Thesis Day 2025 – A celebration of science and new beginnings

This year, 162 students showcased 140 sustainability-focused posters, each offering a unique perspective on building a better world. The day continued with music, mingling, delicious bites and drinks, fun photo booth moments, and lots of good vibes. There were plenty of interesting conversations, proud families, and a true sense of celebration in the air at both campuses.

Ultuna – 28 May, Ulls hus

In Ultuna, the day was hosted by SLU alumna and Laboratory Engineer Rebecka Brattlund Hellgren from the Swedish Veterinary Agency. After a lively and well-attended poster exhibition full of engaging chats, Rebecka guided the audience through five fantastic student presentations—ranging from aesthetics in landscape design to the dynamics of cow-calf relationships.

Lena Olsén, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Clinical Sciences, proudly announced the winners of the Best Poster Award among 82 contributions. Ellen Anker-Kofoed, another SLU alumna and National Food Strategy Coordinator, presented the Global Sustainability Award to a thrilled recipient.

This year also marked the second time Thesis Day hosted the Seydlitz Foundation scholarship ceremony. Professor Anna Wallenbeck, deputy dean at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, awarded three deserving students with scholarships.

Deputy vice-chancellor Pär Forslund wrapped up the formalities with a motivating speech. Then came the heartfelt moment when every participating student was welcomed on stage to receive a rose and a big thank you.

Alnarp – 5 June, Alnarpsgården

At Alnarp, the action started at 11.00 with the buzzing poster exhibition, drawing a steady stream of visitors all day long.

Pro vice-chancellor Ylva Hillbur kicked things off with a warm welcome, followed by moderator Sara Kyrö Wissler, SLU alumna and Project Leader at the Division of Infrastructure, guided guests through five sharp, professional student presentations on today’s most pressing sustainability topics.

More than 100 people attended the presentations before it was time to shine a spotlight on the award winners. Sara Kyrö Wissler presented the Global Sustainability Award and Åsa Ode, Librarian, presented the academic awards among the 52 contributing projects.

The day ended on a high note with a speech from Deputy dean Aakash Chawade, who handed out flowers and thanked the students for their amazing work. After the formalities, everyone stuck around to enjoy drinks, snacks, and each other’s company.

To top it all off, the Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture and Crop Production Science hosted a grand closing ceremony for all graduating students and their guests. This now annual tradition brought together nearly 450 guests and graduates for a festive celebration — and the Alnarp Student Union band added a little extra magic to the moment.