Academic leaders for research initiatives appointed
It has now been decided who will serve as academic leaders for the four thematic research initiatives to be established at OsloMet.
Through an internal call for applications before Christmas, candidates were sought for the following research initiatives:
- A resilient democracy
- Future health and care services
- Inclusion of more children and young people
- Green transition
A total of 16 applications were received. Following a selection process with interviews and reference checks, it is now clear who will take on the important roles as academic leaders.
New academic leaders
A resilient democracy
Kristin Skare Orgeret (oslomet.no) has been appointed academic leader for A resilient democracy. Orgeret is a professor of journalism at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences. She is co-leader of the research group Media in War and Conflict, and conducts research and teaches on topics such as freedom of expression, disinformation, international affairs, power structures, and political communication.
Future health and care services
Minna Pikkarainen (oslomet.no) has been appointed academic leader for Future health and care services. Pikkarainen is a professor of digitalisation in health services in a shared position between the Faculty of Health Sciences (rehabilitation science and health technology) and the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design (product design). She is co-leader of the research group Design for Health, which also crosses faculty boundaries.
Inclusion of more children and young people
Christer Hyggen (oslomet.no) has been appointed academic leader for Inclusion of more children and young people. Hyggen is a Research Professor I at NOVA - Norwegian Social Research. He has extensive experience in youth research and has led a number of research projects. He has served as research coordinator for the Nordic Council of Ministers' initiative Youth in Exclusion, and was a member of the government-appointed Screen Use Committee.
Green transition
Arvind Keprate (oslomet.no) has been appointed academic leader for Green transition. Keprate is a professor at the Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical engineering at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design. He heads the research group Mechanics, Mechatronics and Materials Technology. He is also project leader for OsloMet's GrønnMet lab, a laboratory for interdisciplinary education, research and innovation within sustainable energy.
"I am pleased that we now have academic leaders in place with strong engagement and academic weight within each priority area," says Pro-rector for research and development, Tanja Storsul."
"The initiatives will promote and strengthen OsloMet's research and knowledge development in areas of great importance to society and to our disciplines," says Storsul.
Important goals for the initiatives include:
- further developing OsloMet as a research university that combines high research quality with strong societal relevance
- increasing external research funding within the themes of the initiatives
- promoting and strengthening OsloMet's research and knowledge development in key areas
- contributing to making OsloMet an attractive collaboration partner nationally and internationally
- contributing to profiling and increased visibility of the university’s research internally and externally
The thematic research initiatives are intended to be interdisciplinary and promote activity across the university. Among other things, the initiatives will:
- fund small projects within the initiative’s theme
- stimulate academic activities in line with the initiative’s purpose and theme
- organise meeting arenas and seminars within their theme
- conduct and promote research communication
The academic leader role is a 50 per cent position and includes 50 per cent buyout. The term of office is three years, with the possibility of extension for an additional two years. The academic leader will report to the initiative’s steering group. The steering groups will be appointed shortly.
(This text has been translated with the use of Microsoft Copilot. The text has been quality assured by OsloMet.)
