The Memory of Lars Nord: An Authority in Political Communication and Journalism

His death leaves a significant void both at Mid Sweden University and throughout Media Sweden.

Lars Nord began his career at Mid Sweden University back in 1995 and quickly became a central figure in research. As research director at Demicom, the research centre he founded, he made a significant contribution to the understanding of democracy and communication in our digital society.

During his years as a professor, Lars became a respected authority in his field, both in Sweden and internationally. His expertise and insights were constantly in demand, which was clearly evident when he was honoured with a friend book on his 65th birthday. In it, 50 researchers from all over the world participated with texts that highlighted his importance in the research community.

Just a few months before his death, he completed a major EU project involving 14 countries. The project aimed to define the concept of democracy and the role of the media for democracy. Two years ago, he also published the book "Politics is to win: The Swedish parties' election campaigns", an in-depth analysis of strategic political communication in Sweden.

Lars was not only a pioneering researcher, but also a practitioner who was hired by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) to study crisis protection and rumours. He was also the initiator of "Quick Thinking", a series of writings that were quickly published after several elections and provided a unique collective analysis from hundreds of researchers.

As a researcher in political communication, Lars is internationally recognized, and his extensive research on election campaigns and media is widely known. His contribution to academia and society will live on, even though he has now left us.

Lars was not only a prominent researcher and lecturer, but also a valued friend and colleague. He was born on April 11, 1958 and died on August 7, 2024, at the age of 66. Lars still had a lot left to give, and his passing is a great loss for all of us.

From Thursday 15 August, a memorial book will be available in the lunch room in the J-building in Sundsvall on floor 5, where colleagues can write their greetings and memories of Lars. After a week or so, the book will be sent to the Q building on campus Östersund to other colleagues at the Department of Communication, Quality Technology and Information Systems, and then handed over to the family. Lars leaves behind his wife, three children and four grandchildren.

On August 15, the flag will be flown at half-mast for him in both Mid Sweden University locations.