The Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony celebrates everyone who has completed their PhD during the year. It takes place twice a year: the Winter Conferment Ceremony at the end of January and the Spring Conferment Ceremony at the end of May/beginning of June.
The conferment ceremonies are noticeable across much of Uppsala as cannon salutes are a traditional part of the celebrations. Though it is unclear exactly when the tradition arose, cannon salutes have been fired since at least the early 19th century.
Spread the word about the cannon salutes
The cannon salutes are audible across much of Uppsala, depending on the wind and the weather. Unfortunately the cannon fire leads many people to contact the police and other authorities to ask what is going on.
The University tries to reach the general public by all available means to inform and remind residents about the cannon salutes. However, it is difficult to reach everyone and easy to forget that the cannons will be firing.
If you have a chance, please spread the word to friends, relatives, colleagues and others – tell them cannon salutes will be fired in Uppsala on 26 May 2023.
Two sessions
The first cannon salute is fired from the Castle, beside the northern tower, at seven o’clock in the morning. The number of shots reveals the number of faculties, jubilee doctors and honorary doctors participating in the ceremony that day.
Later, salutes are fired in the afternoon, from cannons standing by the south gable of the University Main Building. The salutes are fired at specific points in the Conferment Ceremony and come at irregular intervals between about 12:45 and 15:00.
Come to the Conferment Ceremony
Anyone interested is welcome to attend the Conferment Ceremony in the Grand Auditorium. Tickets can be collected free of charge outside the Grand Auditorium from 10:00 on the day of the Conferment Ceremony, 26 May 2023.