We are an organisation with a unique task – to produce, discuss and communicate knowledge. We are an organisation of, and for, experts. I myself am an expert on insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. To be frank, that is pretty niche and nerdy. Yet here, at Lund University, I clearly belong. Because here, being a nerd is right – it is desirable.
We should be proud of our nerdiness, because what our world needs, in order to tackle the common threats around us, is deep understanding and first-class interdisciplinary science.
For the world as a whole, 2022 has been a difficult year. The world is now more unstable and more difficult to predict than it was even a couple of years ago. This affects us here at Lund University too. Nevertheless, we will continue pursuing our core mission: to create new knowledge, and to share it with others. We will keep doing what we are best at, but in a smarter, sharper and more attractive way.
While socialising during the holiday season, I hope that you will be asked what you are studying or what you work with, so that you get the chance to tell them about what you are best at!
So, as the year draws to a close, I want to thank all you students and colleagues for the time you have invested over the year into reading books, attending specialist seminars and participating in lively discussions. Thanks too to all of you who create the right conditions for the rest of us to nerd out, through your specialist expertise as a support organisation – so that we can all do what we are best at!
And with that, I would like to wish you all happy holidays and a great end to the year!
/Erik Renström, vice-chancellor.
