Migration researcher awarded the Pam Fredman Prize 2026
Professor Gregg Bucken-Knapp is the recipient of the 2026 Pam Fredman Prize. He receives the award for his work in developing creative approaches to lifelong learning for social sustainability, with a focus on migration, inclusion and democratic participation.
Gregg Bucken-Knapp is Professor at the School of Public Administration. His research and teaching focus on migration, integration and inclusion from a public governance perspective, with particular emphasis on innovative forms of learning, collaboration and public engagement.
For several years, he led an international professional development programme within the Swedish Institute’s Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP). The programme brought together professionals working in migration, integration and inclusive social development from the public sector, civil society and international organisations across the Eastern Partnership region and the Western Balkans.
A distinctive aspect of his current work is the development of public knowledge initiatives for audiences beyond the university, with particular emphasis on projects that highlight the experiences of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion. One example is the graphic novel Messages from Ukraine, which has also been presented as an exhibition in libraries, museums and public-sector organisations internationally. Another is the board game At the Crossroads, which has been used in educational and dialogue activities by organisations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ukraine and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bulgaria and Moldova.
“I am very pleased and honoured. The award is particularly meaningful to me because it recognises how creative methods can open up new ways of engaging with complex societal issues. They invite reflection, participation and dialogue that can continue in new contexts,” says Gregg Bucken-Knapp.
“Valuable contributions in the spirit of Pam Fredman”
The Pam Fredman Prize is awarded annually to a teacher, researcher, or a group of teachers and researchers who have made valuable contributions to social sustainability and lifelong learning. The award citation for this year’s prize includes the following statement about Gregg Bucken-Knapp:
“By bringing together research, teaching and collaboration, he has created learning environments in which students, professionals and members of the public have engaged with contemporary societal issues, both nationally and internationally. Through these efforts, Bucken-Knapp has clearly made valuable contributions in the spirit of Pam Fredman by advancing and broadening access to education and research in social sustainability and lifelong learning at the University of Gothenburg.”
The prize will be presented at the University’s Conferment of Doctoral Degrees Ceremony in October.
By: Thomas Melin
The Pam Fredman Prize was established in 2017 as a farewell gift to Pam Fredman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg from 2006 to 2017. The prize is awarded annually to a deserving teacher, researcher, or group of teachers and researchers who, in the spirit of Pam Fredman, have made valuable contributions to social sustainability and lifelong learning.
The prize was awarded for the first time in 2018 and consists of a diploma and a grant of SEK 20,000 to support the recipient’s professional development. Recipients are selected by a committee following a nomination period from January to March, after which the University Board makes the final decision.