Academic Ceremony 2026

The Academic Ceremony concludes a celebratory week featuring open inaugural lectures by newly appointed professors, panel discussions and other public events – all aimed at highlighting the past year’s academic progress in research, education and collaboration.

During Friday’s ceremonial proceedings, 31 new doctors were conferred and eight professors were installed. Leif Melin was awarded an honorary doctorate at the School of Business and Economics, in recognition of his work to strengthen collaboration between the university and the regional business community.

The Stora Linné Scholarship of SEK 500,000, awarded by the municipalities of Växjö and Kalmar, was presented by the chairs of the municipal executive committees, Malin Lauber and Johan Persson. This year’s scholarship recipient is Henrik Örnlind, a researcher in social work, who received the award for his research on how violence can be prevented in vulnerable areas.

Merit awards were presented to four members of staff who have made particularly outstanding contributions. The Linnaeus Medal was presented to Dan Brändström, who served as the first chair of the University Board when Linnaeus University was established in 2010.

The music was performed by the Lyckå Brass Quintet, sitar player Arvid Brattwall, and Pär Strandberg and Ola Af Trampe with band.

The ceremony was followed by a formal dinner on campus in Växjö for invited guests.

Click here for more photos of this year's ceremony.