4 April 2025
When the Czech Embassy opened its doors to honour Johan Schnürer, Vice-Chancellor of Örebro University, with the Medal for Merit in Diplomacy, Sweden’s Young Academy was represented by its Chair, Sofia Lodén, invited as guest.
Foto: Lars Pehrson/Sveriges unga akademi
In a formal yet warm ceremony, Johan Schnürer received the Czech distinction from Ambassador Anita Grmelová, on behalf of the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs.
I hope our academy can also help strengthen collaboration between the Czech Republic and Sweden.
Chair Sofia Lodén, Professor of French at Stockholm University
Photo: Johanna Säll
The medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of diplomatic relations. Johan Schnürer was recognised for his efforts to strengthen academic collaboration between Sweden and the Czech Republic – an area where science diplomacy is playing an increasingly vital role. In his speech, Johan Schnürer highlighted Young Academy of Sweden as a key player in continuing this collaboration.
The Czech Republic and Sweden are two democratic nations with a strong focus on education, research and technological development. It feels truly rewarding to have contributed to strengthening the ties between our academic systems.
Johan Schnürer, Vice-Chancellor of Örebro University
Photo: Kicki Nilsson/Icon Photography
The guest list brought together voices from academia, politics and diplomacy – including Martin Brozek, international adviser to the Swedish Parliament, who, alongside Johan Schnürer, became one of the first Swedes ever to receive the medal.
A touch of history rounded off the evening: the Czech writer Karel Čapek – who coined the word “robot” – was given a special mention, as was his 1936 travelogue Journey to the North, a work that continues to spark curiosity to this day.
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