David Jordhus-Lier

David Jordhus-Lier is Professor of Human Geography at the University of Oslo's Department of Sociology and Human Geography, specializing in labor geography and social movements. He coordinates bachelor/master programs in Human Geography (2024-2027) and directs UiO's Pedagogical Academy. Previously, he led Oslo Research (2019-2024), a university-municipality collaboration.

His research examines trade union adaptation during societal transitions, with projects including WAGE (labor in green economies), PHASE (energy transition in North Sea), and Oil and Gas Transitions. Geographic focus spans Norway, South Africa, Indonesia, and DR Congo.

Recent publications analyze labor agency constraints, union roles in climate transitions, and urban informality. Key themes include spatial dimensions of work, trade union strategies in energy shifts, and community resistance to urban restructuring. Methodologically, he employs qualitative case studies across Global North/South contexts.

Awards:

• Accredited Teacher, University of Oslo (2021-2024)
• PhD Prize, Economic Geography Research Group (2010)

Supervision: Advises PhD candidates on green skills in petroleum, Statkraft's Chile expansion, Norwegian shipyard labor, and resistance to neoliberal reforms. Leads multiple EU/Research Council-funded projects on labor transitions.