Bonniers and Hamrins support students’ reading
This autumn, Jönköping University (JU) is launching its fiction initiative, JU Reads, which gives students the opportunity to broaden their perspectives through reading and discussion. The initiative is supported by the Bonniers Family Foundation and the Hamrin Foundation. On 3 September, there will be a launch party where both students and the public will have the opportunity to take part in a social gathering and an exciting secret author talk.
Starting in the autumn term of 2026, JU students will have the chance to participate in JU Reads – a new concept designed to promote understanding, empathy and critical thinking through reading and discussions.
“Through fiction, students can deepen their education and engage with humanistic perspectives that broaden their understanding of humanity and society. Engaging with literature and the discussions that follow develops both analytical skills and critical thinking. In this way, JU Reads makes an important contribution to students’ education and their ability to navigate complex issues,” says Måns Svensson, President at Jönköping University.
JU Reads is based on JU’s “People First” vision, which places human development at the centre. At a time when artificial intelligence is taking over more tasks, human qualities such as judgement, empathy, and ethical reflection are becoming increasingly important. Through small book groups, students can develop these abilities and thereby deepen both their personal and professional skills. The project is made possible thanks to collaborations with external partners who are passionate about education and culture.
“The Hamrin Foundation is proud to support JU Reads. We believe that initiatives such as this strengthen both personal and academic development,” says Hanna Ståhl, CEO of the Hamrin Foundation.
The Bonniers Family Foundation is also contributing, among other things by providing physical books to participants.
“Books have the power to bring people and ideas together. By contributing to JU Reads, we want to make this experience accessible to all students at JU,” says Lovisa Fhager Logothetis, Secretary General of the Bonniers Family Foundation.
Måns Svensson, Hanna Ståhl and Lovisa Fhager Logothetis
Launch and author visit on 3 September
JU Reads launches in September and offers several reading groups in both Swedish and English to reflect JU’s diversity. On 3 September, a launch event will be held where students, staff and the public are invited to a social gathering and an exciting (currently secret) author talk. More information will follow after the summer.
Contact
Fredrik Ebefors, Head of the Department of Language, Aesthetic Learning and Literature, School of Education and Communication at JU.
Email: fredrik.ebefors@ju.se Telephone: +46 36-10 13 86
