Lund University alumnus, Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), has been named the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize laureate, the world’s most prestigious award for outstanding achievements in water.
Professor Kaveh Madani, Lund University alumnus and Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health (UNU-INWEH) 2024 and international student Kaveh Madani, Lund University 2005. Photo left: Helga Heun. Photo right: Private collection.
Professor Madani has been named the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize laureate, in recognition of his unique combination of groundbreaking research on water resources management with policy, diplomacy and global outreach, often under personal risk and political complexity.
Alumni impact: From Lund Student to Global Water Leader
Two decades ago, Professor Madani received a Master’s degree in water resources at Lund University. Today, he leads one of the UN’s key institutes – and in 2024, he played a central role in shaping WICE, the UN‑affiliated track at Lund University. WICE is one of only four such hubs in the world and provides students in water, environment and health with advanced training and access to international internship opportunities.
Award Ceremony in August 2026
The Stockholm Water Prize will be formally presented to Professor Madani by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during the royal ceremony and banquet as part of World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2026. The award includes a cash prize of 1 million SEK and a distinctive crystal sculpture.
Lund University alumna Hilda Christensson is inviting participants to join her most ambitious expedition yet – sailing the Northwest Passage in 2027.
Together with her partner, she runs Quest Ocean Expeditions aboard the expedition yacht Quest, and in 2027 they are planning one of their most ambitious expeditions to date: sailing the Northwest Passage through the Arctic, departing from Greenland and arriving in Alaska. The voyage is scheduled for late July–August 2027 and is expected to take approximately 45 days. The expedition is now looking for additional participants to join the journey.
Hilda Christensson is an alumna of Lund University and studied the Subject Teacher Education programme between 2014 and 2019, with history as her main subject. Today, she works in a very different environment from the classroom, with the open sea as her workplace.
The Northwest Passage – an alumni project on the edge of the Arctic
For centuries, the Northwest Passage has fascinated explorers, researchers and historians alike. The route, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans north of North America, was long an unattainable dream, defined by ice, extreme weather conditions and immense human sacrifice. For me, with a background in history, stories of the Arctic have always been more than tales of adventure. They speak to humanity’s relationship with nature, to power and resources, and to boundaries—both geographical and mental.
S/Y Quest is a remarkably spacious 64-foot steel-hulled expedition yacht, 16.7 feet wide, purpose-built for both sailing and dive charters.
For us, the Northwest Passage is not merely a journey through ice and water, but a journey through history. We follow in the wake of explorers who pushed the limits of human endurance and curiosity. Beyond its historical significance, the Arctic is a place that inspires both awe and reflection. The landscape is vast and ever-changing, and we aim to experience the region with respect—for the place itself, for the people who live there, and for the forces shaping its future.
A project beyond comfort
On board, all participants are part of the crew. This involves watchkeeping, cooking, and sharing responsibility for daily life at sea. The Northwest Passage presents particular challenges. Ice conditions can change rapidly, distances are vast, and access to assistance is limited. For this reason, we view the expedition as a context in which knowledge, judgement and human cooperation are essential. It is not a journey for those seeking comfort, but for those who wish to be present, contribute and learn.
Life on board is structured to accommodate both seamanship and in-depth project work. The expedition is designed to allow ample time for research, observation, documentation and independent work. Duties are organised in rotating schedules, creating predictable periods of uninterrupted time that make it possible to plan and pursue individual projects.
The expedition will be followed by the British production company Wild Films, documenting the journey with the ambition of developing it into a documentary. Photo: Becky Peet.
The expedition will be followed by the British production company Wild Films, which will document the journey with the ambition of developing the material into a documentary. While the final format of the film has yet to be determined, the history of the Northwest Passage is a clear point of departure—set in dialogue with contemporary questions about the Arctic, human presence, and a landscape in transition.
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking participants from a range of backgrounds, united by shared qualities: curiosity and a willingness to take responsibility. You do not need to be an experienced sailor, but you must be prepared to contribute, learn, collaborate and adapt to an environment that is not always predictable.
We particularly welcome individuals who wish to use the expedition as part of a larger project—documentation, research, writing or other forms of knowledge production. On board, there is space for conversation, reflection and the exchange of ideas. Through film, text and photography, we hope to contribute to broader discussions about knowledge, experience and the realities of polar regions, and to deepen understanding of a place few people have the opportunity to experience.
An alumni project—in the broadest sense of the word
Carrying out an expedition through the Northwest Passage is, in practice, a logistical, human and intellectual undertaking. Academic curiosity has followed me to sea. The expeditions we conduct today are, at their core, learning processes—where practical experience, historical knowledge and contemporary issues intersect. This is something I strongly associate with my time at university and my years as a teacher: the courage to think ambitiously, to place experiences in a wider context, to work long-term, and to take knowledge seriously—even beyond the classroom.
Preparations for the expedition are not solely practical and logistical. A significant part of the work consists of independent study of Arctic history, geopolitics, socio-economic conditions and Indigenous perspectives. This is an ongoing process of knowledge-building that spans several years and informs how we plan, communicate and relate to the places and people we encounter. For me, this is a natural extension of an academic approach, where curiosity, source criticism and context remain central—even outside the boundaries of the university.
I hope this project can inspire other alumni to pursue their own, sometimes unexpected, paths. Learning does not end at graduation. In our case, it continues amid the ice, sails set, and a course laid northwards.
Please note: It is during the seasonal ice melt that a time window opens for navigating the passage—typically lasting one to two months, most often from late July to mid-September, depending on ice and weather conditions. Participants are expected to be in Nuuk around 25 July 2027 for safety briefings and training, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Departure is planned for late July.
The 350 Club is an exclusive network of donors who support the Lund University Scholarship Foundation (LUSS), a vital initiative that provides scholarships for outstanding students from outside the EU.
By funding these scholarships, the 350 Club plays a crucial role in attracting ambitious international students to Lund University, fostering academic excellence and strengthening the University’s global reputation. Membership in the club offers donors a unique opportunity to engage with the University, connect with scholars and witness the tangible impact of their contributions.
