Statsråd Øystein Djupedals tale ved utdeling av Holbergprisen til professor Jürgen Habermas.

Bergen, 30. november 2005.

Professor Habermas, ladies and gentlemen

The objective of the Holberg International Memorial Prize is to increase society's awareness of the value of academic scholarship within the arts, humanities, social sciences, law and theology.

By paying tribute to excellent researchers from these disciplines, we hope to lift their prestige in academic institutions, in the political arenas and among the general public. This is important, and I have therefore been looking forward to the Holberg award ceremony.

The work of this year's Holberg Prize laureate – Professor Jürgen Habermas – has had an exceptionally wide impact across several academic disciplines. He has provided us with new perspectives on how we interact with each other and how our societies are organized.

The Holberg Prize Academic Committee’s appraisal of professor Habermas's scholarship will be presented shortly. For now, I would like to draw attention to two features of Habermas' work which I find particularly notable, namely its broad international orientation and social relevance.

The Holberg Prize is not only a celebration of excellence in research, but also a tribute to the importance of cooperation in international research. The prize is dedicated to scholars who have had a decisive influence on international research. Professor Habermas has made great efforts to engage in academic discussions and public discourses internationally, both on his home continent of Europe and in more unfamiliar environments such as Iran and China.

It is a central aim of the Holberg Prize to stimulate young people to become more interested in research. Professor Habermas inspires people not only through his brilliant academic analysis, but also through his social commitment and participation in the public debate.

As Minister of Education and Research, it is part of my responsibility to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge, skills and research results. Equally important, however, is the creation of environments that are conducive to analytical and critical reflection. Studying and carrying out research involve developing skills in working together with others towards common goals and democratic participation. A central aim of the Norwegian government's is to promote a vibrant democracy and stimulate public debates in which diverse voices are heard. Wide participation, as well as being a social good, contributes towards a productive and innovative culture that enhances economic development. I truly appreciate the inspiration and insight that Professor Habermas' scholarship provides in this context.

With these words, I give the floor back to Professor Jan Fridthjof Bernt, Chair of the Board of the Ludvig Holberg Memorial Fund.