual Academic Ceremony programme booklet (in Swedish).