The SEDU's Academic Ceremony

On 22 November, the Swedish Defence University's academic ceremony was held for the first time in Stockholm City Hall, where Vice-Chancellor Robert Egnell began with a formal speech that, among other things, highlighted the importance of higher education.

"In these times when wars are raging in Europe and the Middle East, we are being tested, and the power of academic values is being put to the test. During a visit to Ukraine, I witnessed how higher education institutions play an even more important role as a symbol – for the future, for development and innovation, and for the hope of a better future."

There were many symbols during the evening. In speeches, in ceremonies and in the newly established insignia of the Swedish Defence University: the doctor's hat, the sabre, the ring and the stole. The ceremony began with the marshals, who consisted of cadets and students, marching with the flag castle up the marble stairs where the flags then formed the backdrop for the guests of honour's procession. This was followed by the salute in the town hall courtyard when four cannon shots were fired.

Then the Chief Marshals Sarah Franzén and Joel Augustsson, students at the Bachelor's Programme in Political Science and Cadet at the Officers' Programme respectively, took over and guided participants and guests through a huge programme of speeches and award ceremonies, doctoral conferments and professorial inaugurations.

The Siegrothska Prize and the Hugo Raab Prize

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Major General Anders Callert presented the Siegrothska Prize. The 2023 prize went to Bert-Ola Nordahl, trustee and military teacher, and the 2024 prize to Colonel Hans Ilis-Alm, also a military teacher.

The Pro- Vice-Chancellor and Head of Research Malena Britz presented the Hugo Raab Prize. The 2023 prize went to Associate Professor Maria Gussarsson and the 2024 prize went to Associate Professor Simon Hollis.

Conferment of doctors

Then Dean Kjell Engelbrekt, Professor of Political Science, put on his doctoral hat, the Life Guards' Dragoon Band played a fanfare and the Dean encouraged us all to take a moment and reflect on the development of the Swedish Defence University and what has been achieved over the past sixteen years.

"Be proud, be proud all weekend! But on Monday we need you back at work. But tonight, Carpe diem, you certainly deserve it.

First, Rasmus Andrén, Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, was conferred by Lars Henåker, Doctor of Philosophy in War Studies and Håvard Rustad Markussen, Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science. Kjell Engelbrekt also mentioned Lieutenant Colonel Torbjörn Engelkes, Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology who defended his thesis at Stockholm University and Captain Frida Linehagen, Doctor of Philosophy in Risk Management and Societal Security who defended his thesis at Lund University.

"You have now received the insignia of academic freedom!

The conferment ceremony continued with honorary doctors Wilhelm Agrell, historian and professor emeritus of intelligence analysis at Lund University. Honorary Doctor General Mykhailo Koval, Vice-Chancellor of the National Defence University of Ukraine, and Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Ring, who for many years was the main teacher of military strategy at the National Defence University, were also appointed honorary doctors. In addition to the hat, diploma and saber, the honorary doctors also received a ring.

"Even though the atmosphere here tonight is at its best, what we are doing at the Swedish Defence University is about life and death. We think of all those who are fighting for peace and democracy and of all those who have fought in war. And the more than 100 million people who are currently on the run. And we are directing a special thought to the people in war-torn Ukraine," said Kjell Engelbrekt and rounded off the conferment ceremony.

Medals of Merit and Awards

The medals of merit were awarded by Vice-Chancellor Robert Egnell. Christina Malm, Director General of the Swedish Duty and Examination Agency, and Lieutenant Colonel Joakim Paasikivi were awarded the Swedish Defence University's Medal of Merit in silver. Former County Governor Peter Egardt and Rear Admiral Claes Thornberg were awarded the Medal of Merit in gold.

The Vice-Chancellor also appointed new associate professors: Kent Andersson at the Department of Defence Systems, Matthew Ford at the Department of War Studies, Nobuo Hayashi, Department of Operational Law and International Law, Jenny Hedström at the Department of War Studies, Jennifer Hobbins at the Department of Leadership and Management, Maria Gussarsson at the Department of Military History and Kristin Ljungkvist at the Department of War Studies.

Ingrid Kihlander at the Department of Defence Systems and Christian Uhr at the Department of Leadership and Management were appointed as adjunct professors. The Vice-Chancellor also presented visiting professors Annika Lantz Friedrich, professor emerita at Stockholm University and visiting professor of leadership and management, and Aryo Makko, visiting professor of military history.

He also presented Antulio J. Echevarria II, who works at the Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College, which holds the Tibell Visiting Professorship in War Studies, which was established in 2022.

New professors

The Vice-Chancellor then concluded the ceremonial part of the ceremony with the inauguration of newly promoted and newly appointed professors. As proof that a professor is installed, two insignia are presented; Stolan depicts a symbolic entry as the foremost representative of a research discipline, the diploma being the written proof of dignity. The first professors to receive the Swedish Defence University's professor insignia were Aida Alvinius, new professor of leadership and management, Maria Eriksson Baaz, new professor of war studies and Hans Liwång, new professor of defence systems.