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
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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
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In the Academic Society (AF), where the names of Lund University’s distinguished alumni have adorned the balcony since 1867, alumni of Lund University Manne Siegbahn and Elsa Collin were honoured on 22 January 2026 at a formal and much-appreciated symposium.
The Chair of the Academic Society (AF) Johan Stenfeldt. Photo: AF
The historic name frieze recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to science, culture, and student life. Siegbahn received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1924 for his pioneering work in X-ray spectroscopy, while Collin was a poet, playwright, and Lund’s first female spex performer.
Elsa Collin, left and Manne Siegbahn, right. Photo: AF (Photo AI-enhanced for improved resolution using Canva)
The evening featured inspiring talks, engaging discussions all set in a warm and festive atmosphere that made the event both memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.
A warm and festive atmosphere at the AF building January 22 2026. Photo: AFAn evening celebrating tradition and history at the Academic Society on 22 January 2026. Photo: AF
Keep an eye out for 2027!
In 2025, after 72 years, the addition of new names to the frieze marked a moment of both reflection and renewal. The recognition of the pioneer Anna Bugge Wicksell and the Minister of Finance Ernst Wigforss signalled not only a tribute to individual achievement, but also a reaffirmation of the values the tradition represents, particularly given that Bugge Wicksell became the first woman represented on the balcony.
In 2026, further names were added with the inclusion of Elsa Collin and Manne Siegbahn. Attention now turns to December, when the next name will be announced and the tradition will continue to evolve.
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
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.
“Happiness in life does not depend on wealth — we all know that — but financial independence often brings a freedom of thought and opinion that is of great value. It also entails a responsibility to lead a sober life and to help others.”
These words have rested on Ebba Fischer’s desk for the past 17 years, a quiet reminder of wisdom. The note once belonged to the late business mogul Holger Crafoord (Åkerlund & Rausing, Tetra Pak, Gambro), who dedicated his fortune to supporting others through the Crafoord Foundation. As his granddaughter, Ebba has carried forward his mission as chair of the foundation since 2008, navigating the responsibilities attached to her family legacy. Now, she stands at the threshold of a new chapter as she is stepping down before the end of the year.
In time for Philanthropy Day, we highlight alumna Ebba Fischer, who for 17 years has led the Crafoord Foundation, carrying forward her maternal grandfather Holger Crafoord’s vision to use resources for the greater good. Photo: Kennet Ruona.
Growing up in the Crafoord family
It’s easy to imagine that growing up in the Crafoord family meant a life of luxury and privilege. Yet Ebba Fischer paints a different picture of a humble upbringing in Småland, where the belief in education as a path to opportunity ran deep. Her great-grandmother, a single mother who ran a small milk shop, placed a donation box on the counter to save for Holger Crafoord’s schooling. That story left a lasting impression on Ebba, reinforcing her belief in hard work and perseverance.
“I was actually born Rosenblad, not Crafoord“
During her university years, few paid much attention to her family name. “I was actually born Rosenblad, not Crafoord,” she explains. “But many still knew I was connected to the Crafoord family. Especially when the Holger Crafoord Centre was being built right in the middle of my business studies. I got the occasional joke about how I should be the one buying drinks, since I could afford it. But it never went much further than that.”
Growing up in a neighborhood with neighbors and friends who all came from environments where nothing was taken for granted, also helped shape her values.
Ebba in 1976 with her maternal grandfather Holger Crafoord who passed away in1982 when Ebba was 15 yrs old. She remembers him as a kind, humble person. Photo: Private collection
A Party Master and an Honorary Doctorate Degree
In 2014, Ebba Fischer was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Humanities in recognition for her leadership and interest for advancing the humanities. It is, of course, a very prestigious title – but so is being “The Official Party Master (!)” of the 1990 Lund Carnival.
Together, the two distinctions, and everything in between, capture the essence of who Ebba Fischer is to Lund, and what Lund has meant to her in return.
Ebba as the head of social events during the 1990 student carnival. Photo: Per LindströmEbba Fisher receiving a Honory doctorate by the Faculty of Humanities for her leadership in advancing the humanities, including support for the Human Rights professorship, the LUX complex, and the Centre for Languages and Literature (SOL). Photo: Lund university.
