“For several years, we have supported the School of Economics and Management in different ways. We hope that the prize in economics and the following events will engage the entire school, its researchers and students, as well as the public. Through this, we want to help raise the profile of the School of Economics and Management in Sweden and hopefully internationally”, says Jan Söderberg.
The annual prize is called The Jan Söderberg Family Prize in Economics and Management and will be awarded for the first time on 12 March 2019. The following day, 13 March, the School of Economics and Management will organise a day of popular science and interdisciplinary lectures in healthcare economics.
“We hope that the popular science lectures will draw large crowds and dispel the myth that economics is boring and difficult to understand”, says Åsa Söderberg. “The interdisciplinary approach is particularly important to make people understand the role of economics in virtually all societal issues.”
Jan Söderberg is an honorary doctor at the School of Economics and Management, and a member of the school’s advisory committee. Jan Söderberg says that he and his wife Åsa share a passion for Lund and the University’s School of Economics and Management. They are both graduates of economics and business administration, and have lived in Lund since the 90s.
A committee has been appointed to carry out the selection of nominees, and a winner will be presented during the autumn. This person will receive SEK 1 million, of which SEK 200 000 will go to the person directly and SEK 800 000 to one of their research projects.
“The researcher can come from anywhere in the world. We want the prize to serve as an incentive and give them a boost – both personally and professionally”, says Jan Söderberg.
The winner must be under 50, and the prize will be awarded to a person who has made a discovery or contribution within the fields of economics and management of eminent significance and whose work has demonstrably renewed research and application in its domain.
“This is truly a great opportunity for the School of Economics and Management. Hopefully the prize will provide inspiration and attract attention both within Sweden and internationally”, concludes Fredrik Andersson, dean of the School of Economics and Management.
Facts: Jan and Åsa Söderberg
Education: Jan has a degree in economics and business administration from the Stockholm School of Economics. Åsa has a degree in economics and business administration from the School of Economics and Management at Lund University and a degree in psychology from Umeå University.
Occupation: Jan is the founder and owner of the investment company Söderbergföretagen, board member and vice-chair of Ratos, partner of Ready Digital, member of the School of Economics and Management’s advisory committee, and board member of the Min Stora Dag foundation.
Åsa has taken a leave of absence from her post as head of finance at Lund University’s Faculty of Medicine.
Live: In Lund.