Spring Salon: Research on the Future of Food at Biotech Heights – 26 May 2026
This year, the Development Office is pleased to present Biotech Heights, a strategic initiative at Lund University. During the event, researchers will demonstrate how biotechnology can improve global food production and reduce dependence on fossil-based resources. We will also hear from two scholarship recipients who will share insights into their time at Lund University, their degree projects, and their thoughts on the future.
As a donor, this is a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand the impact of your contribution. The event is by invitation only.
Would you like to learn more about the 350 Club and receive a formal invitation? Please contact development_office@rektor.lu.se
Alumna Tove Jarl placed third on the list of Future Female Leaders in 2025. With three degrees from Lund University and a go-get-it attitude that landed her the job as CEO of Ung Företagsamhet (Junior Achievement), she is a person who takes pride in self-reflection. She is not always confident, but she knows that each moment of uncertainty prompts her to examine her actions, her decisions and the influence she has on others.
8 March, International Women’s Day, we celebrate inspiring alumna Tove Jarl, who placed third on the list Future Female Leaders 2025, a ranking organised by Ledarna, the Swedish managers’ association.
What does Ally McBeal have to do with it?
As a child, Tove Jarl was stubborn, impatient and endlessly talkative. Her dream jobs shifted frequently, often inspired by whatever was on television. One day she imagined herself as a lawyer like Ally McBeal, the next as a Swedish “skärgårdsdoktor” (archipelago doctor). What remained constant, however, was her instinct to picture herself in roles where she could influence, communicate and make a difference for others. On her path to success, she started at Lund University to acquire knowledge and skills, thus taking responsibility for shaping her own future. Not one, not two, but three degrees later, she graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science in Economics (2012), a Master of Science in Economics (2013) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (2015).
What makes a leader
The organisation Ung Företagsamhet, part of the global Junior Achievement network, has been giving young people across Sweden hands-on experience in entrepreneurship since 1980. They actively work to broaden the perception of who can become a leader. In June 2023, Tove stepped in as CEO, bringing with her a background in public opinion analysis at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and as founder and CEO of Axiom Insight, where she helped organisations make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Starting early is not enough
Tove Jarl believes that Ung Företagsamhet has a genuine opportunity to influence the unequal distribution of women and men in leadership positions, provided the organisation can reach even more young people. She argues that the young entrepreneurship programme is vital not because every young person should become an entrepreneur, but because it helps them turn knowledge into action and develop initiative, problem‑solving abilities, creativity and collaboration skills. These are skills that are increasingly demanded by both society and the labour market. And when it comes to equality in the workplace, Tove is clear:
“At Ung Företagsamhet, we work to expand the image of what leadership can look like. But starting early is not enough. The business sector must also ensure that people are assessed on equal terms, so that the potential we help nurture is truly given the opportunity to lead.”
Which leadership capability will be most crucial for the next generation?
Young Achievers – UF National Championship 2024 (Sweden). Photo: Private collection Tove Jarl
Tove meets young people with drive and bold ideas every day. In her view, the leadership capability that will be most crucial for the next generation of entrepreneurs to truly thrive is resilience and adaptability:
“What I see that unites many of these talented young entrepreneurs is that they do not let setbacks stop them; they dare to test, to fail and to continuously adjust their ideas. I believe this is a crucial ability to carry with you if you want to succeed in your field,” she explains.
When asked if she has ever doubted herself in her leadership role, and if so, how she handled it, she is open and honest about it. “I have doubted myself many times. In fact, I often doubt myself and my leadership. But that doubt also makes me reflect deeply on my actions, my decisions and how I affect others, and in the end, I believe it makes me a better and more self-aware leader.”
Shaped by experience – driven to take risks
Throughout her leadership journey, impatience has been a strong driving force. Tove has often struggled to wait for others to catch up, which has pushed her to take initiative and act independently. She explains that this mindset has opened many doors, but it has also meant standing alone at key decision points.
“Early in my career, I held a leadership role where I was both young and the only woman. It was sometimes lonely, but I already understood the importance of relying on myself, making decisions and taking responsibility even when support wasn’t guaranteed. Over time, though, I’ve realised the limitations of carrying everything alone. These days, I truly value building strong teams, inviting others in and creating the conditions for shared responsibility.”
Newborn baby girl and hallway inspirations
Just a few weeks ago, Tove’s family of three became a family of four with the arrival baby girl Sophie. Raising a girl in this world, when you look at some statistics, might be a cause for worry for any parent, but Tove remains confident that change is possible and that the unequal representation of women and men in leadership can be shifted, step by step.
For her, representation begins at home as much as in society. If she were to hang three portraits of inspiring women in her hallway to inspire herself and for both of her children to grow up seeing every day, they would be Amalia Eriksson, Claudia Goldin and Helene Schjerfbeck.
Amalia Eriksson whom Tove highlights as a pioneer in women’s entrepreneurship in Sweden, and notably from her own home region in Småland. Amalia Eriksson is known as the first person to produce a Swedish peppermint candy called Polkagris. Amalia founded the company in Gränna, as a widowed woman with limited means, at a time when women had extremely limited opportunities, creating a legacy that still lives on today. Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons.Claudia Goldin is someone Tove regards as exceptionally impressive – and deserving of even greater recognition, even after her recent Nobel Prize. As Tove points out, Goldin’s research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of women’s position in the labour market. Her work demonstrates that inequality is not a natural law, but the result of social and economic structures – and, therefore, something society has the power to change. In 2011, Goldin was appointed honorary doctor at the School of Economics and Management at Lund University. Photo: Editing1088, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Creative Commons.Helene Schjerfbeck, Tove’s favourite painter, who she describes as someone who consistently followed her own artistic path and continued to evolve throughout her life. She believes Schjerfbeck’s work remains powerful and deeply relevant today. Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons.
