Graduation Ceremony 2026

The ceremony is for students of all International Master’s Programmes at Umeå University expected to graduate this spring.

Please note that this is a different ceremony than the one arranged by Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE) on 4 June.
USBE students can choose to attend both ceremonies.

Information for Graduating Students

An e-mail invitation with a link to the sign up form will be sent around 10 March 2026 to all students expected to graduate this spring with a degree from a master's programme with English language instruction. 

More information for Graduation Students

Information for Guests

Guests, staff, and non‑graduating students are welcome to attend the ceremony. However, due to limited seating in Aula Nordica, we cannot guarantee seats for all attendees.

• No advance registration is needed for guests.
• We are expecting the guest's section in Aula Nordica to be filled to capacity. Please note that guests seating is not guaranteed.
• Guests should arrive early to secure their seats. All participants must be seated in the aula by 14:30.

For anyone unable to attend in person, the entire ceremony will be streamed live on video, allowing all friends and family to follow the event remotely at www.umu.se/live/

Detailed information for guests

Alumni speaker Jessica K. Ljungberg

ImagePeter Timsäter.

Jessica K. Ljungberg earned her PhD in Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University in 2006. She is currently Professor of Engineering Psychology at Luleå University of Technology, while continuing to collaborate on research projects at Umeå University.

Her research explores how we pay attention, how we remember, and how distractions—such as noise—shape our performance. Her doctoral thesis examined how sound influences attention and memory in complex sensory environments, such as those encountered in industrial settings or while operating vehicles. Since then, her work has expanded to include aging, brain plasticity, bilingualism, and the role of curiosity in lifelong learning.

"Umeå University has been such an important part of my journey, so coming back as this year’s alumni speaker at the Graduation Ceremony for the International Master’s programmes is special," says Jessica.

Read more about Jessica

Jessica K. Ljungberg, Professor of Engineering Psychology at Luleå University of Technology and alumni speaker at the 2026 Graduation Ceremony.

ImageÅsa Stubbfält

Jessica K. Ljungberg has led major research projects funded by Sweden’s leading research councils and foundations, and she collaborates closely with industry partners such as SAAB AB, where her research contributes to a better understanding of the selection process for Swedish fighter pilot education.

She was also a Wallenberg Academy Fellows, a distinction reserved for scientists with exceptional promise and impact.
 
Beyond academia, Jessica is deeply engaged in public dialogue. She frequently speaks and writes in public forums about her research, about how psychological science can serve both industry and society, and about the challenges faced by scientists. A recurring theme in her work is that learning does not end with formal education—it is a lifelong process.
 
In short, Jessica K. Ljungberg is not only a leading figure in engineering psychology, but also a compelling advocate for curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning. Her work reminds us that attention and memory are not just scientific concepts—they are central to how we live, learn, and grow throughout our lives.

So, Jessica—how does it feel to be this year’s alumni speaker?
 “Honestly, it feels amazing. Umeå University has been such an important part of my journey, so coming back as this year’s alumni speaker at the Graduation Ceremony for the International Master’s programmes is special. It’s a mix of pride and gratitude, but also excitement—because I get to celebrate with all the students who have worked so hard to reach this point. It feels less like giving a formal speech and more like sharing a moment together.”

Student speaker Marcos Cardoso de Souza

Marcos Cardoso de Souza

Marcos Cardoso de Souza, from Brazil, who studied the Master’s programme in Public Health, was chosen as the student speaker for the graduating class. Reflecting on his time at Umeå University, he highlights the people, opportunities and environment that shaped his experience, while also looking ahead to the next stage after graduation.

“I am deeply proud of the people I have met, the opportunities I have been part of, and the Northern culture that has shaped my time at Umeå University,” he says. “Being chosen as the student speaker is truly an honour.”

Questions?

Contact: graduation.io@umu.se

Previous ceremonies

Check out a films and photos previous ceremonies