Kristiina Oksman and Lars-Eric Aaro. Photo: Ivan Bessedin
30 October 2025
Lars-Eric Aaro and Kristiina Oksman awarded the Vice-Chancellor's Medal of Merit 2025
Lars-Eric Aaro, Honorary Doctor of Technology and former CEO of LKAB, and Kristiina Oksman, Professor of Wood and Biobased Composites, have been awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal of Merit 2025 for their outstanding and long-term contributions to Luleå University of Technology and to the development of northern Sweden.
For several decades, Lars-Eric Aaro has been a strong advocate for collaboration between academia, industry, and society. As a civil engineer educated at Luleå University of Technology, he has served as an ambassador for the university throughout his career and as a driving force in the development of northern Sweden.
"This came as a great surprise, but I feel both happy and proud. Luleå University of Technology is my university, and my time there shaped the rest of my life. We should all take pride in how important the university has been for business development and growth in the north over the past 50 years," says Lars-Eric Aaro.
Collaboration key to growth
He emphasizes that collaboration between the university and industry is crucial for the continued development of the region.
"To continue developing companies in the north, we need cutting-edge expertise, and that is built on strong research leading to strong education. That is why collaboration between the university and industry is absolutely central to our growth," he says.
With his optimism and commitment, Lars-Eric Aaro has contributed to strengthening both the university and the region.
"I have always worked to create opportunities for increased collaboration between our companies in the north, where the university is a vital part of the innovation system. Only together can we continue to achieve extraordinary results that move us forward," he says.
Pioneer in biobased materials
Kristiina Oksman is an internationally recognized researcher in biobased composites. She is one of the university’s most cited researchers and, through her research, collaborations, and leadership, has strengthened both the quality and the impact of research for a sustainable future.
"It feels both an honor and a joy to receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal of Merit. That the university recognizes my work in biobased materials means a lot, not least because the research has developed together with many talented colleagues and students. I see this as recognition of the entire research field and its importance for a more sustainable future," says Kristiina Oksman.
She highlights the importance of long-term commitment, collaboration, and engagement.
"Success is built on collaboration and a genuine commitment to sustainable development. Our research has always had a strong international profile, with open collaborations where different competencies complement each other," she says.
Through her curiosity and ability to inspire colleagues and students, Kristiina Oksman has helped shape the next generation of researchers.
"I want to encourage young researchers to stay curious, dare to collaborate across boundaries, and always have sustainability as a natural foundation," she says.
Two role models for research and societal development
Through their respective contributions, Lars-Eric Aaro and Kristiina Oksman have both helped advance Luleå University of Technology. They have strengthened the university’s role in society and worked to ensure that research and education benefit the region and beyond.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Medal of Merit is awarded for significant contributions to Luleå University of Technology or for meritorious service within one of the university’s fields. The medal is presented during the Academic Ceremony, and the decision was made by Vice-Chancellor Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn.
Motivation Lars-Eric Aaro
Lars-Eric Aaro is a highly appreciated and respected leader with a strong commitment to Luleå University of Technology and to the development of northern Sweden. After his education as a civil engineer, he has throughout his career been an ambassador for the university and a driving force for collaboration between academia, industry and society and was appointed honorary doctor of technology in 2007.
With his large network, his vision of the future and his ability to inspire, he has helped to create the conditions for research, education and innovation. Lars-Eric Aaro is a role model who, with his loyalty, his commitment and his strong belief in the region's opportunities, has long worked to strengthen both Luleå University of Technology and the development of society in the north.
Motivation Kristiina Oksman
Few people can talk about their research with as much commitment and passion as Kristiina Oksman. Her deep interest in research in bio-based materials has not only led to her being one of the university's most cited researchers, she also does it with such quality that she is highly respected for her scientific work. She is active in several of the Wallenberg Foundation's programs, and she has also been elected to the Swedish Research Council's Scientific Council for Science and Technology, where she now also has a leading role.
Professor Kristiina Oksman is deeply committed to the quality of research. She raises the issues and contributes by helping colleagues by acting as a sounding board, supporting applications and sharing experiences from her many evaluation and review assignments. Alongside this, she has a strong commitment to seeing research put to use and has also won awards for entrepreneurship. She also holds patents and has licensed her discoveries.
Through her curiosity, dedication and ability to build scientific success, she has inspired and supported student affairs, doctoral students and colleagues around the world. With her long-standing and dedicated work, Kristiina Oksman has strengthened Luleå University of Technology's reputation, contributed to new knowledge and innovation and worked for a more sustainable society.
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