Daniel Hermansson is a renowned history expert. After his upper secondary school teacher degree, he worked for a few years before starting the podcast Historiepodden with his colleague Robin Olovsson in 2014. A podcast that quickly grew to become one of Sweden’s largest and most popular. He has also become a member of the expert panel on the Swedish public service television (SVT) quiz show Muren, published his first book in 2023 and often comments on historical events in the media.
“At a time when fake news is increasingly widespread and anti-democratic forces are gaining ground, it is more important than ever to know our history, to avoid repeating old mistakes. Here, Daniel Hermansson is making an important contribution to public education”, reads the Alum of the Year citation.
Agnes Larsson has a Master of Science in Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering. After her degree, she has advanced quickly in her career in the computer games industry. Today, she is spokesperson for the Mojang game studio and creative director of Minecraft, the world’s best-selling computer game. In 2019, Agnes Larsson was named on one of the business magazine Forbes’ lists of the most influential people under 30 in Europe.
“Agnes Larsson combines deep technical knowledge with leadership skills and inspires young and older people around the world through lectures and workshops. She is an inspiration and role model for young people who dream of working in the gaming industry,” reads part of her citation.
Each year, Linköping University chooses two Alumni of the Year to recognise the work and commitment of previous students. (The word “alumni” is Latin and means simply “previous students”). Agnes Larsson and Daniel Hermansson will receive their awards on Friday 25 October in a ceremony on Campus Valla in Linköping.