Charlotte Kalla appointed honorary doctor at Luleå University of Technology

Charlotte Kalla is appointed honorary doctor at Luleå University of Technology. Charlotte hopes that the appointment will inspire young people to dare to follow their dreams, to work hard and make tough priorities to reach them - but also to have fun along the way.

Charlotte Kalla is named honorary doctor of technology together with astronaut Jessica Meir and Dean A Shepherd, world-leading entrepreneurship researchers.

"I feel a great pride in becoming an honorary doctor at Luleå University of Technology. With the strong roots I have in Norrbotten, it feels extra special to receive this award. Throughout my upbringing and career, I have felt great support from my home county. This makes me stretch a little extra," says Charlotte Kalla, who grew up in Tärendö, attended the ski high school in Gällivare and is Sweden's foremost woman in Olympic history, with nine medals.

The Faculty of Technology at Luleå University of Technology has appointed her an honorary doctor with the following motivation:

“Charlotte Kalla is a very brilliant and significant representative of Norrbotten. She is a great role model for many young people and will, through her sporting achievements, her strong connection to Norrbotten and her connection to cold, snow and ice, be a very important honorary doctor for Luleå University of Technology development."

Charlotte Kalla, who now lives in Sundsvall, is very proud of her roots and has continued to have a strong foothold in Norrbotten. Acting as an inspirer and role model for young people is important for Charlotte Kalla, who believes that the honorary doctorate gives her another platform for this.

"It is possible if you are prepared to work hard and make tough priorities. Then it's very important to have fun on the road”, is a message she wants to send - whether it's about dreams of a skiing career or about achieving completely different things.

Luleå University of Technology has been designated an elite sports-friendly university by the Swedish Sports Confederation since 2020, and is making a special investment in Cross-Country skiing, biathlon and ski orienteering.

Charlotte Kalla, born 1987, has 20 Olympic and World Cup medals, including three Olympic golds. She is the first Swedish woman to take individual gold in Cross-Country skiing in both the Olympics and the World Cup.