Stockholm University – An Animated History
The University in the capital that never stops evolving Stockholm University was founded in 1878 as an alternative to the traditional universities in Sweden. Now as then, it stands for openness and accessibility, and it continues to play an active role in society.
1878
Stockholm University College Founded
Stockholm University College is established. The first public lectures are held in mathematics, physics, chemistry and geology, and soon after in cultural history and economics. The tradition of public lectures continues to this day.
1884
Viktor Rydberg
Stockholm University College’s first professor of cultural history is appointed.
1889
Sonja Kovalevsky
Sweden’s first female professor and the world’s first female professor of mathematics is appointed.
1904
University and City in Collaboration
Stockholm University receives the right to award degrees. This process is driven by the city council, which would like the University College to offer legal education, as there is a shortage of lawyers. The law programme is today Sweden's largest and most applied-for study programme.
1904
Gustav Cassel
Stockholm University College’s first professor of economics is appointed.
1907–1960
The number of students increases from 300 to almost 8,000.
1960
University College becomes University
Stockholm University College receives university status.
1960s
Student Explosion and Congestion
The sharp increase in the number of students during the 1960s makes facilities in the city overcrowded.
1970s
In 1970 the great exodus to Frescati begins, with the purpose of gathering all activities in a single location.
1978
28,000 students enrolled.
1995
The world’s first National City Park is established, of which the University forms an important part.
2008
The Stockholm Institute of Education becomes part of the University.
Today
Sweden’s Largest University
Stockholm University has more than 64,000 students and 5,000 members of staff. It is the home to the country’s most substantial research within science, humanities, and social sciences, as well as the home of a number of internationally prominent research environments.
Web editor:
Paul Parker
Last updated:
March 7, 2012
Source: Communications Office