A word of advice
When asked what guidance she would give to young women and men who aspire to leadership but hesitate to take the step, Tove reflects on the importance of courage, emphasising that leadership often begins long before the title does.
“My advice is not to wait for someone else, for the perfect moment or for better times. Leadership isn’t something you either have or don’t have – it grows as you dare to take steps.”
Follow Tove Jarl and Ung Företagsamhet on Social Media
Reading this but yet not a member of the Alumni Network?
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On a snowy day in February, about 10 years after they first met, Erildas Budraitis and Sharon Sagues returned to where it all began. Their first visit back to Lund was a wonderful trip down memory lane!
From Lund to London, via Mexico City and beyond, Erildas and Sharon’s love story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful connections begin when you least expect them.
The road to Lund
Erildas, originally from Lithuania, arrived in Lund in 2014 after completing his Bachelor’s degree at University of Leicester. He was looking for something different: a deeper, more reflective approach to media and communications. Lund University offered exactly that – less focus on business strategies, more on ethics, sustainability and the philosophy behind communication. Sharon, from Mexico, came to Lund University as an exchange student from Tecnológico de Monterrey during the autumn of 2015. Drawn by courses in social policy and societal responsibility (as well as a little encouragement from a childhood friend already in Lund), she packed her bags for Sweden, not knowing she was also about to meet the love of her life.
Erildas & Sharon with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lena Eskilsson during their visit to Lund in 2026. Happily sharing where their Lund University education has taken them! Photo: Karen Paulson
The first date
They first met in September 2015, by the Lund Cathedral. Erildas broke the ice immediately with a joking accusation: “Someone’s late!” Sharon was, though only slightly. And that moment became the beginning of an ongoing, affectionate debate that continues to shape their gentle, good-humoured teasing. What was meant to be a quick coffee turned into an eight-hour first date filled with deep conversations, a long walk, spontaneous dinner plans and a movie night. Something special they remember from day one is how easy everything felt.
Erildas and Sharon in 2015. Photos: Private collection
Since they knew they only had four months together in Lund, they decided not to label anything. No big plans, no pressure, just spending time together and becoming close friends. Sharon’s life was in Mexico City, Erildas’ in Europe. Reality suggested this relationship was temporary. When Sharon left Lund in December 2015, they kept in touch. And nine months later, after Erildas finished his Master’s degree, he boarded a plane to Mexico City and stayed with Sharon and her family for two weeks. That visit quietly changed everything, yet their shared philosophy stayed the same: take it as it comes.
London calling
Life eventually reunited them in London. Erildas had landed a job there and not too long after that, Sharon was accepted into a Master’s program at the London School of Economics. They finally moved in together, finding a home just a ten-minute walk from both his work and her studies. Today, Erildas works as Head of Global Communications for Low Carbon Solutions at Equinor, shaping stories around decarbonisation and the energy transition across Europe and North America. Sharon works for Save the Children International, the world’s leading independent organisation for children, continuing her commitment to social impact and global responsibility.
Erildas and Sharon’s wedding. Photos: Private collection
In early 2020, they were married in Mexico City, surrounded by family and friends from all over the world, some of whom they first met during their time in Lund. That international community, born in a small Swedish university town, remains one of their most treasured gifts from their time in Lund.
A trip down memory lane
Looking back on their student days in Lund, it’s not one single moment they miss, it’s the whole experience. Living at opposite ends of the city (Sharon in a student corridor in Klostergården and Erildas in Norra Fäladen) taught them that Lund is, in fact, not flat. Something one quickly learns when cycling from the far south to the far north. Erildas fondly remembers Gerdahallen as a place where all generations came together, completely changing his view of what a fitness center could be.
Revisiting their favourite Espresso House in Lund and Erildas reenacting where he always parked his bike at Gerdahallen. Photo above: Private collection, Photo below: Karen Paulson
They smile thinking about Kulturnatten, when a freshly crowned Eurovision winner, Måns Zelmerlöw, filled Stortorget with music, or the long evenings at Espresso House spent talking, laughing and playing games over coffee. This is something they deeply miss, as cafés in London typically close at 4 pm. Sharon also holds warm memories of her time flipping burgers at Blekingska nation, attending song-filled student galas, and exploring the surrounding area like the Ribersborgs Kallbadhus in Malmö.
Erildas & Sharon in 2015 and 2026. Photos: Private collection
Valentines for life
Though Lund initially felt small, especially compared to Mexico City, it turned out to be big in all the ways that mattered. It gave them memories, friendships, perspectives and a foundation that continues to shape their lives, their careers and their love.
Erildas and Sharon visiting the Alumni Relations Office in 2026. Photo: Karen Paulson
This Valentine’s Day, Erildas and Sharon will be celebrating in Barcelona, where they will be attending Sharon’s sister’s graduation. We wish them well as their love story continues with each joyful chapter that has always been about curiosity, kindness and following love wherever it leads.
Text: Gunilla Carlecrantz
A big thank you to Erildas and Sharon for sharing their story! And Happy Valentine’s Day to all our alumni! ❤️
If you have a story to share, don’t hestitate to give us a shout at info@alumni.lu.se
Reading this but yet not a member of the Alumni Network?
The Alumni Network is a free professional and social network for all those who have studied or worked at Lund University. Currently, over 51 000 members around the world are a part of our Alumni Network. We encourage you to join, too! Read more here or SIGN UP HERE.
Vivid interpretations of Lund will be on display at Lund City Hall (Stadshallen) when LU alumnus Love Jansson presents his latest works. The opening will take place on 29 January from 16:00 to 17:30, and alumni (as well as the general public) are warmly invited to experience the city through the artist’s eyes. The exhibition runs until 8 February 2026. Free entry.
Artist (and alumnus) Love Jansson exhibits his paintings of Lund from 29 January – 8 February 2026.
Hi Love, you’re an alumnus – what did you study? I studied Media and Communication Studies, as well as Psychology between 2015 and 2020 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in each subject.
