January 1, 2010, the existing Växjö and Kalmar universities merged to form Linnaeus University — with around 31,000 students spread over two campuses in the south of the country. Rector Stephen Hwang sketches out the goals and aspirations of Sweden’s newest higher education establishment.

Local connection

The man in whose honor the university is named was born in Småland in 1707. Linnaeus became a world-famous botanist who, amongst other works, invented the scientific classification system for plant and animal species known as Systema Naturæ.

He is fondly remembered in his home country for his lifetime’s work; a statue stands tall in the city of Lund, where he studied. And the lush botanical gardens in Uppsala, where he lectured, serve as a reminder of his work.

Now, over 300 years after his birth, Linnaeus’ name lends itself to a university with a contemporary philosophy — to promote modern thinking in an academic world.

“It is a symbolic way of showing that we have high ambitions with respect to education and research,” says Stephen Hwang, rector of Linnaeus University. “It’s partly about the regional connection but it’s also a way of showing what kind of university we want to be.”

Linnaeus University rector Stephen Hwang wants to build a modern university and brings an international academic profile to his position. Photo: Nisse Nilsson

The merger of two existing universities in the coastal town of Kalmar and the city of Växjö makes for a sizeable institution that can compete for the affections of both Swedish and international students.

“It’s a matter of gaining a better academic position and higher profile,” Hwang adds. “Through joint funding that the merger brings we have the opportunity to become more attractive to future students and research collaborations.”

Global reach

An international profile is a key component of the university’s concept, with a cross section of foreign lecturers among the staff. This will naturally promote an exchange of knowledge between different countries, cultures and scientific disciplines.

This is an advantage Hwang knows only too well with his extensive experience in the academic world. Having graduated with a PhD in physics from Chalmers in Göteborg, he conducted research in the US and Switzerland before returning to Sweden as Professor in Physics at Karlstad University in 2000. During his career, he spent two years as part of Nobel Prize winner Steven Weinberg’s research group at the University of Texas.

Two campuses, one ambition

Växjö and Kalmar are Swedish towns that share geographical proximity in the county and an increasing influx of student life to their streets. The two campuses will be run separately for the immediate future but will share the same educational perspective.

Two campuses, around 100 courses and 31,000 students: this is Linnaeus University. Photo: Giv Akt

Hwang understands that the logistics of a two-campus set up may not be optimal, with lecturers travelling between Växjö and Kalmar. However, from a student perspective it allows the possibility to choose which site suits their needs best.

“In developing the new programs at the university my expectation is that both campuses will be just as attractive to foreign students,” Hwang says. “We will be offering more courses in English and will try to develop more programs at post-graduate level connected to science and technology.”

More than science

Despite its heritage and patron, Linnaeus University is not solely for scientific minds. It serves as a fully comprehensive university with courses, programs and research areas in a wide range of subjects from archaeology to business administration and media.

A place where research and education are of equal importance, the university is also keen for students to collaborate with business partners in the local Småland community. Photo: SDL

Hwang’s desire and purpose is to create new ways of educational thinking. “Our students will have a close relationship with their teachers who understand how education is looked upon within society in terms of growth and development,” he says.

“We will put equal emphasis on education and research and be aware of how we can better interact within society. That, to me, is the essence of a modern university.”

A high priority for Hwang therefore is to create cooperation with a range of companies and partners in the Småland region so that students feel there is a closeness within the community around them.

“I have experience which covers many years of university work as a leader in different organisations,” he says. “But it’s my ambition to build a modern university that I hope appeals to future Linnaeus students.”

Christine Demsteader

Christine Demsteader is a English freelance writer based in Stockholm.