NEWS On Saturday 17 October, Umeå University held its 2026 Annual Cerlebration, at which honorary doctors are appointed, new professors are inaugurated, and the year’s scientific award recipients are recognised. This year, the recipients of Várdduo’s Scientific Award for 2025 and 2026 were honoured in October.
Peter Johansson receives Várdduo's Scientific Award 2026.
Image Kristina Sehlin MacNeilAt the Annual Cerlebration, the 2026 recipient of Várdduo’s Scientific Award received his diploma. Peter Johansson, Senior Lecturer at the University of Gothenburg, was awarded the prize for his significant research on Sámi and Indigenous issues from a human rights perspective.
“It feels wonderful and is a great honour to receive this award. As a researcher, you often spend a long time working on issues that you consider important, so it means a lot to have that work recognised,” says Peter Johansson.
Peter Johansson also delivered his award lecture, “Why Don’t I Know Anything About the Sámi?” This was the question that sparked his interest and led him to begin researching the Sámi people and Swedish Sámi policy.
During the lecture, he described how he seems to know more about other Indigenous peoples around the world than about the Sámi in Sweden. He also raised the question of why we know so little about the Sámi. He described that Sweden, which is often regarded as a leading country in the field of human rights, has performed relatively well when it comes to minority rights but has fallen short in protecting Indigenous peoples’ rights.
Peter Johansson holds his award lecture at the 2026 Annual Celebration.
Image Kristina Sehlin MacNeil
Asta Balto receives Várdduo's Scientific Award 2025.
Image Ørjan Marakatt BertelsenThe 2025 recipient of Várdduo’s Scientific Award was Professor Emerita Asta Mitkijá Balto, in recognition of her longstanding contributions to Sámi and Indigenous research and education, both in Sápmi and internationally.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, she was unable to receive her award in 2025 and was therefore honoured this year. Asta Mitkijá Balto received her award from Christina Storm Mienna, Director of Várdduo, during the Sámi and Indigenous Education Conference 2026 in Kautokeino, which took place earlier in October.
The next nomination period for Várdduo’s Scientific Award opens on 11 January. Start considering whether you would like to send in a nomination!