Licensed physical therapist – time to shape up
After a few years of scattered university courses and life skills earned through a more social curriculum, Ebba settled on studying for a degree in Physical therapy. She vividly remembers how she thought it was time to shape up. “I was 26 years old, I was a single mother and I thought it was time to get my act together, and the physiotherapy profession appealed to me. I wanted to study medicine, but with a young daughter, I realised my limitations. And I am very happy I attended that amazing and interesting program in the end.”
After gaining experience in clinical care across multiple hospital departments, Ebba’s path took a new turn when her mother stepped down as chair, and the board selected Ebba to succeed her in 2008.
What makes people want to give?
What makes people want to give? Is it empathy, a sense of responsibility, gratitude – or something else? For Ebba Fischer, the answer isn’t clear-cut, but she believes all these motivations play a part. The Crafoord Foundation distributes more than 145 million SEK each year, with a large share going to Lund University’s strong research environments.
Fischer is clear about her role: she doesn’t judge which scientific projects are most deserving of funding herself.
“When it comes to scientific projects, I personally don’t have enough knowledge to judge which should be prioritised, she explains, so I rely on the process. All applications are reviewed by expert committees, and decisions are made by the board.”
But the Crafoord Foundation doesn’t only support science and education projects. Local initiatives in culture, social welfare and public benefit are also very important.
The projects that left a lasting impression
One of the first projects Ebba contributed to, at just 18 years old, helped award a grant that enabled the founding of Kulturmejeriet, one of Lund’s most important concert venues and a true cornerstone of the cultural DNA in Lund. That experience shaped her early career and left a lasting impression.
“It made a strong impression on me that the foundation my maternal grandfather had created, could do something like that,” she explains.
One project Fischer highlights with particular pride is We Have A Dream – an exhibition of photographs and stories centered on dreams and human rights. Visit the free exhibition at Domkyrkoplatsen in Lund, from 5 June to 20 September 2026. Photo: Albert Wiking for wehaveadream.se
Yet the moments that move her the very most are often small: “I’m especially happy when we receive heartfelt thank-you notes from sports clubs and schools for children with special needs. When we can make a difference for children and young people, it brings me real joy.”
Enjoying life’s simple pleasures
After decades of giving her time and energy to charitable projects, Ebba Fischer leaves a legacy defined by generosity and lasting impact. Now she is handing over the baton to her sister Anna Manhusen.
“I feel that after so many years of involvement, it’s time to step down. The Crafoord Foundation is a very well-functioning organisation and will likely benefit from having people with fresh perspectives,” she says.
What will she do now?
At 58, Ebba does not have a clear road map ahead. But perhaps it means that she can look forward to a slower pace. A sunny autumn day, a good stew on the stove and quiet evenings with a crime novel. And of course, life with her husband, her four children and even a grandchild – the things in life that, apart from helping others, truly nourish the soul and offer the richest rewards.
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Committed, curious and eager to take action. The students who apply to Master’s programmes in sustainability at Lund University stand out for their genuine will to change the world.
Pioneers and forerunners: this is how the Master’s programmes EMP (Master’s Programme in Environmental Management and Policy) and LUMES (Master’s Programme in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science) can be described. They are some of the oldest interdisciplinary programmes in both Sweden and Europe. Since they started in 1995 and 1997, respectively, they have been extremely popular, with around 1,700 students applying yearly to the Master’s programmes at The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) and Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS).
The students who choose to study in Lund today are increasingly seeking knowledge that can enable them to take positive action, says Maja Essebo, Director of Studies at LUMES.
“Within LUMES, we are putting a greater emphasis on discussing what students can practically do about, for example, climate change or injustice; in contrast to just identifying what is wrong with our world”, says Maja Essebo, researcher at LUCSUS.
Håkan Rodhe, former Director of Studies for EMP, and today responsible for the alumni network at IIIEE, has identified the same trend, but emphasises that the very foundation of EMP has been its practical anchoring in business and policy. The focus has always been that students should be able to immediately apply what they have learned. Practical implementation is also part of MESPOM (Master’s Programme in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management), the Institute’s successful European joint Master’s programme that has run for more than 20 years in collaboration with three partner universities in Europe.
