Engaging Questions During Honorary Doctor Lectures

How does a city grow, and what happens underground when it does? How has the perception of minorities changed and what remains to be done to fully understand Sweden's historical diversity? How can the energy transition be the key to meeting the major challenges of our time, from climate change to energy security and competitiveness? These were the questions that were in focus when the 2025 honorary doctors at Luleå University of Technology gave appreciated lectures.

Lennart Rohdin, former government special inquiry chair on rights of national minorities and minority languages in Sweden, Petra Viklund, Head of Water and Sewage at Luleå Miljöresurs (Lumire) and Joachim Nordin, CEO of Skellefteå Kraft Group are appointed as 2025 honorary doctors at Luleå University of Technology. The day before the big academic ceremony, they all held lectures in the LKAB hall at Luleå University of Technology.

The history of the minorities is part of Swedish history

“It is important that schools teach the history of minorities as part of the history subject. Sweden would not have looked the way it does without our minorities. They are part of Swedish history and can only be understood in that context”, said Lennart Rhodin, former government special inquiry chair on rights of national minorities and minority languages in Sweden.

Sweden has five national minorities: Jews, Roma (including Travellers), Sami, Swedish Finns and Tornedalians. There are five minority languages ​​in Sweden: Finnish, Yiddish, Meänkieli, Romani Chib and Sami (as well as all varieties of the languages).

Lennart Rhodin explained how the treatment of minorities has shifted over the years due to changes in economic interests, geopolitics and ideology. Important milestones in recent times are Sweden's ratification of The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages ​​and The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. In recent years, several truth commissions and white papers on minorities have also been established.

Luleå’s growth through the water pipe’s perspective - Petra Viklund

“It’s a privilege to contribute to a more sustainable society together with Luleå University of Technology,” said Petra Viklund, Head of Water and Sewage at Luleå Miljöresurs (Lumire).

Since 2016 she has been responsible for the municipal water utility, and she also chairs both Dag&Nät and DRIZZLE – centres for stormwater and sewer research at Luleå University of Technology. The university’s motivation highlights her strong commitment to research and collaboration, which has deepened the partnership between Lumire and Luleå University of Technology.

In her lecture, she described Luleå’s journey from its first water supply system in the early 1900s to today’s advanced, circular and climate-neutral infrastructure. She illustrated how bold decisions and long-term thinking have made Luleå a model for stormwater management and sustainable urban planning, and how future communities depend on both technology, collaboration and behavioural change.

The energy transition must benefit the whole country - Joachim Nordin

“We need to learn from history. Electrification and industrial operations in Sweden have not been sustainable – the value has gone south, while those affected in the north have not benefited. This time, more of the value must stay where the resources are extracted,” said Joachim Nordin, CEO of Skellefteå Kraft, during his honorary doctor lecture.

He also highlighted the inefficiencies in northern Sweden’s energy systems – despite its surplus, too many resources go to waste. A more circular and efficient use of resources, he argued, is essential for both profitability and sustainability. Skellefteå Kraft’s investments in electric transport, hydrogen and electric aviation, he said, show how local companies can lead that change.

Joachim Nordin was awarded an honorary doctorate for his contribution to sustainable energy development, his long-term collaboration with researchers and his leadership in the green industrial transformation of northern Sweden.

• The honorary doctorate lectures are part of the Academic Celebration Week at Luleå University of Technology. Read more about Academic Celebration.
• Read more about the 2025 Honorary Doctors.