University of Akureyri Strategy 2025–2030

Stúdentar um borð í skipi sem liggur við Pollinn á Akureri

The University of Akureyri’s strategy until 2030 outlines our shared vision for the journey ahead – to strengthen the university community and develop it in accordance with the needs and opportunities of society.

The strategy includes clear focus areas, objectives and priorities that support our vision: to be a leading and progressive university community in the Arctic where knowledge, innovation, equality and sustainability are the drivers of progress.

Exciting work lies ahead in implementing the policy and the participation of everyone is important.

Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir
Rector of the University of Akureyri

Table of contents

1. The future vision of the University of Akureyri
2. The values of the University of Akureyri
3. The University of Akureyri’s emphases until 2030
4. Focus Area 1
5. Focus Area 2
6. Focus Area 3

The role of the University of Akureyri

As a dynamic hub of scholarship in the Arctic, the University of Akureyri is a leading educational and research institution that creates diverse opportunities for study and research, meeting the highest quality standards.

The future vision of the University of Akureyri

The University of Akureyri is a leading and progressive academic community that, through strong science and teaching, serves as a source of knowledge, innovation, and progress in the Arctic.

The University of Akureyri is driven by a firm belief in the opportunities that the Arctic offers. The university is a centre of knowledge, innovation, and progress, where forward thinking and the courage to shape the future come together.

The University of Akureyri collaborates with Icelandic and international universities, research institutes and the business sector, emphasising research and education that addresses societal challenges in all areas.

The University of Akureyri is an independent community of learning and knowledge that emphasizes critical and independent thinking. Education at the university aims to foster students’ critical thinking and creativity. Special emphasis is placed on diversity and access to education, with sustainability and social welfare as guiding principles.

The University of Akureyri is an indispensable force that connects people, science, and businesses across the Arctic. By conducting research, sharing knowledge, and building strong communities in a constantly-changing environment, the university strives to be a source of knowledge acquisition, innovation, and progress, thereby ensuring a better future for coming generations.

Teikning af tveimur manneskju í samtali

The values of the University of Akureyri

The University of Akureyri is a progressive, independent and reliable learning and knowledge community guided by the principle of equality.

Progressive

The University of Akureyri makes use of the best available knowledge and technology in its teaching, research, and development. It moves ahead with vision and ambition , at the forefront of science and scholarship.

Equality

The University of Akureyri is committed to ensuring that students and staff can succeed in their work and studies, regardless of disability, sexual orientation, gender, race, persuasion, religion and origin.

Independence

The University of Akureyri is an independent community of learning and knowledge, guided by the principle of critical and independent thought.

Trust

Students and society can trust that the University of Akureyri is guided by sound education, critical thinking and quality work practices, and is committed to the well-being of society.

The University of Akureyri's Strategic Priorities to 2030

Throughout the duration of this strategy, the University of Akureyri has set clear priorities, each with specific objectives.

The strategy’s focus areas are divided into three main categories, with a special emphasis placed on the University of Akureyri's role as a strong and attractive university community.

Focus area 1

Guided by innovation, knowledge and sustainability, the University of Akureyri is a dynamic learning and knowledge community that shapes the future and strengthens society.

The University of Akureyri has a strong reputation, is a leader in the community, and serves as a model for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The university strives to reduce its environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, resource waste, and any damage to ecosystems and nature involved in its activities. The university is committed to increasing the national and international visibility of its research, and to strengthening ties with industry, institutions and society.

Priorities

A visible university with a strong identity
A trusted and leading force in society
Sustainability and environmental protection

Objectives and metrics based on these priorities will be defined annually.

Objectives

Objectives launched in 2025

OBJECTIVES	METRICS
Increase visibility by actively sharing information and by strengthening collaboration of staff and students with the community	By 2028, the university website will provide user-friendly access to information on active research and external grants. By 2030, support for science communication to the public and stakeholders has been strengthened, including through courses in science communication and greater use of the university's research evaluation system. By 2030, the number of students participating in collaborative projects with industry, municipalities or institutions will have increased by 30% from 2025 levels.

