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Toril Aalberg is a Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology and Political Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. She was previously Head of the same department from 2017-2021 and serves as Guest Professor at Mid Sweden University in 2024-2025. Aalberg is a member of the research networks NEPOCS (Network of European Political Communication Scholars) and EVPOC (Elections, Values and Political Communication). Her research interests include comparative politics , election campaigns , media effects , public opinion , and stereotypes in political contexts. She has led major projects like the COST Action IS1308: Populist Political Communication in Europe (2014-2018). Toril Aalberg has authored or co-authored 9 books, including Populist Political Communication in Europe (2016) and Communicating Populism (2019). Her recent articles focus on misinformation during crises , media’s role in political efficacy , and cross-national disinformation studies , often analyzing data from 17-19 democracies. She has conducted extensive research on media polarization , immigrant attitudes , and news consumption patterns . Aalberg has held visiting appointments at institutions including the University of California, Berkeley , Stanford University , and University of Oslo , with current affiliations at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Oslo and Mid Sweden University . Her work spans political communication theory , media sociology , and democratic processes .

• Comparative Politics
• Political Communication
• Media Effects
• +3 more

Randi Lise Davenport is a Professor of Spanish Literature at the Department of Language and Culture, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Teacher Education, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. She has been employed at UiT since 2009 and holds a PhD in Spanish Literature from the University of Oslo. Her academic work bridges Spanish Golden Age literature with Nordic cultural contexts, bringing a unique Arctic perspective to the study of early modern Spanish literature. Davenport's research interests focus on Spanish women writers in early modern times, Mariana de Carvajal's baroque novel, Miguel de Cervantes' last work Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda , the stories of Pietro Querini's shipwreck on Røst in 1432, Teresa of Avila's autobiography, Francisco de Quevedo's satires, and the representation of northern regions in Spanish Golden Age literature. She leads the research network SKIMT (Skrivende kvinner i middelalder og tidlig moderne tid) since 2020. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on Cervantes' Persiles , particularly examining female characters, narrative structures, and the northern elements in this final work. She also explores connections between Spanish literature and Nordic contexts, including Mariana de Carvajal's narrative techniques and Spanish women writers' educational access. Her work demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches combining literary analysis with historical, cultural, and gender studies perspectives. Davenport is an active member of international scholarly communities, serving on the boards of the Asociación de Cervantistas (since 2018) and the Asociación Internacional Siglo de Oro (2017-2020, 2020-2023). She participates in the FemPhil research group, Center for Arctic Humanities, and Creating the New North initiatives at UiT. At UiT, Davenport teaches courses including SPA-2114 Women's Voices in Spanish-Language Culture, SPA-1110 Introduction to Spanish and Latin American History, SPA-1111 Introduction to Spanish-Language Literature, SPA-2111 Central Works in Spanish-Language Literature, SPA-3113 Cultural Transfers in Spanish-Language Literature, SPA-3114 Central Themes from the Spanish Golden Age/Cervantes' Don Quijote, and SPA-3190 Special Subject in Spanish Literary Studies.

• Spanish Literature
• Cervantes Studies
• Early Modern Women Writers
• +7 more

Pia Marit Johanne Lane is Professor of Multilingualism at the Department of Linguistics and Nordic Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Oslo, and serves as Academic Chair for the Circle U. Multilingualism, Interculturality and Language Lab. She gained national prominence as a member of the Norwegian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated historical Norwegianization policies against Sami, Kven/Norwegian Finns, and Forest Finns, submitting its report to the Storting in June 2023. Professor Lane's research focuses on language revitalization, language policy, and the standardization of minority languages, with particular expertise in Kven and Sami communities in Northern Norway. Her scholarly approach integrates nexus analysis with indigenous, decolonial, and southern theoretical perspectives, examining language as part of a larger semiotic system. She has extensively documented how material objects function as identity markers during language shift, as evidenced in her influential works including 'Identities in action: A nexus analysis of identity construction and language shift' (2009) and 'We did what we thought was best for our children' (2010). Analysis of Lane's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward decolonial frameworks and the application of southern theory to northern contexts. Her work increasingly examines the psychological dimensions of linguistic colonization and the pathways to mental decolonization. The recurring themes across her scholarship include the tension between language standardization and community participation, the role of new speakers in language revitalization movements, and the complex relationship between historical trauma and contemporary language identity. Project leader for 'Standardising Minority Languages,' funded by Norges Forskningsråd Co-editor of 'Standardizing Minority Languages. Competing Ideologies of Authority and Authenticity in the Global Periphery' (Routledge, 2017) Member of the EU-funded COST Action IS1306 'New Speakers in a Multilingual Europe' Co-leader of the work group 'Indigenous minority languages' and current leader of 'New speakers: Subjectivities, trajectories, spaces' Member of AILA-network 'Home Language Maintenance and Development' Lane's fieldwork extends beyond traditional academic boundaries, including collaboration with Lightsource Productions on the documentary film 'Det hemmelige språket' (The Secret Language), which explores contemporary Kven language users. Her personal connection to the subject matter is profound—growing up in Bugøynes, Finnmark, she was the first generation in her family to be spoken to exclusively in Norwegian, only reclaiming her heritage Kven language as an adult researcher returning to her community.

