Hilma Borelius

Hilma Johanna Ulrika Borelius (1869–1932) was a literary historian who became the first female docent at Lund University in 1910 and a substitute professor in 1922.

Entering Lund University the same year, she was first taught philosophy by her father before studying history of art and literature as well as Romance languages, leading to a bachelor's degree in 1895.

In 1893, she had joined the newly established Uppsala female students’ association where she developed a close friendship with its chair, the historian Lydia Wahlström who was also a keen women's rights advocate.

She continued studying at Lund until 1901, earning a licentiate in aesthetics and history of art and literature in 1909 with a thesis on 17th-century Swedish drama.

As a result, Borelius continued her research at home, publishing biographies of Carl Gustaf von Brinkman and a series of journal articles.

[1][3] During her many years at Lund University, Borelius continued to be a strong supporter of women's rights, participating actively in the suffrage movement.