Runar Tengel Hovland

Runar Tengel Hovland serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Caring Sciences at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), with a secondary position as research and innovation coordinator at Health Førde. His academic profile bridges theoretical knowledge with practical healthcare applications across multiple institutional contexts.

Dr. Hovland earned his doctoral degree from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Bergen in 2020, where his dissertation investigated the implementation of innovative clinical feedback systems in mental health care. This foundational work established his expertise in translating theoretical frameworks into practical healthcare improvements.

His research centers on three interconnected domains:

• Innovation in Rehabilitation
• Quality Development
• Implementation science

As a cultural and social scientist, he examines how healthcare innovations can be effectively integrated into existing systems while addressing human dimensions of care delivery and maintaining quality standards.

Dr. Hovland actively contributes to multiple educational programs including Philosophy of Science and Methodology, Innovation and Service Development, and the Master in Collaboration within Health and Social Services. His specific teaching responsibilities span multiple semesters through 2026, covering courses such as Philosophy of Science, Ethics and Research Methods (MAMET1SF), Master's Thesis in Cooperation and Public Health (MS1-307), Public Health and Health Promotion (MS1-320), and Collaboration, Quality Improvement and Innovation (MS1-325).

He is affiliated with Forskingsgruppe for persontilpassa helsetenester (PERSONFORSK), a research group dedicated to personalized healthcare services, where he contributes his implementation science expertise to advance tailored healthcare approaches. His dual appointment at HVL and Health Førde enables direct translation of research findings into healthcare practice and policy development.