Inaugural alumni receptions take place in Nordic countries

UCL alumni in Europe are a cornerstone of our global community with a network of 43,000 alumni based in the region. Following a series of successful receptions held in Western, Central and Southern Europe in 2024, this trip marked UCL's first visit to Northern Europe. 

Swedish connections

The quirky Downtown Camper Hotel in the very heart of Stockholm was the venue for a relaxed and friendly alumni reception. The event featured short speeches by UCL Vice-Provost Professor Geraint Rees, Executive Director of the UCL European Institute Dr Uta Staiger and Professor of Developmental Psychopathology Essi Viding.  

In addition to networking and socialising, a pop-up version of the exhibition Lost & Found: A European Literary Map of London was unveiled for guests to enjoy.  The exhibition brings to life an online map that explores London through the eyes of European writers and intellectuals. The map seeks to illustrate London’s enduring relevance for European culture. This version of the exhibition focussed on Swedish authors and their narratives of London. 

Danish affiliations

Continuing from Sweden, the UCL delegation arrived in Denmark to co-host a reception with the British Embassy in Copenhagen. His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark Ms Joëlle Jenny, attended and made the opening remarks.  

Attendees also heard speeches from Professor of Social Neuroscience Lasana Harris and Mary Kinross Professor of Neuropsychiatry Ray Dolan, who shared their research.  

There were many attendees from various partner organisations, including from the University of Copenhagen, which allowed the academic delegation to explore potential deeper academic collaboration. 

Building networks

At both receptions, alumni and academics caught up on the latest UCL news and celebrated their shared connections. New friendships were formed, professional networks grew, and engaging discussions took place about plans to launch alumni groups and participate in UCL’s upcoming bicentennial celebrations.   

Andy Stirups, Senior Alumni and Supporter Relations Manager, said: “I am thrilled with just how much enthusiasm and support we received from our alumni community during this visit. While these may have been some of the first alumni events we’ve hosted in Scandinavia, they certainly won’t be the last. From Athens to Stockholm, our nearly 43000 strong European alumni community is bigger than ever before, and we look forward to involving as many of you as possible as we inch ever closer to UCL's bicentenary next year.” 

Develop your community

If you are an alum based in Northern Europe and would like to volunteer to support your local alumni group, contact Andy Stirups, Senior Alumni and Supporter Relations Manager. 

Read more

• Find an alumni group near you
• Celebrating UCL's alumni community across Europe
• Coming together in Greece, Italy and Spain