• Multilingualism
• Minority Language Policy
• Sociolinguistics
• +7 more

Dr. Alexander van der Haven is a Professor of Religious Studies at the Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion, University of Bergen. His research spans Jewish history, conversion dynamics, and the intersection of religion with madness. He contributes to comparative religious analysis and intercultural scriptural studies. Key research areas include: Religious conversion in early modern Europe Sabbatian messianic movements Religion and mental health Hebrew-Qur’an translation history Fin-de-siècle religious subcultures Eschatology in Jewish-Christian interactions His publications reveal a focus on 17th-19th century religious transformations, analyzing how communities negotiate identity through conversion narratives, apocalyptic texts, and cross-cultural adaptations. Van der Haven examines religion’s role in violence, tolerance, and intellectual history. He co-edited Religion and Madness Around 1900 and led the project Religious Minorities Online . Current work engages October 7th’s aftermath and Jewish-Muslim relations in South Asia.

• Religious Studies
• Jewish History
• History of Christianity
• +7 more

Professor Oskar Skarsaune is affiliated with MF University College of Theology, Religion and Society. A renowned scholar in early Christianity, his research focuses on Jewish-Christian relations, patristics, and biblical studies. His work critically examines themes like Messianic prophecy, the influence of Judaism on early Christian thought, and the writings of figures like Justin Martyr. He authored numerous studies on Jewish believers in antiquity and the historical Jesus. His contributions are highlighted in an anthology published in his honor in 2011. Research interests include: Early Christian communities and their engagement with Jewish traditions Patristic exegesis and apologetics Methodological approaches to studying ancient religious movements Key trends in his publications emphasize the interplay between Jewish and Christian thought in antiquity, with analyses of texts like Isaiah, Justin Martyr’s apologies, and the Ebionites. His work bridges theology, history, and biblical scholarship. No scientific awards are listed, though his scholarly impact is evident through peer recognition. No grants or advising roles are documented. His academic contributions remain central to studies on early Christian-Jewish dialogue and patristic literature.

• Church History
• Early Christianity
• Judaism-Christianity Relations
• +3 more

Carl Petter Opsahl is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Section Manager at MF University College's Department of Practical Theology. His work integrates liturgical studies with postcolonial, intersectional, and feminist theories, emphasizing improvisation and wonder. He holds a doctorate from the University of Oslo's Faculty of Theology (UiO), focusing on hip-hop culture and spirituality. With over two decades of street ministry experience in the Church's City Mission, he has conducted liturgy in unconventional spaces like prisons and cafes. His research bridges musicology and theology, exploring jazz, traditional Norwegian folk music, and hip-hop as spiritual practices. He has released multiple music albums and collaborated with ensembles like Caledonia Jazzband and Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag. His academic interests span ecotheology, urban liturgy, and the intersection of music and worship. Recent work addresses activist ecological liturgy, breaking (B-boying) as resistance, and John Coltrane’s jazz as liturgical practice. His music projects include a new fusion of folk music with funk/electronica under producer Johannes Opsahl. He teaches jazz history at UiO and incorporates traditional music studies from Ole Bullakademiet in Voss into his work. Key areas of exploration include: Postcolonial perspectives in liturgical design Ecological grief and ritual responses Hip-hop culture’s spiritual dimensions Improvisation as theological practice Music’s role in marginalized communities Publications highlight innovative intersections like LEGO BIONICLE’s mythological narratives and spontaneous rituals post-2011 Oslo attacks. His 2024 lectures include 'The ABC of Liturgy' and explorations of worship's balance between tradition/renewal. Despite no listed advisees, his work influences practical theology through creative interdisciplinary methodologies.

