The medal was presented by Jenny Parnesten, chair of the board of Ragnar Söderbergs stiftelse, at a farewell luncheon in Stockholm’s Old Town, attended by the foundation’s staff and a small number of Kjell Blückert’s former colleagues.
“I am surprised, touched and very happy and honoured! I hope that doesn’t sound too clichéd, but that is genuinely how I feel,” says Kjell Blückert.
About the Medal for Distinguished Service
Honours of this kind have been awarded by the Royal Patriotic Society (Kungliga Patriotiska Sällskapet, KPS) since the 18th century and the reign of King Gustav III. Since 1802, they have been awarded in the form of medals. The medal is made in Eskilstuna, struck in gold and accompanied by a diploma, recognising “contributions to society, positions of trust or other voluntary activities of a long-standing nature and of particular significance to Swedish society”.
Selected positions held by Kjell Blückert since 2000:
Research officer Riksbankens Jubileumsfond 2000–2008
Secretary to the Government Inquiry on Research Resources 2006–2007
Board member and vice chair Natur & Kultur Foundation 2010–
Board member Anders Karitz Foundation 2010–
Executive director Ragnar Söderbergs stiftelse 2010–2021
Vice chair Birgittastiftelsen 2011–
Permanent secretary and member of the executive committee* Royal Patriotic Society January 2018–
Vice chair Bror Hjorths Hus Foundation 2018–
As Kjell Blückert currently serves as permanent secretary of the Royal Patriotic Society, the foundation’s application for the medal was received and administered by the Society’s deputy secretary and chair.
