Umeå University wins big at gala event

"This was very unexpected but fun," says Göran Sandberg. "I am only one of many visionaries here at Umeå University, and the award should be recognised as an honour for the entire organisation."

The jury's reasoning was written as follows:
The 2008 "Year's Visionary" award - goes to a person with vision, energy and pride. He is a visionary force for Northern Sweden, Umeå and his own organisation:

• Through a passionate commitment, he works for Umeå to be the obvious choice in the north for both national and international actors.
• By building strong teams both internally and with collaboration with industry to motivate others to move in the same direction and see the opportunities for Umeå.
• Through determination, motivation and courage he prioritises, develops, and  focuses on the areas and the talent that have the greatest potential to further strengthen the university's competitiveness.

Umeå's best regional brand name

The local daily newspater Västerbottens-Kuriren's best brand name award was based on nominations by residents of Umeå during the first few weeks of October. The other nominees were world-class football star Marta and the Umeå Open music festival. The jury's decision to select Umeå University is described below:

"Ask anyone you want about what's 'in Umeå.' A university, of course! For nearly 50 years Umeå University has been the engine of growth in Umeå. Today, the university is more successful, more than ever, both in terms of recruitment of students and funding for their activities. The brand Umeå University is becoming more internationally known and respected, with world-class research. The university also has aggressively increased cooperation with companies and organisations for mutual inspiration and development."

Photo from the Umeå Gala: Sara Mejtoft

More images from the Umeå Gala at:
Umeå Gala (Swedish site)

Editor: David Meyers