Bjørnar SætherView profile
Professor
Bjørnar Sæther is a Professor of Human Geography at the Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo. He has held this position since 2012 after serving as 1st Assistant Professor in Human Geography from 2001-2011. His academic career includes significant leadership roles including Deputy Director at ISS (2008-2011), Chair of the National Geography Council (2009-2011), and Chair of the Human Geography Program Council (2008-2011 and 2014-2015). Dr. Polit in Human Geography at ISS UiO (1999) Major in Human Geography, University of Oslo (1991) Professor Sæther's research focuses on social and economic development in areas outside major cities of the global north, with particular emphasis on innovation in resource-based industries in Norway and the Nordic region. His work explores the urban-rural relationship through the lens of material flows, connecting to his longstanding interest in environment-society issues within the sustainable transitions framework. His research spans border regions, circular economy, climate change adaptation, and innovation systems in peripheral areas. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on sustainable transitions, with particular attention to Scandinavian border regions, urban circular economy, and climate vulnerability in agricultural contexts. The work shows an interdisciplinary approach combining human geography, environmental studies, and innovation research, with practical applications for regional development policy. Professor Sæther is actively involved in several research projects including Energy poverty in Norway (PowerPoor), the Research Center for Socially Inclusive Energy Transition (Include), and projects focused on reducing environmental impact from mass management. As an educator, he coordinates key courses including SGO 3090 (Bachelor's thesis), SGO 3200 (Sustainable transitions, innovation and social change), and SGO 1001 (Introduction to Human Geography), shaping the next generation of human geography scholars.









