KI’s installation ceremony celebrated learning and leadership in times of change

“The university has a particular responsibility to protect and cultivate human curiosity, critical thinking and creativity. We must remain capable of asking the right questions. We need to keep thinking, even when AI offers to do it for us.”

She emphasised the importance of broad learning in a world where technology can help us find answers but cannot determine which questions are most important. The role of universities is therefore both to create new knowledge and to safeguard human judgement and the ability to understand the world in a broader context.

Academic excellence makes a difference

During the ceremony, Gert Auer, Ann Langius-Eklöf and Mona Ståhle were honoured and awarded KI’s Grand Silver Medal. Lena Nilsson-Wikmar and Arne Östman received KI’s Silver Medal.

Among this year’s other award winners were Per Uhlén, recipient of the Lennart Nilsson Prize, and Qi Chen, who was awarded the Dimitris N. Chorafas Prize. Pär Nordlund received the Prize for Innovation and Utilisation, whilst Olle ten Cate was awarded KI’s prize for research in medical education, KIPRIME. Anna Dimberg from Uppsala University was awarded the Doctor of Medicine Axel Hirsch Prize. KI’s Educational Prize went to Karin Garming Legert and Nicola Orsini.

Professor Olle ten Cate highlighted curiosity as a key driving force throughout several decades of work in medical education.

“I have always followed my own interests, and that is also my best advice to younger researchers. It is also important to continually question why something seems to work and, perhaps even more importantly, why it does not work.”

Surreal and fantastic

In her address to the new professors, the KI President emphasised that the role of a professor extends beyond one’s own research achievements and entails a responsibility towards the next generation. She encouraged them to support promising colleagues, share their knowledge and make room for new ideas and voices.

In groups of four, the new professors received their diplomas from the President, to warm applause and trumpet fanfares.

Like Olle ten Cate, Erik Andersson, professor of clinical psychology, highlighted interest and curiosity as his most important driving forces.

“I have always loved what I do and been driven by interest and curiosity. My younger, research-focused self would never have dared to believe that I would be here today. That’s why it feels a bit surreal, but above all absolutely fantastic.”

For Gianluigi Savarese, professor of cardiology, the ceremony was a much-appreciated expression of the university’s appreciation.

“It's very emotional to be here. KI is organising a fine ceremony that clearly highlights the importance of research. I would say that all of us here today greatly value this recognition and tribute. It is an experience that will stay with us for a long time.”

Women’s health benefits humanity

In this year’s installation speech, Helena Kopp Kallner, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, jokingly compared research to a noble voyage on calm, albeit unknown, waters. But she emphasised that the reality is more about fierce competition, high demands and the constant risk of good ideas crashing into symbolic icebergs.

She also spoke of the vision that sustains her through long-term research projects with no guarantee of success.

“My objective is for women around the world to enjoy better health throughout their lives, and to become mothers when they themselves wish to and are able to. This is also the basis for ensuring that more children get a good start in life. When women reach their full potential, it benefits the whole of humanity.”

She concluded with a tribute to KI and to science:

“Karolinska Institutet can be likened to that brave hero who sails across unknown seas on a mission to make the world a better place through advances in research. So ‘don’t be an antivaxxer, be a KI.”

Once the final solo performance by Maja Frydén, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, with Filip Ekestubbe at the grand piano, had faded away, it was time for the fanfare and the exit procession. Families, friends and colleagues were now waiting to celebrate the evening’s honourees over wine and canapés.

From the first fanfare to the final hug and toast, this was an evening of pride and joy, and a reminder of why research, education and academic leadership are perhaps needed more than ever.

Text: Anne Hammarskjöld