KNOWLEDGE THAT SHAPES SOCIETY OCEAN, LIFE, SOCIETY / STRATEGY 2019–2022 1 8 4 6 2 3 5 7

1 THE FACULTY OF ­MEDICINE 2 THE FACULTY OF FINE ART, 3 THE FACULTY OF 4 THE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM 5 THE FACULTY OF 6 THE FACULTY OF 7 THE FACULTY OF 8 THE FACULTY OF LAW conducts cutting edge, MUSIC AND DESIGN is MATHEMATICS AND OF BERGEN houses some SOCIAL SCIENCES HUMANITIES is a multidis- ­PSYCHOLOGY engages in researches issues of justice internationally recognised UiB’s youngest faculty, where NATURAL SCIENCES of the largest natural and conducts research into ciplinary faculty conducting widely acclaimed research and rights; the interpretation research and training which artistic and scientific research spans a wide range of cultural history collections in societies, social structures internationally renowned and teaching activities of statutes and rules and the spans the continuum from inform a new generation of ­disciplines covering Norway. Here, artefacts and and relationships, research on a diverse pertaining to a variety of development and mainte- lab-based sciences to clinical artists, designers, musicians, everything from climate, documents are preserved, generating knowledge range of subjects includ- subjects, including classical nance of societies based on and translational work and composers, music therapists, energy and marine research studied and beautifully which addresses a wide ing: ­archaeology; foreign psychology; health promoting the rule of law. includes studies of communi- curators and teachers. to the building-blocks of the presented to the public. range of contemporary languages; gender; history; work; speech therapy; peda- ties and populations under universe and life itself. societal challenges. philosophy and religion. gogy; child care and gender the rubric of global health. and development studies. STRATEGY 2019–2022 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 3

KNOWLEDGE THAT SHAPES SOCIETY

A common thread runs through our research from the skeletons in the Whale Room at the University Museum, through Fridtjof Nansen’s trailblazing studies of nerve cells in hagfish and on, to the pioneering geobiological deep-sea research taking place today.

From Armauer Hansen’s discovery of the cause of leprosy in 1873 to cutting-edge ­research into cancer biomarkers in 2019. 3 INTRODUCTION From ground-breaking brain science to world-class intervention studies investigating 4 WE EXPLORE the health of mothers and their children in the Global South. 6 WE EDUCATE From the Bergen School of Meteorology to the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research. From Stein Rokkan’s world-famous research into political processes in the 1960-70s to 8 WE DEVELOP current multidisciplinary studies on democracy and the rule of law.

10 WE CHALLENGE From the development, in the 1800s, of unique collections and archives to today’s prize-winning studies of the Middle Ages and archaeological excavations. 12 KNOWLEDGE THAT SHAPES SOCIETY A common thread runs through the academic environments that have evolved over the 14 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES years at many different locations across thisknowledge city, but now combine to make up the contemporary University of Bergen.

22 ACTIVITIES AND APPROACHES We aim to build on these traditions: to continue to innovate; to transcend the bounda- ries between disciplines; to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to progress on the path toward a sustainable future. STRATEGY 2019–2022 4 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 5

WE EXPLORE 1 2 3

Academic staff and students at the University of Bergen work together to research important topics spanning the origins of the universe, human history and Earth’s future.

We have made a long-term commitment to investing in basic research. All our 4 5 6 research must maintain high ethical standards.

We will continue our commitment to the strategic areas of marine research, global challenges, and climate and energy transformation.

We will cultivate the comprehensive university’s unique opportunities for ­academic mobilization, in-depth study and collaboration across disciplines.

We will continue to recruit high quality researchers and students and aim to be a lo- cus of internationally renowned research, education and knowledge dissemination.

Together, our researchers and students will generate novel insights to address the challenges that face society today.

