The theme of the Academic Celebration 2025 was trust, which was evident in both the morning event at Karlstad CCC and the afternoon ceremony in Aula Magna. The ceremony was recorded and is available on the university’s Youtube channel.
The Academic Celebration on Friday 17 October started at Karlstad CCC, where nine newly appointed professors presented their research in the hall Lerinsalen, which was nearly full. After the presentations, the moderator, Jan van Stam, professor of physical chemistry, held a talk on this year’s theme, trust, together with the honorary doctors Catriona Kennedy, Brian Hudson and Alan L. Smith.
Formal ceremony
The three honorary doctors formally received their honorary doctorates at the afternoon ceremony in Aula Magna, when the nine new professors also were inaugurated. A total of 25 doctors from the two faculties of Karlstad University received the traditional insignia as proof that their doctoral degrees had been conferred.
The ceremony also included the presentation of 16 new docents, who have given trial lectures at various events at the faculties during the spring and autumn. This was followed by the presentation of one adjunct professor and one recognised university teacher.
Atmospheric music and dance performances
In between the ceremonial items, the audience was treated to musical performances by the Ingesund ceremony ensemble, soloist Isabella Lundgren and the university choirs Söt Likör and Sällskapet CMB.
Before the afternoon ceremony in Aula Magna, the event was further brightened by performances from the university’s dance students. The Academic Celebration ended with a banquette at Karlstad CCC in the evening.
Long-standing tradition
Academic celebrations have been held at higher education institutions across the world since the Middle Ages, honouring researchers who have acquired the skills required to join the academic community. Karlstad University has held an annual Academic Celebration since 2000.
You can watch the entire ceremony here:
Read more about this year’s professors, doctors and honorary doctors:
