Find Academic Supervisors

Ivana Bojanic is a full-time Researcher at the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Norway. She holds a PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences from NTNU (2023) and has a background in pharmacy, medical biochemistry, and clinical experience as a laboratory head in Serbia. Her research focuses on mental health, drug use patterns, and cultural safety in healthcare, particularly among the Sami population and Arctic indigenous communities. She leads interdisciplinary projects funded by organizations like NordForsk and SANKS, addressing mental health in cardiovascular diseases/diabetes, digital health innovations for aging populations, and culturally safe healthcare services. Education: BSc in Pharmacy and Medical Biochemistry from the University of Belgrade, MSc in Pharmaceutical Health Prevention (University of Belgrade), PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences (NTNU). Teaching responsibilities include physiology, pharmacology, and quantitative research methods at bachelor's and master's levels. She supervises PhD and master's students and collaborates internationally on public health initiatives. Key Research Projects include: "Exploring Cultural Safety in Municipal Healthcare Services for Saami with Somatic Diseases" (Project Manager, NOK 267,000) "Promoting Healthy Aging of Sámi and Inuit Elders Through Co-Designed Digital Health Tool" (NordForsk, NOK 15 million) She is affiliated with research groups: Healthcare and Population Health, Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Management. Her work emphasizes co-design methods, quantitative/qualitative research, and health equity for marginalized groups such as the Sami population.

• Epidemiology
• Drug Use
• Mental Health
• +6 more

Astri Dankertsen is an Associate Professor in Sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Nord University. She leads the MINS Research Group and specializes in Sámi and Indigenous studies, focusing on identity, urbanization, colonization, and gender. Her work addresses decolonization, Indigenous policymaking, and Nordic social dynamics. She has held a faculty position since 2010 and earned her PhD in Sociology from Nord University in 2014. Education : PhD in Sociology (2014), University of Nordland (now Nord University). Teaching : Courses on gender, ethnicity, Indigeneity, and gender equality. Research Projects : Leads the NFR-funded Indhome project on Indigenous homemaking and contributes to initiatives on gender balance and Nordic truth commissions. Research Interests : Sámi urbanization, colonialism, gender perspectives in Nordic contexts, and Indigenous methodologies. Her recent work explores Sámi resistance through haunting narratives and urban Indigenous identity formation. Collaborates with the Læra Institute for Circumpolar Education and serves on Nord University’s PhD committees. Grants & Projects : Norwegian Research Council grants for Indhome and urban Sámi studies. Engaged in truth and reconciliation processes in the Nordic region. Local Role : City council member in Bodø, advocating for Indigenous and cultural issues. Labs/Teams : MINS Research Group, Nord University’s Arctic Vulnerabilities specialization, and partnerships with international Indigenous networks. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, gender studies, and decolonial theory.

• Indigenous Studies
• Colonialism and Postcolonialism
• Gender Studies
• +3 more

Liv Elin Torheim is a Professor in the Department of Nursing and Health Promotion at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet). Her academic work is deeply rooted in public health nutrition, with a focus on food security, sustainable diets, nutrition policy, and food environments. She serves as Head of Studies in her department and is actively engaged in both national and international research collaborations, particularly with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Her research interests include: Public Health Nutrition Nutritional Epidemiology Global Health and Food Security Infant and Complementary Feeding Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Diets Food Environment Policies (e.g., Food-EPI) Human Rights in Nutrition Growth and Development Her recent publications span high-impact journals such as The Lancet , Nutrients , and Food & Nutrition Research , reflecting a strong trend toward policy-relevant research on food insecurity, dietary guidelines, and the evaluation of public health interventions. She has contributed significantly to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 and led projects assessing food environments in universities and municipalities in Norway. Her scientific contributions include policy evaluations, scoping reviews, and large-scale epidemiological analyses. She has no listed scientific awards in the provided text, but her work is widely disseminated through research reports for governmental bodies and public health institutions. Liv Elin Torheim advises on public health nutrition policy and has been involved in projects funded by national and international research initiatives. While no formal list of students is provided, her leadership in research projects suggests active mentorship. She is part of the Public Health Nutrition research group and collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary projects related to food systems and health equity. Her ongoing work focuses on strengthening food environments, monitoring youth nutrition, and advancing sustainable dietary practices in Norway and beyond.

• Public Health Nutrition
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Global Health
• +7 more

Ketil Lenert Hansen is a Professor at the UiT The Arctic University of Norway , affiliated with the Research Group for Child Welfare and Family Counselling under the College of Social Sciences . His work focuses on Sámi health and identity , mental health among Indigenous populations , and impacts of ethnic discrimination on psychosocial well-being. Research Leadership: Principal Investigator of the Mihá Study (Sámi Youth Mental Health) and Arctic Childhood Study (violence and health in Arctic Norway). Academic Contributions: Published extensively on Indigenous resilience , historical trauma , and cultural well-being in Sámi communities. Recent Articles (2024-2025) examine: Links between land use , cultural identity , and neuroethical frameworks in Indigenous contexts Psychosocial challenges faced by Sámi youth due to discrimination and assimilation policies Health disparities and resilience mechanisms in Arctic populations Scientific Recognition: Selected for the Fulbright Arctic Initiative Cohort 3 (2021-23) Featured speaker at the ISPCAN Congress 2024 Member of international networks: UArctic Thematic Network on Indigenous Health , InvolveMENT (mental health services for minority youth) Contact: ketil.lenert.hansen@uit.no

• Sámi Health
• Indigenous Youth Mental Health
• Ethnic Discrimination and Resilience
• +3 more

Anders Breidlid is a Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), with a strong focus on international and comparative education, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan. His work spans human rights, indigenous knowledge, HIV/AIDS education, and education in conflict and post-conflict settings. His research interests include: Decolonization of education and integration of indigenous knowledges Education in armed conflict and post-conflict reconstruction Global citizenship and sustainable development in education Discourse analysis and epistemic diversity History and civic education in fragile states The recent trend in his publications shows a deep engagement with psychosocial support for refugee children, civic education in socialist contexts like Cuba, and the integration of local epistemologies in science classrooms across Africa. His work bridges theory and practice, often contributing to policy discussions on emergency education and educational equity. He frequently collaborates with researchers across Africa and Europe. Scientific contributions and recognition: Extensive publication record including 66 scientific publications, 31 research reports, and 565 dissemination pieces Editor and author of influential works on indigenous knowledges and sustainable development Regular contributor to public discourse through op-eds in major Norwegian outlets like Klassekampen and Avisa Vårt Land Keynote speaker at international forums, including the University of South-Eastern Norway Breidlid actively advises and evaluates academic work, having served as an external examiner for PhD theses at institutions in Zambia, South Africa, Norway, and Pakistan. While no direct students are listed, his role as opponent indicates significant mentorship and academic guidance. He has contributed to capacity-building in postgraduate education through collaborative programs like the NOMA Master’s in International Education and Development. He is involved in research networks focused on decolonizing curricula and promoting epistemic justice, particularly through participatory action research with South African science teachers. His work emphasizes contextually relevant, inclusive, and sustainable education models.

• International and Comparative Education
• Education and Development
• Indigenous Knowledge
• +9 more

Nina Emmaus is a Professor of Health Sciences in the Department of Health and Care Sciences at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Her research primarily focuses on osteoporosis and fracture epidemiology, with additional interests in lifestyle factors, health inequalities, and global health. She is an active member of the Public Health and Rehabilitation research group and has published extensively on bone health across the lifespan, particularly in Norwegian population studies. Professor Emmaus's research interests span several critical areas in public health and bone epidemiology. Her primary focus is on osteoporosis and fracture epidemiology, examining how bone health develops from adolescence through aging. She investigates the impact of lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use on bone development and maintenance. Her work also addresses health inequalities, exploring how social determinants affect bone health outcomes across different population groups. Additionally, she contributes to global health research, with particular attention to indigenous health issues including Sámi nursing education and culturally competent healthcare delivery in Northern Norway. Analysis of Professor Emmaus's recent publications reveals a strong focus on longitudinal population studies, particularly the Tromsø Study and Fit Futures cohort. Her research demonstrates consistent interest in how bone mineral density relates to various health outcomes including mortality, psychological distress, and physical capability. There is a clear emphasis on understanding bone development during adolescence and how early life factors influence long-term bone health. Her work increasingly incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, connecting bone health with mental health, cardiovascular health, and social determinants of health. The use of objective measurement tools like accelerometers for physical activity assessment represents a methodological strength in her recent work. Professor Emmaus actively collaborates on research projects within her department and across institutions. Her work often involves large-scale epidemiological studies with national significance, particularly regarding fracture prevention and bone health monitoring in the Norwegian population. She has contributed to policy discussions around nursing education and workforce development, particularly in northern Norway, advocating for culturally competent nursing education through her research on Sámi nursing practices. As a member of the Public Health and Rehabilitation research group, Professor Emmaus contributes to several ongoing research initiatives focused on improving population health outcomes. Her work bridges clinical research and public health practice, with particular attention to translating epidemiological findings into practical prevention strategies for bone-related conditions. She maintains strong connections with clinical practice through her research on fracture epidemiology and its implications for healthcare delivery in Northern Norway.

• osteoporosis
• fracture epidemiology
• lifestyle and health
• +4 more

Professor Kirsti Kvaløy leads the Ung-HUNT youth study and is affiliated with the HUNT Research Center at NTNU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her work focuses on epidemiology and genetic epidemiology, leveraging large-scale health surveys like HUNT and SAMINOR to study disease trends, exposure-health linkages, and public health interventions. She specializes in obesity, adolescent mental health, and Sami health. Education: D.Phil. in Genetics, University of Oxford (1994) Cand. Scient. in Cell Biology, University of Oslo (1989) Research Interests: Epidemiological analysis of obesity and related comorbidities Mental health trends in youth, particularly loneliness and resilience Genetic and environmental factors in health disparities among Sami populations Impact of lifestyle factors on population health Recent Articles: Her work highlights pandemic effects on adolescent mental health, secular trends in youth mental health, and obesity-mortality links in SAMINOR. Key themes include health surveillance, biobank utilization, and population-level health interventions. Roles & Governance: Board Member, HUNT OneHealth (NTNU/NMBU/Veterinary Institute) Member, HUNT Data Access Committee Leadership roles in epidemiological societies and health initiatives Labs/Teams: Directs the Ung-HUNT study and collaborates with the Center for Sami Health Research at UiT.

• Epidemiology
• Genetic Epidemiology
• Public Health
• +5 more

Kirsti Kvaløy is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), serving as Principal Investigator (PI) for the Young-HUNT study at the HUNT Research Centre. She is affiliated with the Department of Public Health and Nursing within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her research focuses on Epidemiology Genetic Epidemiology Adolescent Mental Health Obesity and Disordered Eating Sami Population Health She utilizes large population-based studies like HUNT and SAMINOR to investigate disease prevalence, exposure-outcome associations, and long-term health consequences. The articles showcased reflect her work on loneliness , mental health trends , and genetic/environmental determinants of obesity in Norwegian adolescents. Her studies often integrate longitudinal analysis , epidemiological modeling , and public health strategy development . Kvaløy contributes to biobanking infrastructure and cohort profiling through projects like the HUNT Biobank update. Her Sami health research includes disparities in metabolic syndrome and culturally tailored health interventions. She also examines leisure activities , resilience factors , and intergenerational health transmission in both clinical and population genetics contexts.

• Epidemiology
• Genetic Epidemiology
• Population Genetics
• +7 more

Anita Salamonsen is a Professor at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, affiliated with the Research Group for Child Welfare and Family Counselling and Mediation. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary research focusing on the mental health and welfare of Indigenous and minority youth, particularly within Arctic regions. Member of the Research Group for Child Welfare and Family Counselling Part of the Faglig nettverk for forskning og kunnskapsutvikling om kvenske tema (Academic network for Kven-related research) Involved in multiple projects including RELÆXT teater, UngKven – NuoriKvääni, Involvert, and KASUTA – to grow up with Kven/Norwegian-Finnish background Her research emphasizes participatory approaches, digital health services, and cultural competence in addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable youth populations. She has published extensively on topics related to Indigenous youth mental health, digital service evaluation, and child welfare practices. Recent publications highlight her work in developing culturally appropriate digital mental health tools and evaluating service gaps for Arctic minority youth. She collaborates with institutions like Seif - Selvhjelp for innvandrere og flyktninger (Self-help for immigrants and refugees) and the National Research Network for Migration and Health (NFMH). Anita Salamonsen's academic contributions span various formats including journal articles, project reports, educational films, and digital learning resources aimed at improving youth mental health outcomes through participatory methods and cultural adaptation.

• Mental Health of Indigenous and Minority Youth
• Digital Mental Health Services
• Child and Adolescent Welfare
• +3 more

Andrea Berg Foss is a Doctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Social Education, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Her work focuses on disability studies, intellectual disability, self-determination, work inclusion, and interprofessional collaboration. Fields of Interest: Disability Studies, Intellectual Disability, Self-Determination, Work Inclusion, Interprofessional Collaboration, Therapeutic Environments, Behavioral Support, Animal-Assisted Interventions Education: Bachelors in Social Education, Masters in Disability and Participation Her recent publications explore workplace conditions for individuals with developmental disabilities, cultural sensitivity in Sami contexts, AI bias against gender, and non-pharmacological mental health treatments. She contributes to Vernepleier.no and participates in interprofessional collaboration projects. Andrea is affiliated with the ASVF research group and serves as an employee representative at UiT. She works at the Harstad campus and can be contacted at andrea.b.foss@uit.no.

• Disability Studies
• Intellectual Disability
• Participation and Self-Determination
• +5 more

Soile Päivikki Hämäläinen is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Regional Knowledge Center for Children and Youth, North (RKBU North) within the Faculty of Health Sciences at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Her work bridges indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary healthcare approaches, focusing on cultural practices as pathways to wellbeing in Northern Norway. Dr. Hämäläinen's research interests center on indigenous health knowledge systems, particularly examining Sámi yoik as embodied health knowledge and its applications in wellbeing practices. Her work explores Kven cultural identity formation, minority mental health, and the intersection of traditional healing practices with modern healthcare systems. She investigates how cultural preservation contributes to psychological resilience among minority communities, with special attention to the experiences of Kven/Norwegian-Finnish youth navigating identity in contemporary Norwegian society. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on decolonizing research methodologies and centering indigenous knowledge systems. Her work demonstrates how traditional practices like yoik serve as embodied health knowledge that transcends Western biomedical frameworks. There's a clear trajectory toward participatory, community-driven research that empowers minority communities to shape their own narratives and wellbeing approaches. Dr. Hämäläinen is actively involved in the KASUTA project ("to grow up"), which investigates the needs of youth with Kven/Norwegian-Finnish background when accessing educational and mental health services. She collaborates extensively with Anita Salamonsen and other researchers across multiple projects focused on minority mental health and cultural identity. Her research takes place within UiT's Regional Knowledge Center for Children and Youth, North (RKBU North), which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and community members working to improve child and youth mental health services in Northern Norway with particular attention to indigenous and minority populations.

• Indigenous health knowledge
• Sámi yoik and wellbeing
• Kven identity and culture
• +7 more

Spring Mathisen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Her work focuses on occupational therapy, mental health, and user participation in Arctic and Indigenous contexts. PhD in Health Sciences (2017) Candidatus sanitatis (2005) Candidatus magisterii (2000) Publicly authorized occupational therapist (1995) Research interests include therapeutic competence development through VR technology, interprofessional collaboration, Indigenous health practices, and qualitative methodologies. She contributes to projects like TeraVRi and HelseIntro , emphasizing user-driven approaches. Recent publications highlight virtual learning resources for therapeutic education, mental health in Sami contexts, and collaborative research with refugee populations. Her work bridges technology, Indigenous knowledge, and mental health policy in Arctic regions. She collaborates with researchers such as Rita Sørly, Vigdis Nygaard, and Eva Therese Næss, focusing on social work, substance abuse treatment, and digital health innovations.

• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Occupational Therapy
• +8 more

Christian Eckhoff is an Associate Professor (50%) at the Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and serves as Head of Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospital of Northern Norway (UNN). His dual academic-clinical role focuses on mental health issues among youth and young adults in Arctic regions, with particular attention to indigenous Sami populations. Dr. Eckhoff's educational background includes: Medical degree from UiT (2010) Full medical license (2012) PhD from UiT (2016) Specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry (2022) His research examines: Mental health from public health and epidemiological perspectives Clinical mental health research Psychosomatic difficulties Pain and mental health connections Analysis of Dr. Eckhoff's publication record reveals a consistent focus on adolescent mental health in Arctic contexts, particularly examining self-harm, suicidal behavior, and musculoskeletal pain among indigenous and non-indigenous youth. His work demonstrates how adolescent mental health issues relate to long-term adult outcomes, with a notable emphasis on youth resilience - showing that despite challenges in adolescence, most individuals fare well in adulthood. He frequently utilizes data from the Norwegian Arctic Adolescent Health Study (NAAHS) cohort. Dr. Eckhoff teaches psychiatry to medical students in their 2nd, 4th, and 6th years at UiT and is a member of the Research Group for Child and Adolescents Health. His clinical leadership as Head of Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UNN informs his research and teaching, creating an integrated approach to child and adolescent mental health in Northern Norway.

• Mental Health
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Public Health
• +4 more

Siv Kvernmo is a Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. She also holds a 20% temporary position as a senior consultant at BUPA, BUK, UNN. Her academic career spans several decades with significant contributions to the field of child and adolescent mental health, particularly focusing on Sami and Indigenous populations. Dr. Kvernmo's educational background includes: 1983: Cand.med (Medical Degree) 1999: Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2000: Dr.med. (Medical Doctorate) Her research primarily focuses on children and adolescents' mental health, with special emphasis on Sami children, Sami public health, and Indigenous peoples' health. She conducts clinical studies and research in child and adolescent psychiatric epidemiology, with particular interest in ADHD. Dr. Kvernmo's work explores the cultural determinants of mental health among Indigenous populations, suicidal behavior, and the impact of ethnic identity on psychological well-being. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on Indigenous Sami language transmission across generations, examining how ethnic context and parental language input patterns influence language preservation. She has also conducted significant research on mental health issues among Indigenous youth, including studies on suicidal behavior in Sami and Greenlandic adolescents, and the impact of cultural determinants on well-being. Her work extends to cross-cultural studies of emotional and behavioral problems in Nepali schoolchildren, demonstrating her international research scope. Dr. Kvernmo has received numerous research grants from Helse Nord, Sparebankens Gavefond, and Odd Bergs medisinske fond to support her work. She has led several major research projects including 'Ung i Nord' (The North Norwegian Youth Study), 'BUP Nord,' 'Ungdomshelseundersøkelsen i Nord-Norge (UHNN),' and 'UNGT. Fra ung til voksen- helse i et utviklingsperspektiv.' As an academic supervisor, Dr. Kvernmo has guided numerous PhD students to completion, including Anna Rita Spein (2007), Anne Silviken (2007), Anne Lene Turi (2011), and Margrethe Bals (2012), among others. She also teaches medical students, doctors specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, and students in other health professions. Dr. Kvernmo leads the Research Group for Child and Adolescents Health and has been instrumental in establishing longitudinal studies examining the health and development of children in Arctic contexts, including the SamBa Study which follows early childhood development in Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Sami Mental Health
• Indigenous Mental Health
• +6 more

Geir Fagerjord Lorem serves as a Professor in the Department of Psychology within UiT The Arctic University of Norway's Faculty of Health Sciences. His research integrates clinical psychology with public health epidemiology, focusing on critical intersections between mental and physical health in Norwegian populations. His primary research interests include mental health systems, professional ethics in healthcare, visual methodology applications, and philosophy of science. Lorem investigates how self-rated health metrics predict mortality, PTSD manifestations in cardiac patients, and cultural-religious factors influencing mental healthcare utilization—particularly within Sámi communities through the SAMINOR 2 Survey. His work consistently leverages the Tromsø Study cohort for longitudinal analysis of health trajectories. Analysis of Lorem's recent publications reveals three dominant research streams: (1) mental-physical health interactions (e.g., PTSD after myocardial infarction), (2) self-rated health as mortality predictor across cancer and aging populations, and (3) ethical implementation of assessment tools in clinical practice. His methodological signature combines quantitative epidemiology with qualitative insights, notably through visual methods research with public health nurses. Leading the Head and Heart Study examining psychological consequences of cardiac events Principal investigator for Tromsø-based PTSD research in cardiac patients Key contributor to SAMINOR 2 survey analysis on Sámi mental health Developer of "The methods room" web-based research training platform Lorem actively collaborates with Tromsø University Hospital clinicians and leads projects including FIT in mental health services for youth, FemmEXD ADHD research, and ADBB implementation in child health centers. His work demonstrates consistent translational focus—from theoretical philosophy of science to practical healthcare interventions—particularly visible in his visual methods research with school nurses and cancer survivorship studies.

• Mental Health
• Public Health
• Professional Ethics
• +4 more