• Liturgy
• Spirituality
• Musicology
• +7 more

Anders Runesson is a Professor of New Testament at the University of Oslo’s Faculty of Theology and currently serves as Dean. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Exegesis from Lund University (2001) and has held academic positions at Lund University and McMaster University. His research focuses on New Testament studies, early Judaism, and the socio-religious contexts of early Christianity. Key areas of interest include Matthew’s Gospel, Pauline theology, ancient synagogues, Jewish-Christian relations, and early Christian mission. Runesson’s educational background includes a B.A. in Jewish Studies, M.Div., M.A. in Religious Studies, Licentiate, and Ph.D. from Lund University. He has authored and edited numerous books, including The Origins of the Synagogue and Divine Wrath and Salvation in Matthew . His work critically examines issues of religious identity, textualization processes, and the intersection of Judaism and early Christianity. He has received awards such as the Frank W. Beare Award (2017) and the Biörnstjärnska Award (2003). Runesson is actively involved in international conferences and serves as co-chair of the Social History and the New Testament Seminar (SNTS). His pedagogical contributions include teaching courses on the New Testament, historical Jesus studies, and inter-religious encounters in antiquity. His research emphasizes the socio-political dynamics of early religious communities, particularly how institutions like synagogues shaped Jewish and Christian identities. Recent work explores the role of political structures in late antiquity and the formation of normative religious traditions.

• New Testament Studies
• Early Christianity
• Ancient Judaism
• +7 more

Jens-Ole Köhrsen is a Professor at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Theology, specializing in the intersection of religion, climate change, and sustainable development. His work bridges religious studies, sociology, and environmental science to examine how religious communities engage with ecological challenges. Academic Background: Studied sociology, philosophy, evangelical theology (Mag.), social sciences (Dipl.), and economics (Dipl.) at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, University of Salamanca, and University of Buenos Aires Received PhD in sociology from University of Bielefeld and École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in 2013 Research Interests: Köhrsen's work focuses on religious environmentalism, examining how different religious traditions respond to climate change and contribute to sustainability transitions. His research explores the tensions within religious environmental activism, the potential of faith-based organizations in sustainable development, and the relationship between post-secular society and ecological concerns. He employs sociological field theory to analyze how religious organizations navigate environmental challenges while maintaining their identity and authority. Current Projects: He leads two major research initiatives funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation: 'Are Religions Becoming Green?' which investigates faith-based environmentalism in Switzerland, and 'Ecovillages as Incubators for Sustainability Transitions' which examines how boundary-bridging arrangements facilitate the diffusion of sustainability innovations. Teaching: Köhrsen teaches 'Religion and Politics in Global Perspective' (RESA3101) and 'Religion and Ecology' (TFF3390), courses that reflect his interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationship between religious traditions and contemporary environmental challenges. Previous Positions: Before his current role, Köhrsen served as assistant professor for religion and economics at the Centre for Religion, Economy and Politics at the University of Basel. He was also an honorary research associate at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford (2016-2018) and held visiting professorships at the University of Münster (2017/18) and University of Leipzig (2019/20).

• Religion and Climate Change
• Sociology of Religion
• Religious Environmentalism
• +6 more

Amna Mahmood is a Doctoral Research Fellow at the Department of The Study of Religion, University of Oslo. Her research focuses on decolonial Muslim feminist and queer initiatives in Scandinavia, examining intersections of Islam, social media, and religious change. She holds an MA in Religious Studies from the University of Copenhagen (2020) and a BA in History of Religions from UiO (2018), with an exchange at McGill University. Mahmood teaches courses including REL2250 – Islam, REL3050 – Islam in Europe, and REL3060 – New Religiosity. She co-edits the Babylon Nordic Journal for Middle Eastern Studies (2022–2024) and previously advised academic writing at the Faculty of Educational Sciences. Key Areas: Gender & feminism in Islam, femonationalism, Islamophobia, decolonial theory Research Projects: Investigates social media's role in Muslim feminist/queer movements and their impact on religious transformation

• Religious Studies
• Gender Studies
• Feminism
• +4 more

Michelle MacCarthy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Canada. She specializes in Melanesian societies, particularly the Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea, with research focusing on cultural tourism, gender, and the intersections of religion and tradition. Her work explores how Revivalist Christian movements influence local practices and social structures. Education: BA, McGill University MA, Memorial University of Newfoundland PhD, University of Auckland (2012) Her research interests include the role of evangelical churches in Melanesia, material culture (e.g., banana leaf textiles), and debates over morality and authenticity in Trobriand sociality. She contributes to the Bergen Pacific Studies Research Group and has published on topics such as witchcraft and Pentecostalism in comparative global contexts. Current projects examine how Revivalist movements challenge traditional practices, impacting gendered personhood and clan exchange systems. Her work bridges anthropology, religion studies, and cultural geography. Awards: None explicitly stated in the text. Advising/Grants: No specific students or grants listed. Former postdoctoral fellow in the Norwegian Research Council-funded project Gender and Pentecostalism in a Comparative Perspective (directed by Annelin Eriksen). Active in the Bergen Pacific Studies Research Group, contributing to transnational anthropological dialogue.

