Why do you want to become the next rector of the University of Oslo?
The University of Oslo needs a unifying rector who can lead it through the demanding tasks ahead. I have a strong academic background and broad leadership experience, and I am very motivated to take on this leadership responsibility.
At the same time, this role requires working closely with a strong team and collaborating with staff and students.I have assembled a fantastic leadership team, which represents both continuity and renewal, and collectively we are very familiar with both the University of Oslo and our partners. Together, we have developed a platform based on values and principles we believe are essential to leading the University of Oslo in the years to come. We are eager to to undertake this important work.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the University of Oslo?
In working on our election platform, we have identified three major tasks that we believe the next rectorate at the University of Oslo must address.
First, it is essential to actively work towards a more unified university in order to meet the challenges ahead. Through closer collaboration, we can leverage the unique opportunities of the University of Oslo in innovative ways.
Second, we must enhance our collective recognition of the importance of contributing to sustainable societal development.
Third, we need to ensure conditions that allow free and open knowledge development across all sciences.
Based on these considerations, the main goal in our platform is for the University of Oslo to lead in knowledge development and collaboration for a sustainable future for all. Therefore, the title of our platform is "Together for a Strong, Active, and Visible University of Oslo."
Why is the University of Oslo important to society?
As Norway's highest-ranked university, the University of Oslo leads in knowledge development for a sustainable and democratic societal evolution. Our university plays a critical role in ensuring research and higher education across all scientific disciplines in Norway and fostering a broad understanding of the importance of knowledge and science. The University of Oslo is also a gateway to the global knowledge commons, and we must ensure the credibility of sound science and that knowledge is applied for the common good.
What are your three most important issues, in short?
Our initiatives can be summarized as follows: Firstly, we will work towards a stronger and more collaborative University of Oslo. Secondly, it is crucial that the university takes a leading role in sustainability efforts. Thirdly, we aim to create space for ongoing work with academic quality.
How do you envision the University of Oslo in 10 years?
If we are elected as rectorate, our goal is for the University of Oslo to be an integrated and sustainable organization, offering a study portfolio of the highest quality in an engaging and inclusive learning environment. We also aim to maintain our status as a leading European research-intensive comprehensive university with excellent research conditions for academic staff. This vision is described in our election platform.
What kind of rector do you want to be?
I want to be an engaged, visible, positive, and collaborative rector for the entire University of Oslo.
Why did you choose Christine Meklenborg Nilsen as your candidate for pro-rector?
Christine Meklenborg Nilsen has a background, experiences, and qualities that make her an excellent candidate for pro-rector in our team. She will have primary responsibility for our stated focus on collaboration, both as a goal and as a tool for our work. As a professor of French, she has extensive experience in the humanities at the University of Oslo and internationally.
I, on the other hand, am a physician and professor of neurology (clinical medicine) with experience in interdisciplinary cooperation and leadership within research and health topics at the University of Oslo, nationally and internationally.
Christine has broad experience in communication and political processes, and she has also been a student leader at the national level. Her recent role as head of a large, complex department at the Faculty of Humanities also positions her as a vital partner, alongside political scientist and educator Bj?rn Stensaker, who will be an experienced vice-rector for education, and the very experienced leader and informatics expert Morten D?hlen as vice-rector for research, innovation, and sustainability. Together, we are an experienced, engaged, and forward-looking team, eager to lead the University of Oslo together with its staff and students.