We will offer high quality, research-led education in all academic and scientific 1 HUMANS: The Centre for Early Sapiens 2 SPACE: We look for answers to 3 THE OCEAN: Large areas of the world’s environments. Our doctoral candidates will be encouraged to actively partici- Behaviour researches everything from ­phenomena that remain a mystery. oceans remain unexplored. Yet signifi- climate and brain development to the The Birkeland Centre for Space Science cant challenges relating to pollution and pate in national and international research networks. lifestyles of modern humans. Led by recently developed a pioneering meth- microplastics lie just beneath the surface. archaeologist­ Christopher Henshilwood,­ odology allowing scientists to measure UiB’s strong marine community conducts the group has made a number of sprites, space lightning and gamma rays. research unlocking the secrets of the UiB is at the forefront of developing strong knowledge environments in Norway. significant breakthroughs, including the deep and works toward the sustainable discovery of the world’s oldest drawing. development of marine resources.

4 THE BRAIN: Over 20 UiB research groups 5 CANCER: The Centre for Cancer 6 THE MIDDLE AGES: Medieval research based at the Faculty of Psychology and ­Biomarkers (CCBIO) is a Centre of has been an area of strength for UiB since Faculty of Medicine conduct a wide ­Excellence (SFF), appointed by the the establishment of Bergen Museum range of research activity involving a ­Research Council of Norway, which (now the University Museum of Bergen), wide range of methodologies from field studies how cancer cells are affected by and UiB researchers in this field continue interviews to advanced laboratory work. the micro environment in tumours, and to achieve international recognition for explores the importance this has for the their work. spread of cancer. STRATEGY 2019–2022 6 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 7

WE EDUCATE 1 2 3

Through our wide range of study programmes, we educate UiB students to actively contribute to a society based on knowledge, expertise and democratic values.

We offer students an outstanding research-based education from bachelor 4 5 6 ­degree to doctorate. Knowledge, critical reflection and personal development are hallmarks of our educational programmes.

We recognise the value of high-quality education and develop innovative teaching methods which generate positive learning outcomes by giving ­students an early insight into research and collaboration. We are at the fore- front of innovative digital learning and dissemination strategies.

New challenges provide opportunities for complex solutions harnessing per- spectives and methodologies from multiple disciplines. We offer study options and learning programmes that transcend traditional discipline and faculty boundaries. We educate the problem-solvers and critical voices of the future.

We will continue to develop our international activities. Our alumni contribute 1 IN THE FIELD: At bioCEED, students 2 SOCIAL RELEVANCE: Students from 3 CLOSE TIES TO THE INDUSTRY: Our with research-based knowledge and expertise, throughout the world. receive valuable work experience in UiB are valued within the labour market commitment to developing and support- research, business and administration where studies show that a master’s ing regional knowledge clusters provides from their very first semester at UiB. degree is beneficial for our graduates. students with a unique opportunity to The centre applies new technology UiB aims to equip candidates with the become better acquainted with stake- and innovative methods to educate necessary expertise and knowledge to holders in business and industry. The the biologists of the future. succeed in competitive job markets. media cluster Media City Bergen provides students with practical experience within media outlets and innovative companies.

4 NEW DOCTORAL GRADUATES: Each 5 RESEARCH-LED TEACHING: 6 STUDENT EXCHANGE: We are working to year, approximately 250 new doctorates During UiB Open Days, upper secondary make international exchange a standard are conferred upon researchers at UiB. school students are invited to explore element of all study programmes for UiB All faculties offer PhD-education, and the campus, ask questions and get a students. 30 per cent of our students there are more than thirty research taste and understanding of life at UiB. currently participate in student exchange schools at PhD level. Among other things, students gain an programmes to obtain international insight into what it means to undertake experience and expertise. More than 10 research-based education. per cent of UiB’s students are international­ exchange students, around 1000 are accepted each year. STRATEGY 2019–2022 8 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 9

WE DEVELOP 1 2 3

Through local, national and global interaction with our partners in academia, industry and society, we will make knowledge based contributions to the decisions that shape our societies. Our researchers and students to engage in international research partnerships and 4 5 6 educational collaborations.

We will be a strong stakeholder in research and educational policy, and play a key role in developing research strategies and priorities at both domestic and international levels.

