University Board Awards

The University board awards prizes to academic staff every year for outstanding efforts and results. Here are the winners in 2024.

The Research Award

Professors Ingunn Kathrine Wehus and Hans Kristian K. Eriksen receive the Research Award for their work related to the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB), referred to as the thermal remnant from the Big Bang.

CMB is the oldest light in the universe and provides valuable information about its birth and evolution. It is our primary source for understanding the fundamental laws of nature that operated during the creation of the universe.

Wehus and Eriksen have developed advanced methods of analysis that enhance our understanding of the universe, leading to groundbreaking breakthroughs in their field.

The Education Award

Omid Mirmotahari is awarded the Education Award for his exploratory approach to education and innovative research-based and student-active teaching methods.

Mirmotahari is a dedicated, innovative, and popular lecturer. He is responsible for the introductory course (IN1020) at the Department of Informatics and has implemented gamification to enhance student engagement and promote active learning.

By integrating teaching, assessment, and learning environment, he promotes new pedagogical strategies.

The Dissemination Award

Hilde Henriksen Waage receives the Dissemination Award for being a clear, critical, and balanced communicator of the political history of the Middle East over two decades.

She is a historian specialising in the Middle East and has been particularly focused on the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as Norway's policy towards Israel.

Media outlets turn to Henriksen Waage both for concise and precise commentary and for deep historical insight. She actively participates in public debates with research-based and thorough arguments, where she effectively conveys a clear and articulate message firmly grounded in empirical research.

The Innovation Award

Svein-Erik Hamran receives this year's Innovation Award for his outstanding research-based innovation, which has resulted in several radars with a wide range of applications and high utility value both nationally and internationally.

Hamran leads the Centre for Space Sensors and Systems (CENSSS). The center operates and analyses data from the self-developed radar RIMFAX used for geological surveys on Mars.

The radars developed by Hamran are utilized in a variety of fields, including medical research for heart and blood pressure measurements, archaeological research, and geological research such as avalanche risk, snow accumulation, and temperature conditions in glaciers.

Award for Young Researchers 

Emily Annika Burger receives the Award for Young Researchers for her work on preventing cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). She has made significant and recognised contributions to HPV vaccination and cervical screening research.

Burger is a key contributor to international cancer research. In addition, she has published an impressive 60 publications, many of which are in highly ranked journals such as The Lancet.