personal identity on the net - The University of Iceland

Message from: Dr. Haukur Arnthorsson

The University of Iceland was established 17^th June 1911, on the centenary of the national hero of Iceland, 19^th century Icelandic statesman Jón Sigurðsson, usually referred to as "president". The University of Iceland offers nearly four hundred undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. The university is organised into five academic schools, and 25 faculties. The university offers diverse programmes on all levels and the University of Iceland is the only university in the country offering undergraduate and graduate studies in all the main disciplines.  In addition, the University of Iceland is an internationally renowned research university and University of Iceland academics have received a great deal of international recognition for their scientific work. A large number of research findings by scientists from the University of Iceland is considered ground-breaking in its field. The university operates around 40 research institutes, and research-based graduate studies are also offered.

A vibrant community of science and research

The University of Iceland is a vibrant community where most academic disciplines are pursued, closely linked with the professional sector and Icelandic society in general. The university employs a group of well-educated and experienced teachers and scientists; it has a standing tradition for research and collaborates actively with universities and institutions abroad. The university is at once a national scientific and educational institution and a part of the international academic community.

The university is an important part of society

The University of Iceland has paved the way for national development and prosperity and is the strongest cornerstone of knowledge creation in Icelandic society. In a time of growing international competition university education and research activities in Iceland must be fully in line with the best available internationally; the University of Iceland plays a key role in this regard. Year after year surveys have shown that the Icelandic people have more confidence in the University of Iceland than any other institution; the university enjoys the confidence of more than 90% of the nation.

Ambitious goals

In order to best serve Icelandic society the University of Iceland has set itself the goal of becoming one of the leading universities in the world. The university will work toward that target by strengthening research, teaching and support services. This goal was set in 2006 and the university is already well on its way to achieving it, for example the number of doctoral students is ever-increasing, external income has grown and the university has undergone an extensive governance restructuring. These are all stepping stones towards becoming one of the 100 leading universities in the world.