We will continue to develop dialogue and cooperation with authorities, civic society and international organisations.

We promote a common academic identity through diverse collaborative forms within our various academic fields.

The University of Bergen collaborates with regional research institutions to de- 1 CLIMATE PREDICTIONS: During this 2 CLUSTER COLLABORATION: Through 3 HUMANITIES: Language, cultural period of climate change, a new commit- the Alrek Health Cluster, a variety of ­understanding and ethics are crucial in a velop knowledge clusters for cutting-edge research, education and innovation. ment to climate predictions will provide ­academic communities will conduct world characterised by globalisation and clearer answers and important forecasts pioneering work and create novel and migration. UiB’s expertise in this field is for fisheries, agriculture and power innovative medical and healthcare solu- also vital for the fields of digitalisation We aim to create points of contact for a new generation of internationally generation. Our researchers continue a tions that take a holistic view of health. and software development. With a dedi- oriented researchers, and we will be proponents of innovative thinking and long, proud tradition of meteorology and Through our knowledge clusters, UiB cated humanities strategy, UiB is improv- weather forecasting in Bergen. establishes contacts between different ing the quality of research in this field. knowledge sharing. academic communities and wider society.

4 RESEARCH DAYS IN BERGEN: UiB’s 5 THE FACULTY OF FINE ART, MUSIC AND 6 DIGITALISATION: UiB is a field leader Research Days communicate complex DESIGN (KMD): The Faculty of Fine Art, within the digitalisation sector. Our academic findings to a wider audience, Music and Design represents something academic communities contribute with generating enthusiasm for what we do new and fresh at UiB and strengthens our the development of new digital solutions and facilitating a deeper understanding profile as a broad-based university. This and research into, among other things, of how research can change our lives. faculty educates future artists, musicians the interaction between humans and and designers, and offers many state of machines. Digitalisation at UiB also means the art degrees, including a doctorate in that new systems are continually being artistic development work. tested and put to use. STRATEGY 2019–2022 10 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 11

WE CHALLENGE 1 2 3

Research, education and innovation yield knowledge, technology and expertise that are decisive when important decisions need to be made. Our researchers and students will contribute insight and disseminate knowledge in the public arena. 4 5 6

We will employ critical analysis to challenge conventional ideas and work ­toward the democratisation of knowledge.

We will contribute, via research and education, to challenging harmful power structures and promote a diversified and sustainable society.

We will develop a reputation for being a national institution of culture and a crucible for novel ideas, innovation and new ways of learning.

We will be a locus for staff, students and society at large in an attractive arena for lifelong learning.

We will cultivate a strong and vibrant university democracy characterised by 1 JOY OF DISSEMINATION: “Is Fascism 2 SUSTAINABILITY: UiB is committed to 3 INVOLVED STUDENTS: Participating ­returning” was the topic when Bernt sustainable development, a role which in a student organisation provides UiB generosity, openness, diversity and dialogue. ­Hagtvet took the stage of the Aula manifests itself within many areas of students with access to a network and a (auditorium) during the inaugural Aarebrot research and study but is most clearly range of beneficial experiences, but most Lecture. The purpose of this annual event demonstrated by our role as official importantly gives students the oppor- The University of Bergen will facilitate and encourage open and critical discus- is to celebrate research and dissemination UN partner for sustainable oceans, tunity to develop their social life and to sion of its activities in their entirety. and, in the spirit of Frank Aarebrot, to raise where UiB has been assigned trust and cultivate enduring friendships. issues of social importance. responsibility for following-up SDG 14.

4 UNIVERSITY FOR ALL: We aspire to 5 DISSEMINATION: Our researchers 6 MEETING POINT: Decision-makers and create positive meeting places and to are visible in news and social media, key representatives from business and make the university an accessible space discussing current events from an industry, culture, government agencies, for different groups in society. Through academic perspective and sharing volunteer organizations and the media the Children’s University, UiB invites socially relevant research findings. gather at the annual Christie Conference. seventh graders to attend lectures and arrangements on subjects ranging from medieval history and criminal law to space travel and mathematics. KNOWLEDGE THAT SHAPES SOCIETY

The University of Bergen’s strategy for 2019–2022 highlights our values, our strengths and our role in society. It outlines how we will further develop the university in line with these priorities.

