March 12, 2025
Sijla Bára writes:
The Rector of the University of Iceland is not only a leader of staff and students, but can also have an impact on society as a whole. I offer myself to lead the University of Iceland towards a more sustainable future, where education, research and social responsibility play key roles.
Science in uncertain times
Future challenges are largely about sustainability. Rare earth elements, essential for the energy transition, are driving the ongoing struggle of the great powers for territorial conquest. There is also an ongoing cultural conflict, where not only the liberal values that have prevailed in the West in recent decades are being undermined, but also scientific activity and knowledge. This is manifested not only in the denial of man-made climate change and the benefits of vaccinations, but in science denial in general. Even the United States – which has so far been a leader in science and innovation – is now systematically closing research institutions. In such a situation, information chaos is increasing and it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish what is true and what is a lie. Therefore, training in critical thinking and scientific analysis has never been more important – and universities have never been more meaningful! That is why it is important that the future rector of the University of Iceland, the flagship of knowledge in Iceland, has a deep understanding of internationalism.
Sustainability in education and research
Universities play a key role in addressing the challenges of the future. They conduct research into the roots of the climate problem and solutions to address it. Universities can better support those conducting research in this urgent field without restricting the academic freedom of researchers.
I believe it is important to formulate a long-term plan for education and research that serves the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and thus ensure that we as a society have the necessary knowledge to respond to future challenges. A broad consensus needs to be created on the importance of the issue and all departments need to be mobilized to participate in changes for the benefit of sustainability. To this end, the university needs to facilitate the university's academic fields and departments to participate in interdisciplinary studies in sustainability issues and support research on the nature and consequences of climate change and how to develop mitigation and adaptation measures. The university, with the rector at the forefront, can also, with increased funding and support, strengthen the activities of units within the University of Iceland, which are already doing significant work with sustainability as their guiding principle.
The University of Iceland can facilitate collaboration between experts at the university and the government, for example through changes to the evaluation system of public universities. In this way, the extensive knowledge available within the University can be used by the government to develop, coordinate and review sustainability metrics and implement mitigation and adaptation measures at the state, local governments, business and social partners.
The University of Iceland as a driver of change
The rector needs to be a strong advocate for sustainability and climate issues in the public arena. The next rector of the University of Iceland must stand firmly behind his staff, who are under attack from those social groups that deny the facts, and must therefore be able to have a meaningful conversation with the public about why the denial of science and knowledge is dangerous and how important science is for increasing innovation, technological development and increasing the well-being of societies. I am offering myself to be that rector.
