Joy, pride and milestones celebrated at the spring conferment ceremony
The sun glittered over Stockholm City Hall and the waters of Lake Mälaren as 143 doctoral graduates and two honorary doctors were conferred in the Blue Hall on Friday 24 April. During the ceremony, they received their hats and were celebrated with strings, singing and a cannon salute, before the festivities continued with a banquet in the Golden Hall.
The ceremony opened in accordance with tradition with Karolinska Institutet’s ceremonial march and a procession to the flag bearers, as student marshals led the new doctors down the staircase to their seats. Black tailcoats and vibrant dresses created an elegant scene before the music fell silent and the welcome address began.
“To hold steady over time”
“Universities are among society’s most stable institutions. Our task is not only to move forward – but to hold steady over time. To remain true to our core mission: to safeguard academic freedom, to uphold the value of basic research, to educate future generations, and to contribute knowledge that supports a sustainable and resilient society,” said KI’s President Annika Östman Wernerson.
In her welcome speech, she paid tribute to the late Hans Rosling for his defence of knowledge and long‑term perspectives. She also honoured the recently deceased Leif Lundblad for his significant and important donation to KI for research into dementia diseases.
The President concluded her speech by addressing the soon‑to‑be doctors directly, congratulating them on their fine achievements, but also urging them to lift their gaze and see the longer perspective. “Not only for achievement – but also for meaning. And not least for happiness,” she concluded.
Outstanding contributions in breast cancer and oral health honoured
In the next part of the ceremony, the new honorary doctors Charles Perou and Timo Sorsa were awarded their titles for groundbreaking contributions to breast cancer and oral health respectively – research that has been of great significance to Karolinska Institutet.
Charles Perou was present and received his hat and ring from promotor Marie Arsenian Henriksson, academic vice president for research, while Timo Sorsa was conferred in absentia, with his photograph displayed on the large screen.
“It is the most honourable distinction I have ever received, and I know that Timo Sorsa feels the same,” said Professor Charles Perou in his speech at the banquet following the ceremony.
“It feels deeply meaningful that scientific research can be of real benefit to patients. It was something I hoped for already during my time as a doctoral student, and I see this distinction as proof that this has indeed become a reality,” he continued, ending by thanking his wife, his two children, his sisters, and his research colleagues.
Penguin hat symbolised the life of a researcher
The next promotor, Bob Harris, academic vice president for doctoral education, began by warmly congratulating the soon‑to‑be doctors on their achievements. As a greeting, he removed his hat and replaced it with a penguin hat, which made the audience burst into laughter.
He used the penguin to illustrate the life of a researcher: at certain moments one shines in one’s bright “colours” when a paper is published in a respected journal, while the hard work behind the scenes continues week after week. “Being able to manage this cycle of success followed by long periods of uncertainty and hard work is what research is all about,” he concluded – emphasising the seriousness and perseverance required of a researcher – before continuing with metaphors about lions and elephants, to the audience’s quiet amusement.
Applause from a standing audience welcomed the promovendi as they, accompanied by the student marshals, proceeded to receive their hats and diplomas. They were conferred by Bob Harris, while chief marshal Nora Khatibi read out their names. The new doctors were honoured with fanfares, warm applause, and cannon salutes from Stadshuskajen.
Sparkling dessert and soaring notes
A lively mingling after the ceremony brought together the newly conferred doctors with their families and friends. Hugs were exchanged, joyful reunions celebrated, and countless photos taken. The cheerful buzz followed the guests all the way up to the Golden Hall, where the banquet began.
“Are you having a good evening? Tonight we are here to celebrate,” said President Annika Östman Wernerson in her dinner speech.
During the evening, the hall was filled with powerful music as Lovisa Karlsson, accompanied by Albin Samuelsson on piano, performed an evocative opera piece beneath the golden mosaic of Carl von Linné.
As a sparkling finale, the balcony lit up when the dessert was flambéed before being served in synchronised rows. Coffee was set out in the Blue Hall and the dance floor opened – first for slower couple dancing and mingling – then to more modern rhythms as the celebration continued long into the night.
Highlights from the evening
