Almedalen – an opportunity for LU to meet decision makers

“A magical place for dialogue, exchange and unexpected encounters that contribute to the development of our society.” This vision statement for Almedalen Week puts into words what attracts people to Visby who are interested in society – in having discussions with the decision makers, change managers, like-minded or those who are of a different opinion.

But why is Almedalen a forum for the University?

“Every year, the question arises whether Almedalen has played out its role as a meeting place. That time hasn't come yet, especially for higher education institutions that are not located in Stockholm. It offers them a very special opportunity to meet so many people in one place who in diverse ways are important for our sector. As long as it remains so, Lund University has an obvious task in Almedalen. And then there is so much to learn from the hundreds of seminars that are organised during these days,” says Erik Renström, Vice-Chancellor of Lund University.

He himself will participate in several seminars. One of them is about how universities can contribute to creating a more existentially sustainable society, and another is about hatred and threats against researchers.

The common thread for university seminars this year is democracy. Under this umbrella theme, many of the faculties will gather to discuss current research with the surrounding community.

LTH is one of the faculties that has invested a little extra in events this year. A glance at the programme shows panel discussions on water democracy, semiconductor shortages, the role of electric highways, crisis preparedness, and inclusion.

“Almedalen is a good arena for connecting us with other actors. Because it is in collaboration with decision-makers, industry, politicians, and other universities, that we can contribute to the future development of technology,” says Annika Olsson, Dean of LTH.

In addition to its own seminars, LTH also will participate in about ten events organised by authorities, companies, and other higher education institutions.

“Once in Visby, we would like to maximise our participation and try to contribute as much as possible,” according to Annika Olsson. She herself will participate in a quarter-hour conversation about cross-border humanities and technology research, an arrangement by Humtank, a think tank for research and education in the humanities.

To listen, learn and meet on a different playing field than the usual one. This is how Caroline Runéus describes the opportunities of universities in Almedalen. She initiated Lund University’s participation in the beginning along with the then Chancellor, Per Eriksson. She recently left her position as the Director of Communications at LU and is now at MAX IV.

“We started with a knowledge mingle in 2009 to test it out, and we continued with a science slam and a couple of seminars in the following years. This was successful and since then it has rolled along in different formats,” she says.

Caroline Runéus points out that it’s not about going there, doing your thing, and going home. Once in Visby, it is important to take advantage of the opportunities.

“I find it hard to imagine a better place for external monitoring, discussions, and collaboration in a concentrated form. But to discuss the purpose of university participation every year is important. New arenas are emerging and one day perhaps, it may be one of these that we will attend instead.”