When it comes to the politics of the day, professor Markku Henriksson criticises the government for forgetting the University and at the same time reflects on the future of the country and his own role in the events.

“It is utter folly for the government to make cuts to education and foreign aid. These decisions make me wonder where I and my colleagues have gone wrong. Most of the policymakers have ultimately been educated by us.”

Henriksson also reveals that he feels bad when looking back on the low grades he has given.

“I have had the reputation of being a harsh grader, although I have perhaps mellowed with the years. I have felt bad about giving low grades. You take it personally and feel like you have failed at your job.”

Besides his strict requirements, professor Henriksson was also known in his department for his delicacies. He used to keep chocolate on the desk at his office.

“People would come to take treats, but the chocolate also worked as a kind of honeypot. For the price of a piece or two of chocolate, I received crumbs of information that often proved much more valuable than confectionary.”

Through education and academic cooperation it is also possible to create a better world. The friendships he has formed over the years make Henriksson feel glad, as does the fact that he has in his way helped people find each other.

“One of the best parts of my profession worthy of mention is that I have met some of the most intelligent people in the world, many of whom have been students.”