Alumni are making an active difference
Håkan Rodhe and Maja Essebo believe that there are many reasons as to why so many alumni from EMP, MESPOM and LUMES go on to make an active difference in sustainability and climate work. On the one hand, education and cutting-edge research are integrated, with opportunities to write assignments connected to ongoing research projects, and on the other hand, the programmes integrate practical elements where students get to solve real-world sustainability challenges. Another important factor is the strong sense of unity created within the student cohorts – as they come from different backgrounds, they learn from each other, and often form bonds for life. EMP, MESPOM and LUMES stand out in how they have created a supportive, learning atmosphere, that both current students and alumni describe as life-changing. The atmosphere is actively built through kick-offs, group work and dedicated physical spaces.
“Our alumni return year after year and actively teach on the programmmes. It is a good feeling: that we have created a context that is important, and that gives so much back. Just the other week we had a visit from an alumnus who wanted to show his family: this is where we sat, these were my teachers”, says Håkan Rodhe.
Photo: Håkan Rodhe
Involving alumni and the importance of pluralism
In the future, he wants to involve the alumni even more in the education, because he sees a growing need to practically show what change processes look like in reality. Maja Essebo, in turn, emphasises the importance of pluralism in education.
“We have an important role to play in not becoming too narrow in how we educate in sustainability. In times of polarisation; to teach students to be able to see different perspectives, even those that differ greatly from their own views on life. Pluralism is an important cornerstone in sustainability.”
Maja Essebo and Håkan Rodhe are proud of the students, the alumni and all the passionate teachers. Being able to follow the students over the years has been a privilege – not least for Håkan, who has been active in EMP for 30 years: starting out as a young doctoral student to later becoming an established researcher.
“Research publications are of course very important, but there are few things that have a greater impact than the students who go out into the world and actually work on these issues”, says Håkan Rodhe.
New international Master’s programme with a focus on climate change
The United Nations’ annual climate change conference (COP) is an example of a forum where alumni from Lund University have contributed, including as leaders of Sweden’s conference delegation. Last autumn, Lund University launched a new Master’s programme in climate change and society (LUCAS). It is the first programme of its kind in the world.
“We want to show students how they can work with, and mitigate, climate change in collaboration with others. If they understand the causes and effects of climate change, and how they are rooted in social, economic, political and cultural complexity, they will also be equipped to do something about it”, says Maja Essebo, who is also responsible for LUCAS.
Maja Essebo, responsible for LUCAS | Håkan Rodhe, former Director of Studies for EMP, and today responsible for the alumni network at IIIEE | Terese Thoni, Education Coordinator at Sustainability Forum | Photo: Lund University
Sustainability is integrated in all education
Lund University is working actively to integrate knowledge about sustainable development in all its education. Sustainability Forum supports and promotes the integration of sustainability aspects in teaching. Education Coordinator Terese Thoni works with skills training for the University’s teachers, focusing on providing support so that they can build up students’ sustainability competencies.
“Since these are broad competences, most teachers can see how they can incorporate them into their education. Sometimes it’s just a matter of making the sustainability connection clearer, by including good examples or practices that students can learn from, for example”, says Terese Thoni, Education Coordinator at Sustainability Forum.
This year, the LTH students were finally able to organise their traditional regatta on Lake Sjön on the LTH campus. Photo: Neo Wikman, Lundagård.
Fish deaths, algae growth, bans on swimming and fecal bacteria – now they are just a distant memory. This year, the engineers were able to hold their annual lake battle, the Regatta, on home turf again. This was thanks to LTH’s landlord Akademiska Hus, and their collaboration with VA SYD. But it is also the story of two LTH alumni who, in their professional roles, joined forces to deal with flooding after rain, where vegetation has been replaced by asphalt, and in the process transformed and improved their old campus.
When the area that was to become LTH was being planned, the surroundings were considerably greener than they are today. As more houses were built and the areas around them were paved over, flooding became a noticeable problem – the water simply could not drain away quickly enough.
With even more housing to be built, 500 cubic meters of water needed to be able to be handled during heavy rainfall. This was to prevent the roads around LTH, mainly the intersection of John Ericssons väg and Ole Römers väg, from being flooded.
Åsa Hallbergson from Akademiska Hus. Photo: Evelina Lindén
Åsa Hallbergson is a project manager at Akademiska Hus, the company that owns the land and buildings on the LTH campus.