OBJECTIVES

METRICS

Increase visibility by actively sharing information and by strengthening collaboration of staff and students with the community

By 2028, the university website will provide user-friendly access to information on active research and external grants.

By 2030, support for science communication to the public and stakeholders has been strengthened, including through courses in science communication and greater use of the university's research evaluation system.

By 2030, the number of students participating in collaborative projects with industry, municipalities or institutions will have increased by 30% from 2025 levels.

Focus Area 2

Teikning af fjalli

The University of Akureyri creates an attractive environment for study and work, where educational offerings and innovation meet the needs of society and research flourishes.

The University of Akureyri is a leading international university in research, teaching and innovation, with an emphasis on the Arctic and flexible study options. Closer collaboration with companies and institutions prepares students to meet the needs of a progressive society.

The University of Akureyri has a strong research community with solid infrastructure and research support services. Its research culture is geared towards open science and international collaboration, with research outputs and data made openly accessible.

Priorities

Progressive education and innovation that meet the needs of society
Strong research and a solid infrastructure
Innovative learning and technology

Objectives

Objectives and metrics based on these priorities will be defined annually.

Objectives launched in 2025

OBJECTIVES	METRICS
To significantly strengthen research through increasing funding and conducting impactful research	By 2030, the proportion of external grant applications receiving a high score (defined separately for each fund) will have reached a three-year average of 60% By 2030, an average of seven doctoral students will graduate each year By 2028, both use of and satisfaction with the university's research services will have increased, measured by a stakeholder survey
To utilise advances in technology and artificial intelligence to lead the way in creating an attractive environment for learning and working.	By 2026, a policy on the use of artificial intelligence at the university will have been adopted By 2027, goals for the use of artificial intelligence within the university will have been defined By 2027, a pilot project on the use of artificial intelligence at the university will have been carried out and its impact assessed

OBJECTIVES

METRICS

To significantly strengthen research through increasing funding and conducting impactful research

By 2030, the proportion of external grant applications receiving a high score (defined separately for each fund) will have reached a three-year average of 60%

By 2030, an average of seven doctoral students will graduate each year

By 2028, both use of and satisfaction with the university's research services will have increased, measured by a stakeholder survey

To utilise advances in technology and artificial intelligence to lead the way in creating an attractive environment for learning and working.

By 2026, a policy on the use of artificial intelligence at the university will have been adopted

By 2027, goals for the use of artificial intelligence within the university will have been defined

By 2027, a pilot project on the use of artificial intelligence at the university will have been carried out and its impact assessed

Focus Area 3

Teikning af tré

The University of Akureyri is a vibrant and ambitious academic community where inclusion, equality, solidarity, encouragement, and opportunities for growth create a unique environment for learning and work.

The University of Akureyri is a desirable workplace for staff and students, built on inclusion, solidarity, and a supportive culture. With an emphasis on excellent human resources, diversity, and internal operations, the university seeks to create a diverse community where everyone belongs and enriches the university’s learning and working environment. The university's environment and approach take into account the different needs of people and attracts talented people in the spirit of the university’s core values.

Priorities

Strong support for a diverse and inclusive university community
A harmonious and supportive culture that supports personal and professional growth in learning and work
An attractive choice for talented people

Objectives

Objectives and metrics based on these priorities will be defined annually.

Objectives launched in 2025

OBJECTIVES	METRICS
We want to be known as an open and inclusive university community built on an interdisciplinary approach and broad collaboration	By 2030, the proportion of courses in which diversity, equity and inclusion are reflected in the course description will have increased by 50% By 2030, staff and students will have positive experiences of inclusion, diversity and respect at the university By 2025, goals and an action plan for an inclusive student community have been defined

OBJECTIVES

METRICS

We want to be known as an open and inclusive university community built on an interdisciplinary approach and broad collaboration

By 2030, the proportion of courses in which diversity, equity and inclusion are reflected in the course description will have increased by 50%

By 2030, staff and students will have positive experiences of inclusion, diversity and respect at the university

By 2025, goals and an action plan for an inclusive student community have been defined

Teikning af manneskju við rannsóknarstörf