But you also paint! Have you always done that? Yes, I loved painting as a child and early on dreamed of becoming an artist. It was a comfort to be by myself and learn to draw and paint. I’m the kind of person who finds life noisy, and painting gives me the chance to pause and be exactly where I want. I took a short break during my studies, but three years ago I began painting intensively again. I now paint about nine hours a day, every day. It’s my childhood dream.
You paint scenes of Lund. What made you focus on that? Yes, it’s mostly Lund… It’s the only city in Sweden where you might see someone in a giraffe costume and not be worried. People in Lund are hopeful and excited about their lives, but there’s also something melancholic about this city, in my view. Just like life, it’s both hopeful and sad. The sadness is that everything passes. If you look closely at my art, you’ll see that I’m not only trying to represent joy. That said, I love Lund in all seasons.
What techniques do you use? I work with acrylic, watercolor and pencil. I adapt my technique to the subject, and it can vary depending on what I want to capture. I often sketch or paint outdoors to truly see what a camera cannot capture. Painting outdoors comes with many challenges, but it’s worth it when nature’s colors are rendered faithfully.
You have an exhibition coming up. Tell us more! Yes, I will have an exhibition at Lund City Hall (Stadshallen) in Lund from 29 January until 8 February. The exhibition opening is on Thursday 29 January from 16:00-17:30, with free entry and everyone is warmly welcome! It is a solo exhibition featuring entirely new paintings of Lund.
See more art on Instagram
Left: “Some Lies Under the Moon (That Will Still Be Forgotten)” Middle: “Secrets on Östra Vallgatan” Right: “T-bar 2025” | Artist: Love Jansson [Titles of paintings have been translated from Swedish. Orginal titles: Left: ”Några lögner under månen (som ändå kommer glömmas bort)” Middle: ”Hemligheter på Östra Vallgatan” Right: ”T-bar 2025”]
You can find Love Jansson’s art and more information about the exhibition on his Instagram: @loves_konst
25 February 2026 | The Improvisational Revue Ai-Ai-Kapten
What happens when “Artificial Intelligence” meets creative comedians at the behest of an expectant audience? How can a word like “Water salamander” spark a dramatic journey among a bird cherry tree and lilac? Watch as some of the student world’s leading spex performers challenge the audience – and ChatGPT – in a fast-paced, unpredictable and hilarious revue.
Spoken language: Swedish Venue: The Weibull Hall at Tegnérs, AF-Borgen. Beverages can be purchased at the bar. Price: AF members: SEK 75. Others: SEK 100.
Registration by email to olof@jarlman.se– Please note: This is a binding registration. There are a limited number of places! First come, first served
11 March 2026 | Two carnival films: Lystnaden and Vaktmästaren och Professorn
CelestialKarnevalen 2026 is almost here! Why not get into the carnival spirit with a cosy evening featuring two classic carnival films: Lystnaden (1966) with Hasse Alfredson, Sten Broman, Tage Erlander and Olof Palme, and Vaktmästaren och professorn (2002), featuring some familiar faces from Lund.
While you watch, dig in to a classic Lund-style pytt-i-panna with pickled beetroot, ketchup, HP sauce and a fried egg. Vegetarian guests who’ve pre-registered will be served a root-vegetable pytt with the same tasty extras. Coffee and tea are included, and any other drinks can be purchased at the bar. And of course, we’ll have a sing-along with some of Lundakarnevalen’s most beloved songs!
Spoken language: Swedish Venue: The Weibull Hall at Tegnérs, AF-Borgen Price: AF members: SEK 175 per person. Others: SEK 200 per person.
Registration by email to olof@jarlman.se – Please note: This is a binding registration. There are a limited number of places! First come, first served
28 March 2026 | Master Will – Uarda Academy with seven generations of spex performers present the spex-vau-du-villen “Master Will”
Campus Helsingborg is about to get a taste of the Lund spex tradition! Seven generations of spex performers take to the stage to bring to life the dramatic showdown between William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway over the future of The Globe Theatre. Will it become England’s first Music Hall, or the home of the immortal play Elizabeth?
The Loyal Spexsphere Company promises a lively and unforgettable evening, packed with singing, dancing and a finale that’s guaranteed to be delightfully bloody!
Spoken language: Swedish Venue: Helsingborg Concert Hall Price: SEK 335–440 Exclusive advance purchase:Find your tickets here
Don’t forget! As a member of the Alumni Network, you have access to exclusive benefits and discounts, both from the University’s own cultural centres and from selected partners.
Malmö Opera
We are especially delighted to once again welcome Malmö Opera as a partner, with their wide-ranging programme. One of this spring’s musicals, Come From Away (directed by Sissela Kyle), is a feel-good story that has been a hit on Broadway. With its moving story of friendship, compassion and finding joy in difficult times, Come From Away has captured audiences’ hearts. The performance is held in Swedish.
Carmen, Come From Away, the Opera Gala, The Shining, Joyride, and Rusalka, as well as the Friday concerts featuringShostakovich and Rachmaninoffand Giacomo Puccini – who will you bring to Malmö Opera?
You receive 15% off
As a member in the Alumni Network, you receive 15% off max. 2 tickets for the following shows: Carmen, Come From Away, Operans gala, The Shining, Joyride and Rusalka as well as the Friday concerts Sjostakovitj & Rachmaninov and Giacomo Puccini. Go to your alumni profile (see instructions below) to access the discount code, which can be used when booking on Malmö Opera’s website.
Remember your other alumni discounts!
As a member in the Lund University Alumni Network, you receive attractive offers from the University’s cultural centres and exclusive discounts from our partners. New collaborations are added continuously, so it is a good idea to visit your alumni page regularly to view all the latest offers and discounts.
Go to your alumni profile via alumni.lu.se. No password is required.
Fill in your e-mail.
Verify your e-mail by clicking the link sent to your inbox. A page will open with a form for you to fill in or it will be pre-filled with your information.
