Dr Haraldur Auðunsson promoted to Professor in the Department of Engineering

Dr Haraldur Auðunsson has been promoted to the rank of Professor in the Department of Engineering. Has received a strong and unanimous endorsement of the evaluation committee that was comprised of the following: Paolo Gargiuolo, Professor RU, Chair, Lotta María Ellingsen, Professor, University of Iceland and Matt Murphy, Professor, University of Liverpool

The committee concludes that Dr Auðunsson has made exceptional and sustained contributions to the University over many years, particularly in teaching excellence, educational leadership, and academic service. His work has had a lasting impact on the Engineering Department and on Reykjavik University's academic development as a whole.

He has played a central role in the establishment, development, and long-term leadership of the Biomedical Engineering programme, serving as Programme Director from 2005 to 2019. Under his guidance, the programme developed into one of the department’s strongest and most visible academic offerings, benefiting both the University and the broader Icelandic academic and professional community.

In summary, Dr Auðunsson exemplifies the qualities expected of a Full Professor at Reykjavik University: academic integrity, educational leadership, institutional commitment, and sustained impact

His research in geophysics focuses on the Earth’s magnetic field, its behaviour over the past millions of years, and particularly what happens when the field reverses or shows unusual anomalies. He also studies how magnetic field measurements over geothermal areas in Iceland can be used to determine their size and characteristics. This research can provide valuable insights into geothermal systems and help improve our understanding of their structure and activity. Further, he has also participated in several large international projects focusing on teaching, learning, and higher education. These projects have often emphasised preparing for unexpected events and future challenges that we are likely to face.