“The stormwater pipes from the 1960s were too weak because they were laid when the area was mostly fields and greenery. Now we handle storm water from 20 hectares, or 40 football pitches, half of which are hard surfaces,” she explains.
The lake, which together with the pond, are former clay pits from the Pålsjö brickworks, had also been plagued by excessive algae growth, which attracted birds, which in turn defecated and made the water unusable. For a while, it looked more like a golf green than a lake.
As an alumna of LTH’s civil engineering programme, Åsa Hallbergson herself had participated in the Regatta, which is an important part of the students’ initiation. In September, each section builds a vehicle for a naval battle that is then fought during the final weekend of the initiation.
The lake Sjön with algae, August 2024. Photo: Evelina Lindén
“The lake was never intended for swimming, but the Regatta has symbolic value and is an important tradition,” she says.
In her previous position at Lunds Kommuns Fastighets AB (LKF), Åsa Hallbergson had worked with weather forecasts: before cold spells, the buildings were heated three days in advance.
“And if you can control a house, you should be able to control a level regulation well.”
The plans began to take shape. Åsa Hallbergson picked up the phone and called VA SYD, who jumped at the idea. Research engineer Hanna Nordlander, an alumna of the LTH programme in ecosystems and water resource management, became her partner in crime.
Monk wells and facelifts
In her childhood home of Västergötland, Åsa Hallbergson had an uncle who regulated the level of his pond with something he called a “monk well.” This inspired her to find a solution other than building an above-ground stormwater delay system at LTH. Instead, there is now an ingenious underground construction between the pond Pölen and the lake Sjön, which can divert water to Sjön in advance when heavy rain is expected. Pölen has also undergone a major facelift, with vegetation removed and trash cleared away.
The new connection between the pond and the lake allows water to circulate and increases the oxygen level, which reduces algae growth. Illustration: VA SYD
“We have also caught lots of crucian carp,” says Åsa Hallbergson, referring to the fish species that eats zooplankton, thereby promoting the growth of algae and duckweed.
The growth of algae is also inhibited by the increased turnover of water. The environment is improving, and the oxygen content in the water is increasing. Nowadays, pike and perch also swim in the lake Sjön, and they like to eat crucian carp.
“We hope to create an ecosystem here. The Department of Ecology has given us advice and helped us in many ways during the project”, says Åsa Hallbergson.
Twenty-one months after the first phone call, the final inspection was approved. There have been many changes: the channel between Pölen and Sjön has been dug out again and lined with recycled paving stones from the construction of Forum Medicum. Instead of replanting bushes, Akademiska Hus has sown meadow flowers. Gravel paths wind along intuitive walkways. Sometimes the plans were redone during the course of the project. The map had to be adapted to reality instead of the other way around.
“It has turned out very well, thanks to the fact that we have been able to work with responsive, solution-oriented, cooperative contractors who know their stuff.”
Riot-proof design
Åsa Hallbergson notes that it helps to retain a childlike spirit when planning the design of a campus area. The LTH Fountain can now be illuminated with the overall colors of the sections and also TLTH: dark blue, orange, white, red, blue, purple, yellow, pink, blue, turquoise, wine red and green. And the shattered glass left over from the fountain’s former days has now been sifted out of the soil.
“Everything has to be riot-proof, as you do know if you’ve ever been a student yourself.”
When the rain forecasts indicate heavy rainfall, VA SYD can now allow up to 1,000 cubic meters of water to flow from the pond Pölen into the lake Sjön. This means that the capacity is twice as large as originally planned. But that may come in handy, as it is difficult to know exactly where the rain will fall.
Stress test with 20 millimeters of rain in 15 minutes
“The real stress test came on August 2 this year, when 36 millimeters of rain fell in a single day, 20 of which fell in 15 minutes. We passed with flying colors,” says Åsa Hallbergson.
And on 14 September, the students were finally able to celebrate the Regatta on home turf again.
“It wasn’t until the end of the project that we realized that both Hanna at VA SYD and I had been involved in the Regatta, as had another participant, Elin Strand, who holds a Master of Science in Engineering, Surveying and Land Management, and is now responsible for LTH as a property manager at Akademiska Hus.
Text: Evelina Lindén (participant of the Regatta 1991)
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