Verify your contact details and update them, if needed. Then accept the data processing and click ‘Register’ at the bottom of the page.
Find your membership card and discount codes. After you click ‘Register’, a new page will open. At the top, you will see a link to your digital membership card and a link to access the list of discount codes.
Save your card. Click the link to access your card. You can save the web address, or take a screenshot and save it on your mobile. This way, you can easily show your card when needed.
Feel free to contact us at info@alumni.lu.se if you have any questions or issues accessing your alumni discounts.
Not yet a member of the network?
To gain access to the offers, you first need to register in the Alumni Network. Register here. After registering, you will have access to the page showing the discount codes.
In this edition of Alum to Alum, we share a guest contribution from Jörgen Held, a fellow Lund alumnus (LTH), who writes about developments in renewable energy gas technology. Jörgen, who studied at the Faculty of Engineering, LTH, co-founded the International Conference on Renewable Energy Gas Technology (REGATEC), a platform that brings together experts from across Europe and beyond. As the conference prepares for its 12th and final edition in Lund, he reflects on the journey, key insights and the role of biomethane in the evolving energy landscape. Whether you work in biogas, gasification, power-to-gas or are simply interested in energy innovation, this story offers an engaging perspective.
Guestwriter Jörgen Held
Jörgen Held, 60, lives in Lund and is an alumnus from the Faculty of Engineering, LTH, where he studied Mechanical Engineering from 1989 to 1993. He earned his PhD in Fluid Mechanics in 1999 at the Division of Heat and Power Technology. Together with his professor, he developed the Dynamic Divergence Model (DDM), a turbulence model that still bears their names.
He is currently the CEO of Renewtec AB and the Baltic Energy Innovation Centre. His previous roles include CEO of the Swedish Gas Technology Centre, head of research at CEDER in Spain and research manager at the Swedish Energy Agency.
From LTH to the World: My Journey with REGATEC
In 2014, I co-founded the International Conference on Renewable Energy Gas Technology (REGATEC) together with Professor Frank Scholwin from the Institute of Biogas, Waste Management & Energy. As an alumnus of LTH, where I earned both my MSc and PhD, it felt natural to create a platform that could bring together experts from anaerobic digestion, biomass gasification and power-to-gas sectors.
Why REGATEC?
Our goal was to foster collaboration and highlight synergies between these three conversion routes for renewable methane. For example, excess heat from biomass gasification can be used to heat an anaerobic digester, regenerate the liquid used in chemical CO₂ absorption during biogas upgrading, and dry the digestate. CO₂ separated during upgrading can also be used as feedstock in power-to-methane processes.
REGATEC Returns to Lund – Join and share valuable insights
Since its launch in Malmö in 2014, REGATEC has grown into a truly international conference, bringing together experts from across Europe and beyond. Over the years, the event has taken place in cities like Barcelona, Verona, Toulouse, Berlin and Weimar – always with the goal of fostering collaboration across the renewable methane sector.
Now, the 12th and final edition of REGATEC returns to its roots in Lund, taking place 19-20 May 2026 at Scandic Star. If you work in biogas, gasification or power-to-gas, this is a unique opportunity to share valuable insights.
Over the years, REGATEC has brought together leading international experts, and today we’re seeing commercial facilities that combine anaerobic digestion and power-to-gas technologies. That’s why we’ve decided to conclude the conference series with the 12th edition – the mission is accomplished.
A Quick Primer on Renewable Methane
In anaerobic digestion, microbes break down organic waste into methane and CO₂. After cleaning out impurities like hydrogen sulfide, the biogas is upgraded to biomethane. In Sweden, it must contain 97% methane to meet the standard for grid injection or vehicle fuel.
Biomass gasification, when oxygen-blown or indirect, produces synthesis gas free of nitrogen. After cleaning, the CO is converted to methane via the reaction: CO + 3H₂ → CH₄ + H₂O
In power-to-methane, surplus electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then combined with CO₂ to form methane: CO₂ + 4H₂ → CH₄ + 2H₂O
A Memorable Moment
One unforgettable moment was in 2014 when the China National Environmental Protection Corporation participated as a Gold Sponsor. They paid their fee in a brown envelope filled with small banknotes – it weighed at least half a kilo!
From the left: Jan Stambasky, president of the European Biogas Association and Jörgen Held, CEO Renewtec AB, in front of biomethane powered cars exhibited at REGATEC 2015 in Barcelona. Photo: Prof. Frank Scholwin.
Biomethane: A Super-Multi-Kinder Egg
Biomethane is the only commercially available fuel that can deliver negative emissions from a life-cycle perspective. It allows fast refueling, long driving ranges and is produced 24/7 regardless of weather. It’s storable, distributable via existing infrastructure and brings socio-economic benefits like:
*Improved air quality (especially when replacing diesel) *Better waste management *Reduced eutrophication (especially when digesting manure) *Nutrient recycling *Energy self-sufficiency and organic fertilizer production *Diversification and resilience in the energy system
The 12th and final edition of REGATEC is coming back to where it all began – Lund, 19-20 May 2026 at Scandic Star. Professionals working in biogas, gasification or power-to-gas are invited to register now and be part of a unique forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
When two unexpected silver scepters surface in the storage rooms of Kulturen – the region’s cultural history and heritage museum – they set archivist Henrik Ullstad off on a historical detective journey. His search for answers reaches deep into the University’s ceremonial traditions and uncovers findings that challenge the long-held understanding of these iconic objects.
Christmas is approaching, even for us archivists at the Records Management Division. Yuletide peace is settling over the Archives Centre South, and from some peoples’ speakers flows the well-known Swedish Christmas song by Lund University alumnus Viktor Rydberg, proclaiming that the star “does not lead away, but home.” This is a story about stars – and how they, at least in archival contexts, can lead us if not home, then at least on a journey “down the rabbit hole” with rather astonishing results.
