Research in focus at the University’s annual celebration
On the 26th of September it is time for Stockholm University’s annual inauguration and conferment ceremony in the Stockholm City Hall – the most traditional of our academic ceremonies. The ceremony celebrates new doctors and new professors as well as honorary doctors.
During this year’s ceremony, the opening speech will be given by President Hans Adolfsson, who is participating for the first time as President of Stockholm University.
“Extremely honourable”
“In recent years, I have had the pleasure of sitting in the audience as a guest and witnessing the University’s academic ceremony, a ceremony that feels particularly solemn as it takes place in the Stockholm City Hall. As President, exactly 40 years after I began my studies at Stockholm University, to be able to participate in the ceremony myself feels both a little surreal and also incredibly honourable. The traditions and ceremonies of academic celebrations are a tribute to education and knowledge. These are values that are very important today,” says President Hans Adolfsson.
During the ceremony those who defended and obtained their doctoral degree during the past academic year will be conferred. This year, 174 new doctors are participating in the celebration. In addition, 42 new professors will be inaugurated.
Those who received their doctoral degrees at Stockholm University 50 years ago are also invited to the celebrations and will be conferred as jubilee doctors. The University’s gold medals and the Award for Good Teaching will also be awarded.
The inaugural lecture will be given by Dan Petersen, professor of algebra and geometry at the Department of Mathematics.
Six new honorary doctors
Six honorary doctorates will also be conferred at the ceremony. These are individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the University's research and education activities. An honorary doctorate is an expression of the University’s appreciation of outstanding contributions within one of the University’s fields of activity. The appointed honorary doctor must have a connection to Stockholm University or have contributed to the University's activities in some way.
This year’s honorary doctors are: Philippe Aghion, Patrizia Calefato, Thomas von Heijne, Mats Melin, Gita Mishra and Åsa Simma. Read more about their achievements here.
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Last updated: September 18, 2025
Source: Communications Office