Vittal K. Yachandra, senior scientist in the Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) Division, was commended for his contributions to the development of X-ray spectroscopy and serial femtosecond crystallography with an honorary doctorate conferred by Sweden’s Uppsala University. Established in 1477, it is the oldest operating university in Scandinavia. The university gained prominence in the 18th century as the home of Carl Linnaeus, who catalogued all life forms and developed the biological taxonomy, among others.

Honorees on a stage under a large dome during a ceremony
Yachandra receiving the tokens of his honorary degree—ring, laurel wreath, and scroll—during the Conferment Ceremony at Uppsala University on January 31. (Courtesy V. Yachandra)

Yachandra presented a lecture in the science departments on “Capturing Reaction Dynamics and Catalytic Intermediates in Photosynthetic Systems and Metalloenzymes Using X-ray Free Electron Lasers.” Two days later, Yachandra received his tokens of honor—a laurel wreath, a gold ring, and the degree scroll in Latin—during the Winter Conferment Ceremony on January 31. During the proceedings in Uppsala University’s Grand Auditorium, he was led over the degree conferer’s pedestal. This signifies the crossing Mount Parnassus, which is home to The Muses, according to Greek mythology.

Three people in formal dress
Yachandra with Uppsala University Vice Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Coco Norén (left to right) at the reception. (Courtesy V. Yachandra)

“The city wakes up to cannon fire from Uppsala Castle at 7 AM—some 20-odd times—in honor of all the graduates, I guess,” said Yachandra, describing the day of the ceremony. “They again fire the cannon when the degrees are conferred in the afternoon, which is well choreographed, as the degrees are given in the auditorium and the cannons are fired from the castle up the hill!”

Uppsala University Vice Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt gave a speech during the ceremony, telling both the new and honorary doctorates, “We need you, society needs you, the world needs you and your knowledge. And there is something else we also need. We need to show an ability to collaborate. That we can tackle the big issues together and in partnership.” This sentiment is particularly apropos for Yachandra, whose scientific advancements are inspired by trying to answer the fundamental questions about the complex systems involved in photosynthesis, all within a team science environment.

The festivities were capped by a dinner that was held in the Hall of State at Uppsala Castle in the evening. The event was attended by Hagfeldt and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Coco Norén and approximately 700 guests.