On 18 December 2024 – just under a year ago – an intriguing Christmas gift landed in my inbox. The University’s Chief of Protocol had a question regarding the two silver scepters carried before the Vice-Chancellor in the University’s processions. It turned out that there were two identical scepters in Kulturen’s silver collection, and the question on everyone’s mind was what this could mean. Did the University have four scepters instead of two? Were they copies? And if so, which were the originals? And whose were the ones at Kulturen?
Let’s start from the beginning
But let’s start from the beginning. In the winter of 1667, a somewhat battered gentleman arrived in Lund – then not yet a university town – with an equally battered shipment. His name was Nils Beckman, recently appointed professor of Roman law at the planned university, and the shipment contained everything needed to inaugurate such an institution in Sweden’s Age of Greatness: robes of velvet and silk for the Vice-Chancellor and the professors, a collection of hats for the same persons, beadles’ coats, academic guards’ uniforms, University and faculty seals, and – of course – “2 pcs: Scepters of Silver, Ornamentally Gilded.” They were crafted by the royal goldsmith Michel Pohl, each crowned with a star bearing the inscriptions “Sapientia divina” (“Divine Wisdom”) and “Sapientia humana” (“Human Wisdom”) respectively and weighed 112 lod (just under 1.5 kilos). And why battered? It so happened that the professor and parts of the cargo had been “[thrown] off a bridge outside Norrköping” on the way down, damaging a few hats and injuring the professor’s arm.
The scepters, however, seem to have survived this mishap and could participate in the University’s inauguration on 28 January 1668. The inauguration was a grand five-day affair, attended not only by the future academy’s professors and staff but also by the Governor-General of Scania, representatives of the officer corps, clergy, burghers and government officials. During the inaugural procession, the “insignia academiæ” (perhaps including the scepters?) were carried on “blue cushions […] by six distinguished noblemen.” The ceremony was followed by banquets and fireworks, all befitting a university inauguration in Sweden’s Age of Greatness.
Portrait of Andreas Stobaeus as Vice-Chancellor. Note the scepters on the table in front of him. Image source: Lund University art collection.
After that, the scepters remained in Lund and were – one assumes – used at the University’s ceremonies. Their status as one of the foremost insignia of the Vice-Chancellor’s dignity is illustrated by the fact that when Andreas Stobaeus had his portrait painted in (approximately) 1706, wearing his robe of office and holding the University’s statutes, the scepters lie alongside the University keys on the table before him as a clear symbol of his academic rank and authority. Since then, and up to our current time, the two seventeenth-century scepters – so the story goes – have accompanied the Vice-Chancellor at promotions, professorial installations and all manner of academic ceremonies and events.
Bingo!
But what about those two extra scepters in Kulturen’s silver vault? Despite the dramatic opening, it soon became clear to all involved that these could hardly be anything but copies. They were both much lighter and less sharp in detail than the University’s scepters – and they certainly didn’t weigh 1.5 kilos. The Chief of Protocol’s and Kulturen’s suspicions immediately fell on the now-closed University history exhibition that once existed on the museum’s premises. For that exhibition, copies of the scepters had been made; apparently, one and a half kilos of seventeenth-century silver were a bit too tempting for such a display. And despite a colleague’s confident assertion that the copies “were a pair of thin replicas in silvered plastic. I think they were thrown away when the exhibition closed. So they definitely weren’t the scepters you’ve just looked at”, I was able to prove him wrong by searching the archives of the Lund University Historical Society. Soon I found what I was looking for: an invoice from the Swedish National Heritage Board’s Antiquarian-Technical Department, dated 17 December 1998 – always these December dates! – for the tidy sum of 93,000 kronor for copying “two processional scepters from Lund University.” Bingo!
Which is which? The scepters and their copies being compared at Kulturen. Photo: Carin Brenner.
“But wait a minute!” I hear someone object, “93,000 kronor for ‘a pair of thin replicas in silvered plastic’ sounds like a lot.” And I am, albeit a public servant, inclined to agree. A closer study of the invoice, however, showed that my colleague was wrong; the copies were not plastic but made using so-called galvanic copying. In this process, often used to replicate coins for exhibition purposes, a mold is made for each side of the object, the mold is electroplated, and the two metal halves are joined. Something finer – and much more expensive – than a plastic copy, in other words!
The mystery of the two scepters at Kulturen was thus solved; they were galvanic copies made in 1998 for the Lund University Historical Society to be displayed in the University history exhibition. But the rabbit hole went deeper than that. Attached to the invoice were photocopies of two identical notes – one for each scepter – found inside the scepters when they were disassembled at the National Heritage Board. These were written by the Lund goldsmith Johan Petter Hasselgren in May 1868, and they added yet another twist to the entire scepter story.
Lavish celebrations
The sharp-eyed reader will note that 1868 is exactly 200 years after the University’s inauguration. This is no mere coincidence; Hasselgren’s notes were intimately connected to the University’s bicentennial celebration, held on 27–29 May that year. In the nineteenth century the spirit of the times demanded that a university anniversary be lavish. And Lund University did not intend to disappoint. Invitations went out to everyone of note in Sweden – and in many cases beyond. Professor Martin Weibull was commissioned to write the University’s history in two volumes. Jubilee medals were ordered. New uniforms for the academic guard and staff were tailored. Balls and banquets were planned. Jubilee cantatas, songs and poems were written and set to music. Military bands were contracted. The University keys were regilded. And over three days, in the presence of King Charles XV, Prince Oscar (the future King Oscar II), and representatives of Sweden’s elite, along with a large number of guests from the Nordic countries and Germany, both the jubilee ceremony and doctoral conferment ceremonies in all four faculties were conducted.