The University of Bergen is an international ­research university in which all activity is ground- ed in the principles of academic freedom and curiosity-driven­ research.

Our objective is to seek, develop and cultivate knowledge through outstanding research, educa- tion, dissemination and innovation.

The faculties and the University Museum represent our most important knowledge arenas.

We will profile the relevance of research and educa- tion. Discussions and dissemination of knowledge are a prerequisite for developing academia within a democratic society. STRATEGY 2019–2022 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 15

UiB will develop more outstanding research STRATEGIC communities. By 2022, all our faculties will have world-class academic communities and additional OBJECTIVES disciplines of high international standard.

WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY:

• Maintaining and developing strong academic • Developing interdisciplinary research and disciplines within a broad selection of specialist collaborations that fully harness the advantages fields and by prioritising basic research. Our of a broad-based university. researchers will publish their work via well- respected channels and make competitive • Openly sharing knowledge and expertise. We will applications to prestigious national and facilitate open access to - and use of - research international research funding programmes. results, data, publications and learning resources.

• Ensuring internationally competitive doctoral • Cultivating academic cultures with a clear focus programmes designed to educate researchers on ethics, leadership and career development. to the highest academic and ethical standards. • Prioritising recruitment to establish robust • Strengthening our thematic focus areas research communities. by profiling them and developing their interdisciplinary potential. 16

UiB will attract and educate high calibre candidates. By 2022, 85 per cent of degree candidates will have a relevant job two years after completing their education.

WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY:

• Developing ambitious, research-based study • Taking responsibility for society’s need for programmes that actively involve students lifelong learning through the systematic and promote critical thinking, independence development of attractive continuing and and adaptability. further education programmes.

• Creating physical and digital learning arenas • Facilitating widespread cooperation with that promote academic integration and the best overseas research and educational motivate students to strive for excellence. institutions. By 2022, at least 40 per cent of our degree candidates will include an academic • Focussing on targeted student recruitment exchange as part of their degree programme. across the breadth of the university’s study programmes and systematically disseminating • Prioritising work placement in schools and better the labour market skills of the candidates. coordination between academic disciplines, didactic and pedagogic expertise, we aim to • Significantly increasing the number of become a national leader in teacher training. completed master’s degrees. By 2022 we will achieve a significantly higher level of • Integrating digital skills and digital education in completion among our bachelor and all of our study programmes. master’s candidates. STRATEGY 2019–2022 18 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 19

UiB will contribute to the public exchange of ideas By 2022, UiB will be a sought-after institution and to knowledge-based social development via of expertise that has strengthened its long-term good communication and dialogue with the world relationships with society. around us. By 2022, we will be a leader in the field of digital communication.

WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY: WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY:

• Playing a clear role in developing policies that • Marketing UiB as an attractive, collaborative • Prioritising the dissemination of research • Creating more arenas and digital channels for shape society. partner for artistic and cultural institutions and and promoting a culture of free expression academic dissemination, critical thought and a driving force in further developing Bergen as built upon research-based knowledge and social debate. • Driving innovation and facilitating a knowledge city. rational argument. entrepreneurship. Through collaboration • Developing the role of the University with society, we will create new processes, • Harnessing our expertise and critical • Critically disseminating knowledge and Museum and University Library as arenas of technology and products and contribute to perspective in order to make a valuable and actively using different channels to disseminate research communication and prioritising the an adaptable society. substantive contribution to sustainable social research findings. Harnessing these, we digitalisation of our academic collections. development and to address the objectives in will strengthen and highlight UiB’s role in • Collaborating with partners beyond academia Agenda 2030. In offering a critical academic democratic and social development. to develop knowledge clusters, research perspective, we can meet society’s need for projects, study programmes and practices in expertise, knowledge and solutions. the study programmes.

