In mid-February, Lund University welcomed a high-profile delegation from the University of Bergen and Vestland County. The visit was a direct outcome of the relationships built during the joint application process for the EIT Water KIC – connections that are now opening doors to new opportunities.
The delegation’s main goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how innovation and entrepreneurship are fostered in Lund and the surrounding region. Special interest was directed toward the university’s initiatives for student entrepreneurship and the dynamic makerspace that has become a hub for creativity and experimentation. Throughout the day, the visitors had an inspiring programme that included visits to the European Spallation Source (ESS), X-lab, VentureLab (with a presentation by LU Innovation) and Ideon Science Park.
Exploring future collaborations
The day concluded with a strategic meeting involving members of both universities’ leadership teams. Participants included Gunn Mangerud (Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UiB), Øivind Frette (Pro-Rector for Science and Innovation, UiB), Per Mickwitz (Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Sustainability and Campus Development, LU), Annika Ohlsson (Dean of LTH), and Per Persson (Dean, Faculty of Science, LU), among others from collaboration offices and faculties.
In parallel, representatives from Vestland County met with their counterparts at Region Skåne to discuss regional development and future cooperation. The delegation from Bergen expressed great satisfaction with their visit — particularly the tour of ESS, which made a strong impression. Throughout the day, numerous potential areas for collaboration emerged, spanning research, student mobility, innovation and entrepreneurship.
This visit marks the beginning of a promising and forward-looking partnership between Lund and Bergen.
