Université Laval grants honorary doctorate to President of the Republic of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson

Québec City, February 24, 2015 – Université Laval rector Denis Brière presented an honorary doctorate today to the President of the Republic of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, a world leader in the fight against climate change. 

The founder of and first professor at the University of Iceland's Department of Political Science, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson has been an influential figure on the international political stage, notably as president of the not-for-profit network Parliamentarians for Global Action. 

Mr. Grímsson has also distinguished himself in the worldwide effort to fight climate change. Since being elected President of Iceland in 1996, he has instigated the Global Roundtable on Climate Change and taken part in the Clinton Global Initiative.

An ardent defender of geothermal energy in his native land and around the world, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson has advocated for years for the development of clean forms of energy in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. «President Grímsson is an innovative, forward-thinking head of state who is deeply involved in the quest for sustainable and realistic solutions to the challenges facing the planet's northern regions. He is also the man behind the Arctic Circle, an international forum devoted to promoting collaboration on Arctic issues,» said Université Laval rector Denis Brière. «Science and the North are two common threads that bind Université Laval and the President of Iceland, and his remarkable career and outstanding contribution to science mirror our university's priorities and values.» 

The honorary doctorate was presented at the closing of Journée de la recherche,  a one-day forum organized by Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) on the theme «Northern research, a Quebec perspective, international reach.» The event attracted leading university researchers and experts to Université Laval to discuss the most pressing issues facing Arctic ecosystems. 

«President Grímsson is extremely active in the field of renewable energy,» noted FRQNT scientific director Maryse Lassonde. «Iceland's experience in geothermal energy is a real inspiration for Québec, particularly from a sustainable development perspective. Our Québec universities are home to many experts in deep geothermal energy who are actively involved in developing this greener, cleaner energy source.» 

A pioneer in Northern studies, Université Laval, together with the Government of Québec and the Nordic Council of Ministers, is organizing an international conference on northern development. From February 25 to 27, specialists from all around the world will gather at the Québec City Convention Centre to discuss northern development issues. The President of the Republic of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, will be a speaker at the symposium.

About Université Laval
Université Laval, located in the world heritage city of Québec, is the oldest French-language university in North America. One of Canada's top research universities, it is ranked 8th among the country's institutions of higher learning, with a research budget of over$300 million last year. Université Laval boasts over 3,200 professors, lecturers, and teaching staff who share their knowledge with some 48,000 students, including 13,000 at the graduate level. 

About FRQNT
Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) is a government agency tasked with promoting and financially supporting university- and college-level research, the training of highly qualified specialists, and the mobilization of knowledge in the fields of natural science, mathematics, and engineering. In doing so it contributes to scientific advancement, innovation, and sustainable development in Québec. 
http://www.frqnt.gouv.qc.ca/