This year's Chalmers Medal is awarded to Pam Fredman, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg, and a doctor of neurochemistry.
The Chalmers Medal has been awarded annually since 1948 to someone who "through interest and valuable contribution has promoted the activities and development of the university" – meaning someone who has done something exceptional for Chalmers.
This year, that person is Pam Fredman, most notably known as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg from 2006 to 2017. She is being awarded the medal for her "significant contributions as an academic leader and her contributions to the development of the successful collaboration between Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, and between the institutions and the surrounding society, as well as for her contributions to highlighting the importance of academia for sustainable development."
Pam Fredman studied chemical engineering at Chalmers, and earned her PhD in neurochemistry at the University of Gothenburg (GU) in 1979. In 1997, she was appointed Professor of Neurochemistry, before serving as the dean of the Sahlgrenska Academy from 2003 to 2006, and then as the Vice-Chancellor of GU for eleven years.
Between 2022 and 2024, she also served as the acting director of the Gothenburg Centre for Sustainable Development, GMV, now known as Wexsus.
Pam Fredman will be honoured at the Chalmers doctoral conferment ceremony on 1 June. The recipient is appointed by the board of Chalmers University of Technology AB.
Facts / The Justification
Pam Fredman has contributed to Chalmers' development in various ways and over a long period of time. Not least in her role as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg, she has made significant efforts to strengthen the position of the Gothenburg universities regionally, nationally, and internationally, as well as to strengthen the successful collaboration and integration between Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg. Her ability to provide clear and engaged leadership while involving various individuals, stakeholders, and perspectives in a common direction has provided extremely important contributions to Chalmers and Gothenburg's higher education and research.
In recent years, her ability, commitment, and drive have been noticeably evident in the way she has led the transformation of the joint Gothenburg Centre for Sustainable Development (GMV) at Chalmers and GU into the West Sweden Nexus for Sustainable Development (Wexsus) with determination and enthusiasm. Her broad and deep commitment to the important role of academia in society at large, especially for sustainable development and the importance of close collaboration with societal actors, has permeated much of her work. Through her personal example, Pam Fredman has highlighted the importance of academic leaders and strong, engaged, and inspiring academic leadership. Collectively, Pam Fredman has made significant contributions both directly and indirectly to Chalmers and the profile and position we have today.
Facts / The Chalmers Medal
The Chalmers Medal was established in 1948 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of William Chalmers' birth. The medal is dedicated to those who have promoted the activities and development of the university through interest and valuable contribution. The recipients of the medal should have done something extraordinary for Chalmers. The Chalmers Medal recipients are appointed by the Chalmers board upon the recommendation of the President. The medal is presented at the annual graduation ceremony.