• Strategically collaborating with NORCE on high-quality, externally financed research that promotes innovation and adaptability in society.

STRATEGY 2019–2022 22 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 23 ACTIVITIES AND APPROACHES and competence of high international quality, and DISSEMINATION OF take initiatives to promote sustainable develop- Strategic activities and approaches describe the interdisciplinary focus areas, ment. The following approaches will be prioritised KNOWLEDGE AND during the strategy period: plans and resources that are required for UiB to achieve its ambitions. SOCIAL DIALOGUE • Facilitating staff mobility. Dissemination must be free and independent. • Reviewing and prioritising the university’s Through active use of different dissemination chan- international collaboration agreements. stem from working at a robust knowledge institu- nels, communication initiatives and dialogue with RECRUITMENT AND tion. The following approaches will be prioritised society, knowledge pertaining to the breadth of • Working towards establishing a European COMPETENCE BUILDING during the strategy period: our academic activities will be made freely available University network. and shared within society. The following approach- • Reviewing enrolment models for international • Continue developing overall employer policies At UiB we understand that people are our most im- es will be prioritised during the strategy period: students. portant resource. The targeted recruitment of high and practices. • Improving services for receiving international calibre students and staff and the systematic devel- • Continue developing meeting places that • Developing new approaches for enhancing guests. opment of all employees are vital for UiB to achieve stimulate the exchange of knowledge and UiB’s reputation and highlighting our its strategic objectives. We will prioritise the follow- relationship building across disciplines and roles. importance to the knowledge city of Bergen. ing approaches during the strategy period: • Improving and developing administrative • Promoting UiB as an artistic and cultural institution by presenting UiB’s academic profile • Developing initiatives for more targeted services and systems based on the needs of INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE and distinctive nature. student recruitment. staff and students. • Strengthening the dissemination of knowledge QUALITY OF RESEARCH, • Further developing the University’s remuneration policy. linked to the collections of the university museum and university library. EDUCATION, INNOVATION • Improving the welcome and initiation of AN ATTRACTIVE LEARNING new employees. • Establishing routines and processes across AND DISSEMINATION ENVIRONMENT the breadth of our grass-roots academic • Further developing career programmes for UiB will offer functional and appropriate infra- UiB will offer students high quality, innovative communities that enable academic voices early stage researchers. structure that supports high quality research, learning environments grounded in excellent to be heard via national, European and education, dissemination and innovation. The fol- • Offering leadership development for different research and teaching expertise and employ- global forums. lowing approaches will be prioritised during the management roles. ing methodologies, infrastructure and tools that • Developing specialised arenas for academic strategy period: • Establishing skills and career development ­support future-oriented forms of learning. The advice, with a focus on issues pertaining to initiatives for all employee groups. ­following approaches will be prioritised during the Agenda 2030. • Working to increase provisions for better strategy period: infrastructure. • Developing learning arenas that promote • Improving the accessibility of our collections A STIMULATING AND through digitalisation. student-active forms of learning. INTERNATIONAL INCLUSIVE WORK • Following up on UiB’s comprehensive plans for • Strengthening the protection of the university improving the learning environment. Through COLLABORATION museum’s collections. strategic development of arenas, focus on • Developing a research-based learning ENVIRONMENT UiB has a strong international profile, and students digitalisation and follow-up of the different environment, both physically and digitally. UiB will provide a stimulating professional environ- and staff collaborate with colleagues from around action plans linked to educational activity, UiB ment, nurtured by the diversity of academic disci- the globe. Through research collaboration, mobility will work purposefully to further enhance the plines and environments which characterise our and network building, we will develop knowledge learning environment. institution. We will promote the advantages which STRATEGY 2019–2022 24 UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN 25