And amid all these preparations and celebrations, the University’s scepters were, of course, present. The symbols of divine and human wisdom were, if nothing else, destined to take part in the processions to and from the Cathedral. But if the fall from the bridge in 1668 hadn’t damaged them much, it seems the two centuries that followed left them somewhat worse for wear. It was therefore hardly surprising that the scepters were handed over to Hasselgren for some much-needed restoration, and in the letters found inside the scepters – beginning with “Honored Brother in Office” – Hasselgren explained that he (or rather his employee Carl Leonard Moberg) had “repaired” the stars atop the scepters. The existence of these letters was no secret – when they were discovered during the galvanic copying process, an article was even published in the University newspaper LUM about the find – but Hasselgren’s statement about the stars, combined with the note that they bore a silver hallmark from 1868, made me wonder what was actually documented about the 1868 repairs, and just how extensive they had been.
The doctoral conferment ceremony of the Faculty of philosophy at the 1868 bicentennial celebration. Note the scepters, although the artist has failed to fully capture their look. Image source: Ny illustrerad tidning, reprinted in Lunds universitets historia (1968), volume IV.
A Price Tag Worth a Small Fortune
The minutes of the Consistory (the equivalent of the University board) offered no clues. They spoke at length about the upcoming jubilee and various expenses related to it, but nothing was said about the scepters. At the same time, Hasselgren could hardly have done the work for free. Just as with the copies, it was ultimately invoices that provided the answer. In the University’s accounts were two invoices from Hasselgren. The first, from February 1868, charged the University 12 riksdaler for having “Repaired 1 Cursor-scepter” and “Gilded 2 keys” (the latter presumably referring to the aforementioned University keys). So far, so good – but a few months later, in May, came a scepter invoice that bodes ill for posterity. According to this, he had not only “Repaired and gilded the shafts” but also made “2 new stars” at a total cost of 126 riksdaler and 56 öre. It was not without a chill running down my spine that I read the words “new stars” and further noted that he deducted 51:41 for “97 ort [about 412 grams] of old silver.”
Hasselgren’s “repair” thus seems to have been a bit more heavy-handed than his letter suggested. Even if we cannot know with certainty what actions lie behind the terms “new stars” and “old silver,” it seems likely that Hasselgren and Moberg simply made entirely new stars and melted down the old ones – we might draw a parallel to the fact that only a decade later, a “renovation” of Lund Cathedral meant that both medieval towers were unceremoniously torn down and rebuilt with new material. So, it appears that the University’s scepters were not from the seventeenth century as we all had believed (at least not entirely) but, with the exception of the shafts, date back to the nineteenth century!
The scepter of divine wisdom, as it looked at the doctoral conferment ceremony in 2008. Photo: Gunnar Menander.
Such is life in the archival world. A 150-year-old invoice copy overturns everything we thought we knew about one of our University’s most visible symbols. A truly disappointing Christmas gift, albeit made of nineteenth-century silver. But at the same time, there is something beautiful in the fact that the truth, though somewhat uncomfortable, could come to light. Had it not been for the “divine and human wisdom” that ensured two invoices from 1868 were carefully copied and preserved for posterity, we would have continued living in a comfortable but false notion of how things really stood with the University’s silver scepters.
And does it really matter that our scepters are not one hundred percent seventeenth century? For the jubilee, C. V. A. Strandberg wrote a special jubilee cantata, which ends with these prophetic words (my translation):
Even through the centuries turning Keep the lamplight lively burning Shining through the blackened night. Now – a grateful glance behind Then – in promise anew us bind To study, both in life and mind, To progress, blazing roads to find – To foundations lay, of truth and light!
Perhaps the union of the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries in the scepters is, in fact, a strength? A visible sign that Lund University has a long and varied past that leads us into a bright future? If nothing else, that is what I will try to think when I see the scepters’ stars “shine so bright” with their divine and human wisdom before the Vice-Chancellor at the University’s ceremonies. May they continue to inspire the University and its staff in the years to come.
And with that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas. If you like, feel free to put a star atop your tree.
Henrik Ullstad Archivist at the University Archives
The author wishes to express his sincere gratitude towards Lukas Sjöström, Per Stobæus och Fredrik Tersmeden for valuable input, and to the Office of Special Events and Protocol, without whose initial question this article would never have been written.
P.S. These days, invoices at Lund University are destroyed after 17 years. O tempora, o mores!
As a Lund University alumna, Cicilia Jeppsson, now International Coordinator at the Division of Global Engagement and Project Manager at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, offers an insider’s view of what drives the university’s global success. From her position at the heart of Lund’s international work, she reflects on the forces shaping our global impact and the essential role of our alumni.
Cicilia Jeppsson, International Coordinator at the Division of Global Engagement and Project Manager at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. Alumna of Lund University (B.A. in Strategic Communication, 2012–2015).
The people who once walked our campus
What makes Lund University succeed globally? And why is it important? Rankings, groundbreaking research and strategic partnerships inevitably play a vital role. But our true strength lies in you. The people who once walked our campus. Our alumni.
Reputation – the currency of global academia
In today’s competitive academic world, reputation, visibility and impact are the three pillars of success.
• Reputation reflects how others perceive our university. Its quality, credibility and attractiveness. • Visibility ensures that reputation can be noticed, improved and reinforced. The more we appear in relevant contexts through research, media, collaborations and digital channels – the more opportunities we create to strengthen our reputation and increase our global impact. • Impact is the ultimate goal – the tangible difference we make globally through knowledge, innovation and societal progress.
A strong reputation in higher education shapes everything: Attracting talented students and faculty, securing funding and building strong partnerships. It signals to the world: “This is where knowledge thrives and futures are shaped.”
In my role as an International Coordinator and Project Manager at Lund University, part of my work is to increase understanding across the university of why global reputation, visibility and storytelling focused on impact matter. Every research breakthrough, every student success story and every alumni achievement shapes how the world sees us. When we share these stories effectively, we build trust, attract talent and open doors to new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Alumni – our global ambassadors
Now imagine extending Lund University’s presence to every corner of the globe to increase our visibility and reinforce our reputation. Too ambitious? Not really – we’re already doing it. Our alumni across the globe carry the Lund name wherever they go. But to make that name resonate, we must engage, share stories and nurture pride.
