On Wednesday 13 May, the Swedish Defence University’s new premises at Karlstad University were inaugurated with speeches by the vice-chancellors and the county governor, as well as drum rolls by students from the Ingesund School of Music and a joint toast with non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
– The first steps towards this collaboration were taken in 2024 when we met at a gathering of vice-chancellors. I believe we both feel it is entirely right and natural, said Jerker Moodysson, Vice-Chancellor of Karlstad University, who concluded his inaugural speech by thanking everyone involved in the co-location of the two institutions.
Thanks were also expressed by Robert Egnell, Vice-Chancellor of the Swedish Defence University, who explained that his own dream of co-location had in fact begun even earlier.
– If we go quite far back, my father was one of the first students to graduate here at what was then Karlstad University College. In recent years we have had many research collaborations and staff have moved between our institutions; in addition, we now work together within Campus Total Defence, so it feels important for us to be here together with you, said Robert Egnell.
County Governor Georg Andrén also praised the co-location in his inaugural address.
– This is, and will become, a fantastic meeting place that highlights the importance of knowledge, experience and science.
After the formal speeches, there was further toasting with sparkling wine, accompanied by music and singing performed by a duo from the Ingesund School of Music.