• Alrek Health Cluster INTERDISCIPLINARY WORK • Media City Bergen NEW TECHNOLOGY FINANCING TO ACHIEVE AND NEW KNOWLEDGE • Marine Knowledge Cluster AND DIGITALISATION OUR OBJECTIVES AREAS • Medieval Research Cluster New technology will improve the quality of aca- If UiB is to achieve its objective of being a leading • Knowledge Cluster for Climate Research demic and administrative activities and make the international university, basic funding must be se- In order to develop new knowledge and effective- university’s knowledge more accessible to society. cured, financial support and earnings from com- • Knowledge Cluster for the Energy of the Future ly address contemporary social challenges, we will We will maintain our position as a digital leader. missioned assignments must be bolstered and and Technological Solutions strengthen collaborations in research and teaching The following approaches will be prioritised during student places must be used in an efficient and so- across academic disciplines and faculties. The fol- the strategy period: cially beneficial manner. The following approaches UiB will also continue to collaborate with the driv- lowing approaches will be prioritised during the will be prioritised during the strategy period: strategy period: ing forces behind the knowledge cluster FinTech. • Developing policy and processes to facilitate open science. • Highlighting the importance of basic funding • Developing knowledge on important social • Prioritising skills upgrading for use of new for UiB to be able to fulfil its social roles challenges through interdisciplinary and technology. and duties. multidisciplinary projects within the university’s • Following-up the collaborative agreement main strategic initiatives. DEVELOP THE • Improving students’ basic digital skills. with NORCE to further develop externally • Further developing the DigUiB programme. • Developing more interdisciplinary study ORGANISATION financed projects. programmes. • Collaborating nationally on new systems for The well-functioning organisation of academic • Ensuring optimal utilisation of student places administrative services. • Developing study programmes that address and administrative activities is a prerequisite for and completion of study programmes. challenges in Agenda 2030. achieving UiB’s strategic ambitions. We will devel- • Developing models and incentives for an op administrative and technical services through • Establishing a centre for humanities and improved focus on continuing and further coordination across specialist fields and levels in following-up the interdisciplinary initiatives education. in the Humanities Strategy. the organisation. The following approaches will be INNOVATION AND prioritised during the strategy period: • Continued strengthening of our efforts to • Working across faculties to improve and ENTREPRENEURSHIP engage with Research Council of Norway and develop ICT expertise in research and • Further developing collaborations within In collaboration with society, we will enable stu- EU research programmes. development. the strategic initiatives to strengthen dents and staff to contribute to new processes, interdisciplinary research and education. products and technology. The following approach- • Developing structures and collaborative forms es will be prioritised during the strategy period: that contribute to quality and innovation in KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS academic activities. • Strengthening study programmes within The knowledge clusters will be a driving force for student innovation and entrepreneurship. • Strengthening the organisation of teacher innovation, research, education and skills devel- training. • Further developing VIS. opment for UiB. The clusters are based on interdis- • Establishing a “Proof of concept” programme ciplinary collaboration between academic com- • Developing new service models within the overall administration through the Project for to strengthen innovation projects at an munities and partners at research institutions, in early phase. business, administration and society. During the Service Development. strategy period we will prioritise collaboration in the following knowledge clusters:

E JØM RKE IL T M Design: Margareth Haugen, Communication Division, UiB Print: Bodoni AS Photos: Cover: Berndt Fischer, Gettyimages / p. 2: Eivind Senneset / p. 5: Tracsymbols (1), NASA (2), Nick Scheerbart/Unsplash (3), Eivind Senneset (4), Ingvild Festervoll Melien (5), Paul Sigve Amundsen (6) / p. 7: Eivind Senneset (1, 2, 3, 5, 6), Thor Brødreskift (4) / p. 9: Morven Muilwijk (1), Eivind Senneset (2, 6), Colourbox (3), Øyvind Barlaup (4), Magne Sandnes (5) / p. 11: Thor Brødreskift (1, 6), Eivind Senneset (2, 3, 4), Paul Sigve Amundsen (5) / p. 12-13: Paul Sigve Amundsen / p. 17, 20-21 and 26-27: Eivind Senneset 2 4 9 1 9 6 Trykksak uib.no/strategy