The University Library (KIB) at Karolinska Institutet (KI) has been tasked with leading the development of a unified cultural program starting in January 2026. This initiative, announced by President Annika Östman Wernerson, follows a comprehensive review of cultural activities conducted during the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. The report highlighted the significance of cultural engagement at KI and underscored the necessity for a clearer organizational structure to enhance student participation in cultural events.
The current cultural council’s mandate will conclude at the end of the year, and its members are expected to provide crucial insights as KIB embarks on this new assignment. A renewed council or an equivalent body is anticipated to be appointed by 2027, reflecting the ongoing commitment to cultural development within the institution.
KIB was selected for this important role due in part to its existing initiatives aimed at students, faculty, and researchers. Notably, since January 1, 2025, the History and Cultural Heritage of Medicine (MHK) has been integrated into KIB, creating a robust platform for coordinating and advancing cultural issues at KI. This integration fosters the opportunity to cultivate synergies between current cultural assignments and the new initiatives set to launch.
Miriam Nauri, Library Director, expressed enthusiasm regarding this new mandate, stating, “We look forward to taking on this exciting assignment with an exploratory approach to what cultural activities can be, while building on the knowledge and commitment that already exists at KI.” The initiative aims to ensure that cultural experiences are accessible year-round to everyone associated with KI, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape.
President Wernerson emphasized the broader vision behind this decision, asserting, “With this decision, I want to both strengthen and further develop cultural activities at KI. Culture should be present on all our campuses throughout the year. It should be a matter of course for everyone who studies or works at KI.”
As KIB prepares to take on this significant responsibility, the focus will be on enhancing cultural offerings, encouraging greater student engagement, and creating a cohesive framework that supports the artistic and cultural aspirations of the university community. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards enriching the cultural fabric of KI, promising a more engaged and vibrant campus life.
