Jubilee campaign promoting boundless knowledge

Uppsala University will celebrate 550 years on 7 October 2027. Ahead of this occasion, a jubilee campaign is being launched today: “Boundless knowledge – since 1477”, whose aim is to further strengthen the University’s research. The goal is to raise SEK 1 billion by 2027, and the campaign is already halfway towards that goal. Today’s anniversary and awards ceremony in the Grand Auditorium will highlight this year’s donors.

Through strong research and interdisciplinary collaborations, Uppsala University has contributed important scholarly expertise over the centuries. Alongside core government funding and grants from both public and private funding bodies, major private donations have been crucial. A substantial donation from King Gustaf II Adolf enabled the University to develop rapidly in the 17th century, and donated funds have repeatedly contributed to research and student funding throughout history.

“For more than 500 years, Uppsala University has helped shape society, but we are not content to leave it at that. Given the many complex societal challenges of our time, we want to hone our expertise even further. We have many people to thank for major investments in the University over the years. “At this year’s anniversary ceremony, we have invited certain people to whom we would like to express our special gratitude for their generous contributions over the past year,” notes Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt.

As competition intensifies between both Swedish and international universities, the need for more sources of funding is also increasing. It was therefore a natural step for Uppsala University to consider launching a campaign, and in 2022 the decision was taken by the Vice-Chancellor to implement it.

“Through the name of the campaign, “Boundless knowledge – since 1477”, we want to highlight the breadth of our research and the strength of being a comprehensive university. This is also illustrated by the fact that the donors visiting us today have decided to support areas as diverse as hydrogen research for shipping and a Latin professorship, to name just a couple of examples,” Hagfeldt continues.

To support the campaign, the University has engaged an external Campaign Committee, chaired by entrepreneur and alumna Maria Rankka.

“They will bring an outside perspective on our research and a broad network, which will help us reach out to new stakeholders, which is something we are delighted about,” says Hagfeldt.

The anniversary is traditionally celebrated with an award ceremony, music and a lecture in the Grand Auditorium. The programme is open to the public.

All about the campaign: www.uu.se/boundlessknowledge

Contact people:

Anders Hagfeldt, Vice-Chancellor, Uppsala University
can be reached via Press Office, press@uu.se or +46 70 167 92 96

Johan Tysk, Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on external relations and Chair of the internal steering group for fundraising, Uppsala University, Mobile phone: +46 70 895 01 07, e-mail: johan.tysk@uu.se

Agneta Stålhandske, Head of Uppsala University Development Office, Mobile phone: +46 70 425 03 66, e-mail: agneta.stalhandske@uu.se