Release date: 2019-10-22

Malmö University becomes the first university in the world to use Humanium Metal by IM for doctoral rings. In this way, the University marks its international commitment to society.
The IM welcomes the decision and is strengthened in the work for peaceful and inclusive societies.

“By becoming the first university in the world to manufacture its insignia in Humanium Metal, Malmö University is showing that they want to contribute to IM’s goal of a more compassionate world,” says Martin Nihlgård, Secretary General of IM, Individual Human Aid.

“The IM sees how illegal weapons are a major threat to people’s everyday lives and to building democratic societies. Humanium Metal is a way for im to strengthen not least young people’s empowerment and opportunities to find ways of supply other than violence.

Metal from collected weapons

Humanium Metal is recycled metal from collected and illegal weapons in El Salvador. IM melts down, cleanses and pulverizes the metal. Thus, in a chain of cooperation between civil society, public authorities and the private sector, weapons are converted into raw materials and processed into products. The surplus of sales goes back to the communities affected by violence.

IM’s ambition is to reduce the spread of illegal weapons and armed violence. The investment in Humanium Metal should be seen as preventive peace work, poverty reduction and an investment in education and health.

“This is fully in line with Malmö University’s desire for a more equal, open and sustainable society,” says Kerstin Tham, Vice-Chancellor of Malmö University. We conduct socially relevant research and our ambition is to educate and equip our students so that through knowledge, critical reflection and action they can contribute to change in the world.

Saving lives

“Humanium Metal and the academic insignia both have strong symbolic value,” Tham continues. Humanium Metal is not the most expensive metal in the world – but perhaps the most valuable as the aim is to save lives.

The design of the rings is developed through a competition among Malmö University’s design students. It is the student Jens Isaksson who designed the ring.

“As the cross-border and inclusive university we are and want to be, it is important that we are innovative in terms of academic traditions and holidays. That’s why we now use Humanium Metal.

Contact:

Martin Nihlgård, Secretary-General IM, martin.nihlgard@imsweden.org, tel. +46 (0)46-32 99 35

Kerstin Tham, Vice-Chancellor malmö university, kerstin.tham@mau.se, tel. +46 (0)40-665 86 67

Read more about Humanium Metal by IM: http://humanium-metal.com/

Foto: Maya Acharya/Malmö Universitet