Plant physiology (or rather "physiological botany") was established as a discipline at Umeå University in 1967. The Norwegian botanist Per Halldal, who was an expert on photobiology and inventor of research instruments, became the first professor. Through dedicated work and recruitment of gifted graduate students Halldal laid the foundation for the Unit – and eventually the Department – of Plant Physiology. Yet, he did not stay long in Umeå but left already in 1972. The aim of the chapter is to explore this history against the backdrop of the Swedish research policy of the 1960s as well as the development of Umeå University as an organization. Questions asked include: What were the arguments for establishing a chair in precisely physiological botany at Umeå University? Why did Halldal get the position and what did he accomplish during his stay in Umeå? Why did he decide to leave after only five years?