Ragnhild Hennum entered the University Aula clad in the Rector's gown for the very first time and received during the ceremony the Rector's chain from outgoing Rector Svein St?len – a tangible symbol that a change of guards has occurred at the University of Oslo.
Hennum began her speech by emphasising the historical significance of the University of Oslo for Norway and Norwegian society, asserting that UiO will also in the future be a driving force for knowledge and development, for Norway and for the world.
She also spoke about the great privilege and responsibility of shaping young people through education.
– But knowledge alone is not enough. What we need the most are candidates who can think for themselves. Who can ask questions, assess sources, put things into context, and face disagreements with objectivity and strength, she said, and continued:
– We will educate qualified, capable candidates, but most importantly, we will educate critical, reflective, and thoughtful citizens. It is the cultivation of character, and not just the education of the person, that makes the university a true societal institution.
Hennum also addressed the connection between democracy and knowledge, and the importance of academic freedom in a geopolitical turbulent time – when even science is subjected to pressure and politicisation in parts of the world.
– Given this situation, we must hold fast to what is and remains the foundation of the university: our belief in free, independent research and in academic freedom – in thought, in method, and in results, she said, adding:
– It is our obligation as a university to stand firm when others waver. Academic freedom is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is a necessity for the development of society and for the integrity of research.
Read the entire inauguration speech by Ragnhild Hennum here (Norwegian only)
Outgoing Rector Svein St?len said in his speech that he has enjoyed every single day as Rector, but that he is also very pleased to hand over the position.
– There is a time for everything, and it is in no way over for me. I have my heart at UiO, and I have my willpower at UiO. The willpower that I am eager to translate into action. I look forward to continuing to contribute to UiO in collaboration with others – both internally and externally, he said.
St?len thanked everyone he has worked with during his two terms as Rector and also highlighted UiO as a whole.
– Thank you so much to all of you at UiO who, with intention, energy, and great effort, make UiO what we are.
Read the entire farewell speech by Svein St?len here (Norwegian only)
Hennum officially takes up her position as Rector on 1 August. Alongside her in the new Rectorate are Pro-Rector Bj?rn Jamtveit and Vice-Rectors Jens Petter Berg, Berit Karseth, and Mathilde Skoie.