Uppsala University

Uppsala University 2023

Uppsala Gustavianum

Anders-Celsius

Gustav III of Sweden at the Gustavianum in 1786

Codex Argentus

Carolina Rediviva Närbild

Uppsala University (Uppsala universitet) is a prestigious university located in Uppsala, Sweden. It was founded in 1477, making it the oldest university in Sweden and one of the oldest in Northern Europe. The university has played a significant role in Swedish academic tradition, culture, and history, contributing extensively to education and research in the country and beyond.

History

The foundation of Uppsala University was a result of a donation by Sten Sture the Elder, a regent of Sweden, and the confirmation by Pope Sixtus IV in 1477. Initially, the university had a strong theological orientation, with the primary aim of training clergy in accordance with the Catholic Church's requirements. However, following the Swedish Reformation and the establishment of Lutheranism as the state religion, the university's focus broadened to include various fields of study.

Throughout the centuries, Uppsala University has been at the forefront of Swedish intellectual and cultural life. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became a key center for the Swedish Enlightenment, with significant contributions to science, literature, and philosophy.

Faculties and Departments

Uppsala University is comprehensive and research-intensive, with a wide range of disciplines. It is organized into three disciplinary domains: the Humanities and Social Sciences, Medicine and Pharmacy, and Science and Technology. These domains encompass several faculties and numerous departments, offering a variety of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.

Notable Faculties

• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Science and Technology
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Theology

Campus

The university's main campus is located in the historic city of Uppsala, with additional facilities and buildings spread throughout the city. The main library, Carolina Rediviva, houses a vast collection of manuscripts and books, including the Silver Bible (Codex Argenteus).

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Over the years, Uppsala University has been associated with many prominent figures in various fields. Notable alumni and faculty include Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy; Anders Celsius, the astronomer who invented the Celsius temperature scale; and Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Research and Innovation

Uppsala University is known for its strong research output, particularly in the fields of life sciences, natural sciences, and technology. It is home to several research centers and institutes, fostering collaboration across disciplines and with industry partners. The university's commitment to innovation is evident in its support for entrepreneurship and the establishment of the Uppsala University Innovation Centre, which aids in the commercialization of research findings.

International Collaboration

The university actively participates in international exchange and research programs, collaborating with institutions and researchers around the world. It is a member of various international networks, including the Coimbra Group and the Utrecht Network, enhancing its global engagement and opportunities for students and staff.

Conclusion

Uppsala University remains a cornerstone of Swedish higher education and research, with a rich history and a bright future. Its contributions to society, through education, research, and innovation, continue to have a significant impact both in Sweden and internationally.