Our honorary doctors

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Science and Technology at Luleå University of Technology appoint honorary doctors every year. It is a dignity that the faculties bestow upon individuals whom they wish to particularly honor and connect with the research community.

According to tradition, it is usually individuals who have not chosen the academic path but have otherwise contributed to research and earned the dignity associated with a doctoral title. This is part of the university's commitment to openness and connections beyond the traditional research community. An academician who has significantly contributed to research or education within the faculty can also be appointed as an honorary doctor.

Luleå University of Technology has been appointing honorary doctors since 1981. The honorary doctors are conferred during the Academic Ceremony held in November each year.

2026

Anna Azcárate, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy

Anna Azcárate, actor, director, artistic leader and educator, has been appointed Honorary Doctor of Philosophy at Luleå University of Technology.

Anna Azcárate has had a significant impact on Swedish performing arts as well as on the development of arts education in northern Sweden. Of particular importance to Luleå University of Technology is her central role in the establishment and development of the Theater Academy in Luleå. She was actively involved in building the programme from its inception in 1996 and has since contributed both as a teacher and in leadership roles. Through her commitment and experience, she has been a driving force in creating a strong and sustainable educational environment for the performing arts in northern Sweden.

Robert W. Orttung, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy

Professor Robert W. Orttung, researcher in sustainability, political science and Arctic studies, has been appointed Honorary Doctor of Philosophy at Luleå University of Technology.

Through his extensive scientific output, academic leadership, and broad international network, Robert W. Orttung has made significant contributions to the development of research on societal transformation, security, democracy, energy and environmental policy, and sustainable development in Arctic regions. Of particular importance to Luleå University of Technology is Orttung’s long‑standing and close collaboration with the university’s researchers in Arctic research, social sciences, and sustainable development. Through his engagement, he has contributed to the establishment of international research networks, joint research projects, and academic exchanges that have strengthened the university’s international position.

H-C Holmberg, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology

Professor H-C Holmberg, researcher in cross‑country skiing and Olympic high‑performance sport, has been appointed Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology at Luleå University of Technology.

As the founder and long‑standing director of the Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, and as head of research and development within Swedish elite sport at the Swedish Olympic Committee, H-C Holmberg has successfully combined academic research with practical application at the highest international level. At Luleå University of Technology, he has helped strengthen the connection between physiology, biomechanics and technical research related to performance on snow and ice. His work is an exemplary demonstration of how knowledge of human performance can be integrated with technological development and interdisciplinary research, closely aligned with the university’s initiatives in sports and performance technology.

Dan M. Frangopol, Honorary Doctor of Technology

Professor Dan M. Frangopol, researcher in life‑cycle engineering of civil structures and infrastructure systems, has been appointed Honorary Doctor of Technology at Luleå University of Technology.

Dan M. Frangopol’s research on structural reliability, risk, life‑cycle optimisation, resilience and sustainability of the built environment under extreme conditions has had a profound influence on engineering research and practice worldwide. His collaboration with Luleå University of Technology’s researchers in civil and structural engineering have provided the university with a platform for participation, engagement, and increased visibility in world‑leading research networks. In doing so, he has strengthened not only the university’s research but also its global position and opportunities for long‑term strategic collaborations.

2025

• Lennart Rohdin, former government special inquiry chair on rights of national minorities and minority languages in Sweden, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Joachim Nordin, CEO of Skellefteå Kraft Group, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Petra Viklund, Head of Water and Sewage at Luleå Miljöresurs (Lumire), has been appointed Honorary Doctor of Technology

2024

• Stefan Forsberg, former Executive and Artistic Director of the Stockholm Concert Hall Foundation and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Lars Gyllenhaal, Author, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Elin Anna Labba, Author, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Karin Bodin, CEO Polarbröd, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2023

• Staffan Göthe, Playwright, director and actor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Peter Englund, Historian and author, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Alice Kempe, Chair of the Kempestiftelserna, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Jan Moström, CEO LKAB, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2022

• Peter Carlsson, CEO and co-founder of Northvolt, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology
• Lisbeth Löpare-Johansson, Coordinator at the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR), Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Christopher Weible, Professor at University of Colorado Denver, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy

2021

• Sara Arnia, Actor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Sofia Jannok, Artist, singer and songwriter, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Anders Sundström, Business leader, former politician and minister, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology

2020

• Charlotte Kalla, Cross-country skier and Olympian, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Jessica Meir, Astronaut at NASA, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Dean A Shepherd, Professor at Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy

2019

• Pär Lärkeryd, President and CEO of Norra Skogsägarna, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Thomas Öström, CEO Climeon, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2018

• Lilian Ryd, Author and cultural historian, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Gertrud Åström, Business and organisational leader and expert on gender equality issues, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology
• Lars Martinson, Group CEO at Martinsons, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2017

• Jan Lexell, Professor at Lund University, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Jenny B Osuldsen, Architect, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Geoffrey Vining, Professor at Virginia Tech, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2016

• Gerda Helena Lindskog, Author, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Svante Lindqvist, Musician, playwright and author, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Elisabeth Nilsson, County Governor, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2015

• Katarina Kieri, Author, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Sara Mazur, Head of Research, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Hans Hansson, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Birgitta Olofsson, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2014

• Alan Begg, Director of Research and Development, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Russell Lansbury, Professor Emeritus, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Per-Erik Lindvall, Director, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology
• Peter Mattei, Opera Singer, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy

2013

• Stina Honkamaa, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Ulf Marklund, Head of Strategy and Business Development, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Karl Petersen, Local Councillor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology

2012

• Benny Andersson, Musician and composer, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Eva Karlsson, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Margareta Kempe, Author, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Tore Lundmark, Chief Engineer, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2011

• Per-Ola Eriksson, County Governor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Malin Frenning, Business Area Manager, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Martin Jonsson, Head of Development and Research, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Elisabeth Holmgren, Director of the County Council, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy

2010

• Karin Mamma Andersson, Artist, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Björn Paulsson, Senior Adviser, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2009

• Ross Large, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Erik Lindbäck, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Bengt Liljedahl, Head of Development, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Leyland Pitt, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy

2008

• Lorentz Andersson, Former County Governor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Harald Vogel, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Margareta Jonsson, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology

2007

• Börje Justrell, Archivist, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Lars-Eric Aaro, Technical Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Albert Ruehli, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Erling Johansson, Artist, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology

2006

• Jiri Marsalek, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Panos Plegas, Senior Vice President, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Kjell Sundvall, Film Director, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy

2005

• Elinor Ostrom, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Anna Sierpinska, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2004

• Kari Marklund, Former County Governor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Birgitta Svendén, Opera singer, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Joseph Juran, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Carl-Henric Svanberg, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology

2003

• Hans Leygraf, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Leif Östling, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Gunnar Liljedahl, Director, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology

2002

• Staffan Westerberg, Acting Director, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Carl Bennet, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Sam Nilsson, Director, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology

2001

• Bruce Swedien, Music Producer, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Douglas W Fuerstenau, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Yngve Bergqvist, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Technology

2000

• Bo Nilsson, Composer, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Thomas Nilsson, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Jan Martinsson, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1998

• Folke Isaksson, Author, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• John E Tilton, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
• Vinton G Cerf, Senior Vice President, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Christer Löfgren, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Ivar Sundström, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1996

• Ingvar Carlsson, Former Prime Minister, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Evelyn Fox Keller, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Sture Johansson, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Carl Kempe, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Samme Lindmark, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1994

• Birgit Erngren, Director General, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Michel Lucius, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Arne Wittlöf, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1993

• Per-Olof Eriksson, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Anders Grönlund, Organ Builder, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Bengt Hultqvist, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1991

• Bengt Andersson, Education Consultant, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Ann-Marie Israelsson, Head of Teknikens Hus, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Martin Lundberg, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Markku Mannerkoski, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Björn Wahlström, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1989

• Rune Andersson, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• John E Field, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Lennart Lubeck, Professor, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1986

• Ulf Langefors, CEO, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Einar Lundström, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Sverker Sjöström, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1984

• Sten G A Bergman, Doctor of Technology, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Arne S Lundberg, Envoy, Honorary Doctor of Technology

1981

• Lars Granar, Division Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Gösta Hägglund, Director, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Ragnar Lassinantti, County Governor, Honorary Doctor of Technology
• Lars Nordström, Director General, Honorary Doctor of Technology