The University’s newly launched donation campaign has the slogan: Lund University – for a better world. But how is a better world defined? The University’s plans on how to relate to the donor’s wishes and at the same time be independent are not clearly stated.
To potentially be reconstructed to a foundation and look for donations from the outside are both things that make demands on the independence of the University.
“There are conditions you have to look out for as a University. As we are dependent on external financing the integrity will be important. It is also a part of the quality the University sells. We have to be trusted,” says the University Vice-Chancellor Per Eriksson.
What stand point should you take regarding the donors’ background and potential conditions?
“There are areas that are difficult, but you can’t accept resources on areas that are doubtful,” says the Vice-Chancellor.
If, for instance, an oil company would like to make a contribution?
“It depends on how they work. We don’t have all the details described but we will look into them. As of now we take it case by case,” says the Vice-Chancellor.
Foto: Carl-Johan Kullving/Xche Balam
Campaign mingle in the University building
At the meeting with the press during the donation campaign, the mingling is extensive. Alumni mix with students, contacts from business and former employees who all are invited for coffee and scones. In this well-directed campaign movie played in the assembly hall cures of endemic diseases, research to solve the climate threat and clean water are mentioned as some of the issues the University work with to attract donors. Everything to contribute under the slogan of the campaign “For A Better World”.
How is a better world defined?
“The University has fundamental values and many things are obvious. Human rights, access to clean water and to have a responsible energy management when it comes to the climate are things which are obvious,” says Vice-Chancellor Per Eriksson.
“This is of course what the researchers must help define. But to reduce both the poverty and the environmental degradation are some issues. To treat diseases and stop children from dying before they’ve had a chance to enjoy life,” Margot Wallström mentions as examples of those things that contribute to a better world.
No reasons to be worried
Fund raising within the University is nothing new. To consider the donations, who has donated the money and what conditions are set for the usage is something the University’s experience has to rely on, according to both Per Eriksson and Margot Wallström.
“We work with this on a daily basis and have done so for several hundred years. The University has a long experience,” says Margot Wallström who thinks there is no reason to worry for donations to affect the independence of the University.
READ MORE: Three billions in donations
Text: Lisa Blidnert
Translation: Lars Jansson
