Media, democracy and communication
Excellence in Research Communication - here are the 2025 award winners!
We are proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Research Communication Award!
Criminology professor Amir Rostami at Södertörn University, Maria Gunther, science editor at Dagens Nyheter and Matilda Wurm, researcher in health psychology at Örebro University, receive The Hamrin Foundation's and Örebro University's awards for outstanding research communication 2025.
The external prize of SEK 100,000 goes to Amir Rostami, Professor of Criminology at Södertörn University, who researches organized crime and extremism with a particular focus on criminal collaborations.
The motivation highlights that Amir Rostami has long contributed research-based knowledge to the debate on crime, which has made him a driving force in the national work to counter organized crime. “Through his great commitment and skill, he is an inspiring role model for other researchers,” writes the jury.
- “It feels very honorable. It's always nice to be recognized for your research - and the fact that the award is about science communication makes it even more special. We researchers have an important role in contributing knowledge and communicating our results to help society develop in a positive direction,” says Amir Rostami.
Science journalism that engages
Maria Gunther, science journalist and science editor at Dagens Nyheter, receives the journalist prize of SEK 75,000. “As a science editor and physicist, Maria Gunther has a deep understanding of research and the role of research in society. With passion and credibility, she transforms complex research into urgent science journalism for the readers of Sweden's largest morning newspaper,” reads the motivation.
- “It is an incredible honor to receive this award because there are so many talented science journalists. And it's really nice to have a prize that recognizes science communication,” says Maria Gunther.
Paving the way for better treatment of LGBTI people
The internal prize for outstanding research communication of SEK 50,000 goes to Matilda Wurm, researcher in health psychology at Örebro University, for her good efforts to reach out with her research on LGBTI issues. “Through persistent, committed and comprehensive communication, Matilda Wurm paves the way for increasing knowledge, strengthening understanding and improving the treatment of LGBTI people in Sweden,” the jury writes in its motivation.
- “I am very happy and a bit overwhelmed to win the award. Research communication is close to my heart and an important part of my responsibility as a researcher. Being able to share my research results is a privilege in itself, but to have the prize confirm that I am reaching out and making a difference is great,” says Matilda Wurm.
Research communication - crucial for democracy
For the third year in a row, Örebro University and The Hamrin Foundation are awarding prizes for outstanding research communication.
- Research communication is important for informed citizens in a democratic society. It can be crucial for making the right decisions on complex societal issues,” says Johan Schnürer, Vice-Chancellor of Örebro University.
The jury includes the vice-chancellor of Örebro University, the chairman of The Hamrin Foundation, the CEO of The Hamrin Foundation, a representative from the Swedish Research Council and the head of communications at Örebro University.
The prizes will be awarded in connection with Örebro University's Academic Ceremony on February 8.
