The professors reflect the breadth of KTH’s research through their respective disciplines. These include proteomics, technical acoustics, computer science, mathematics, biophysics, vehicle dynamics, ergonomics, metallurgy, physics, polymer materials, numerical analysis and urban planning, to name but a few.
The almost 400 professors that KTH has, according to last year’s annual report, 368 professors, 84 women and 284 men, are the most highly educated teachers and as such important role models and sources of inspiration for students at undergraduate and graduate level, as well as for the doctoral students they supervise.
This year, three honorary doctorates will be awarded at the ceremony: Uwe Bornscheuer, Professor of Biotechnology at the University of Greifswald in Germany. He has worked with KTH researchers in chemistry and biotechnology for several decades. Gunilla Franzén, PhD, has worked in the field of geosafety and has promoted a safer and more sustainable society by, among other things, paving the way for regulations for construction and infrastructure projects
Göran Sandberg, Professor of Physiological Botany at Umeå University, is being honoured for his successful work as a member of the Board of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. During his time at KAW, several strategic programmes were launched that have been crucial to the scientific success of KTH and Sweden.
Since 1944, KTH has awarded honorary doctorates to a total of 161 people who have made a significant contribution to the development of Swedish society. The list includes many names that are recognisable from the debate and context of each era.
This year, KTH’s Great Prize 2024 is awarded Johan von Schreeb, Professor of Global Disaster Medicine at Karolinska Institutet. He is being honoured for his contributions as a researcher and coordinator in global crises and disasters, and for his efforts to alleviate human suffering. The prize was made possible by an anonymous donation to KTH in 1944.
It is fantastic to be able to share so much knowledge and academic achievement in one evening – building the society of today and tomorrow – it is the beacon of academic freedom and academic excellence to navigate by at a time when it is really needed.