Every alumnus is a living proof of Lund University’s impact. When you share your story, mentor a student or represent Lund University in your professional life, you amplify our reputation. One LinkedIn post can inspire a future student. That student thrives, graduates and becomes an ambassador themselves. This is how reputation grows – organically and globally.
Cicilia with alumni Awan and Cynthia – and baby Lund – at the European Higher Education Fair in Jakarta, Indonesia (2022).
How alumni influence global rankings – do you want to help?
Global rankings, such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE) often measure reputation through global surveys. These surveys ask academics and employers worldwide which universities they consider excellent in teaching, research, and graduate employability.
Lund University alumni at an alumni mixer in Amsterdam 2025. Photo: Maria Johansson
Alumni play a key role in shaping Lund University’s reputation – not only by excelling in their careers but also by participating directly in these global reputation surveys. For example, through QS, universities can nominate employer contacts to take part in the survey. Many alumni are in positions where they hire or influence hiring decisions, which makes their perspective incredibly valuable. When alumni share their positive experiences and recognise the quality of Lund University graduates in these surveys, it strengthens our standing in international rankings and helps showcase the impact of a Lund University education worldwide.
Are you an alumnus in a position to hire or influence hiring decisions? Would you like to share your perspective in an upcoming QS Employer Survey? Register here.
A shared mission
As we continue to grow as a global leader in education and sustainability, we invite you to be part of this journey. Share your story. Engage with our community. Help us show the world what Lund University stands for. Together, we can ensure Lund University continues to shine as a global leader in education and sustainability.
Featuring photo of Erik zwickeling a beer at the brewery ca. 2023. Photo: Private collection
Guest writer, alumnus Erik Mell, shares his story from student years in Lund to a corporate governance job in Washington, D.C. to his current role as a brewmaster in Berlin. He also invites alumni to his upcoming Lucia event at the brewery!
I am Erik Mell, 44 years old, alumnus and former class president of the 2005-2006 Master of European Affairs program (MEA) at Lund University. I’m originally from Minnesota, now living in Berlin and this is the winding tale about how I became a brewmaster in Berlin.
Reflecting on my time in Lund
My time in Lund was, without exaggeration, the best single period of my life. I was motivated to study abroad after doing a semester in Freiburg, Germany. Coming from Minnesota (or as I joke, “Nya Sverige”), Sweden had always held a certain amount of allure to me as a country that is somehow very familiar, but also exceptional. Long story short, I finally made my choice for Lund instead of heading to Hamburg or Uppsala, because of the interdisciplinary nature of the MEA program, and a little bit because Lundakarnevalen was taking place that year. This decision-making process held some foreshadowing in hindsight.
I went to Lund to get serious with my academics, take the foreign service exam, and walked away with a Master’s degree and a new perspective on the allocation of free time. It was a great year, I ended up making life-long friends, fell in love with a girl, got involved in Värmlands Nation, started fixing bicycles, made filmjölk and cheese, brewed my own beer and became enamored with Sweden. I ended up writing my thesis on (Renewable) Energy Politics in the EU. Maybe not surprisingly at this point in the story, my original topic (that I ended up scrapping because I wanted to find a job after graduation) was protectionism and politics in the EU beer market, fun fact.
I learned Swedish during that year. It wasn’t perfect but having learned a bit from a neighbor when I was young and being able to speak German and English, I found it relatively easy to learn. Unexpectedly, knowing Swedish landed me my first job in Washington, D.C. as a corporate governance analyst responsible for publicly-traded Scandinavian companies. Lund also followed me to Washington as a few of my classmates from the program moved to D.C. and we were active around the embassies and Nordic social events in D.C., and coincidentally at one point there were five Lund alums staying in our row house.
Taking the leap to transition my career
I eventually worked in environmental and social governance. I moved with my job and the love of my life, the girl who I met in Lund, to Heidelberg. Following a restructuring, I took my severance package and turned my beer brewing hobby into a career and started my career at Heidelberger Brauerei. In 2015, I graduated from the Diplom-Braumeister program at the TU Berlin and started full-time as Braumeister at the newly founded Vagabund Brauerei, a 1-million-liter annual production facility and taproom in the Wedding neighborhood, where I have been ever since.
Erik and Vagabund’s colorful radler in their beer garden, October 2025. Photo: Private collection
What does a Master of European Affairs have to do with being a Brewmaster some might ask. It is a common misconception that Brewmasters party for a living. It is actually a highly analytical job that requires a broad depth of knowledge in the fields of chemistry, microbiology, mechanics and strategic planning – and lots of networking. In short, science plus politics. I use a lot of what I learned in Sweden, even if it is a bit hidden behind the day in and day out of running a middle-sized brewery. I have often considered someday combining my professional experiences where I can use my MEA degree a bit more directly, perhaps through the lens of the brewing and beverage industry or working on environmental issues.
Sankta Lucia Event on 11 December
My time in Sweden continues to be a big part of my life, especially at this time of year when we watch Fixarjulen and Julkalendern as a family tradition. We also make syltkakor, lussebullar, glögg, and all kinds of other goodies. I have wanted to do an Alumni Meet-Up at the brewery for some time as it’s a fitting choice for networking: tasty food, relaxed atmosphere, and great beer.
These annual traditions and my connection to Lund inspired me to host an open Sankta Lucia event for all alumni and lovers of Swedish culture. It will take place on 11 Decemberat the brewery,Vagabund Brauerei, in Berlin. We will be starting with happy hour at 17:00-19:00, followed by lussebullar from our new restaurant at 18:00, and going until late. If you find yourself in Berlin, all are welcome! The event is pay as you go and will also include the debut tasting of our saffron hop water as well as our winter food menu and glögg. See you there!
Text: Erik Mell, Lund University alumnus
Event info: Sankta Lucia in Berlin
Date: Thursday 11 December Time: 18:00 (until late) Place: Vagabund Brauerei, Oudenarder Str. 16-20, 13347 Berlin
No registration is required. Food and beverage is at your own expense. Please note there will not be a Lucia procession.
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