• Cultural Anthropology
• Cultural Tourism
• Pentecostalism
• +4 more

Espen Sørmo Strømme is a University Lecturer in journalism, media and communication at NLA University College (Gimlekollen campus) in Kristiansand, Norway, teaching since January 2008. He conducts specialized coaching in investigative and economic journalism for SKUP since 2017 and previously taught economic journalism at Oslo and Akershus University College (2013-2016). His educational background includes: Master's in Business Journalism (Bodø University College, 2009) Television reporting/documentary course (Volda University College, 2004) Two-year journalism education (radio focus, Gimlekollen Media College, 2000) .NET platform solutions (University of Agder, 2015) IT and psychology studies (NTNU, 2001-2002) Ex.phil/ex.fac. (University of Oslo, 2000) Strømme's research centers on investigative journalism, business/economic reporting, and broadcast journalism, with emphasis on methodological challenges during financial crises and religious community investigations. His work analyzes Norwegian investigative journalism through SKUP reports and explores technological adaptations in newsrooms. Publication trends reveal deepening specialization in economic crisis reporting and technological integration in investigative practices, with recent works examining DIY programming solutions and religious community access challenges. He led NLA's journalism program (2013-2016), revising the bachelor's curriculum, and currently provides SKUP with investigative journalism training and economic reporting coaching.

• Journalism
• Investigative Journalism
• Business Journalism
• +2 more

Astrid Haas is an Associate Professor in American Literature and Culture at the University of Bergen, Norway. She holds a PhD from the University of Münster and a Habilitation from Bielefeld University (Germany). Her research focuses on North American literatures, cultures, and history from the 18th century to the present, with specialties in Early North American Studies, Transnational Migration, and Border Studies. She is a member of multiple research groups, including the Research Group 'Aesthetic and Cultural Studies' and the 'Black Americas: Transdisciplinary Dialogues' network. Education: PhD in English, University of Münster, Germany Habilitation in North American Studies, Bielefeld University, Germany Research Interests: Travel Writing and Autobiography Black and Latinx Diasporas Transnational Migration and Environmental Humanities US Popular Culture and Gender Studies Recent Publications: Lone Star Vistas: Travel Writing on Texas, 1821-1861 (University of Texas Press, 2021) Journal articles on African American captivity narratives, Mexican travel accounts, and transnational border studies Awards: Finalist for the Rodríguez Family Award for Most Significant Scholarly Book (2022) Marie Curie Research Fellowship (Horizon 2020 Grant) Current Project: Explores Black autobiographies and mobility in the Americas (1760-1860) under the EU-funded Horizon 2020 program. This interdisciplinary work bridges Black Atlantic Studies, Mobility Studies, and Autobiography Studies. Teaching: Covers American literature, Early American Studies, and Inter-American cultural histories.

• American Literature
• Cultural Studies
• Early North American Studies
• +14 more

Hanne Birgitte Sødal Tveito is a University Lecturer in New Testament Studies at the University College of Theology, Religion and Society (MF), where she serves as Program Director for the Experiential Master in Church Teaching. Her academic career includes a Cand. theol. (1992) and PhD candidacy in Medicine (1993-1997), though her primary focus remains theological education and research. Education: Cand. theol. from MF (1992), History of Ideas Intermediate (1987), Music Intermediate (1986) Positions: University Lecturer since 1997, Chair of MF's Teacher Meeting (2016-2018) Her research interests span Pauline theology, Johannine studies, early Christian movements, and pedagogical methods in religious education. She has co-led the 'Bible in Religious Education' project (BiT), analyzing congregational teaching practices across Norway. Her work bridges ancient texts with modern educational challenges, particularly through her edited compendiums on life philosophy and ethics. Publications emphasize early Christian thought (e.g., Origen's teachings) and interdisciplinary approaches to biblical texts. While no awards are listed, her contributions to theological education have shaped curricula in Norwegian congregations. Advising/Grants: Supervised courses in biblical theology and religious pedagogy. Research projects include 'Know Yourself' (2019-2022) exploring Delphic maxims in early Christian writings.

• New Testament Studies
• Pauline Theology
• Gospel of John
• +7 more

Dr. Margrethe Løov is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at NLA University College , specializing in the sociology of new religious movements, secularization, and Nordic spiritual trends. Her work bridges theology, philosophy, and empirical research. PhD (2019) and MA (2010) from the University of Bergen and Oslo Editor of Aura: Tidsskrift for akademiske studier av nyreligiøsitet Contributor to encyclopedias like Store norske leksikon and Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology Løov’s research focuses on: New Age Movements : Analyzing spiritual consumerism and organizations like VisionWorks Meditation Practices : Comparative studies of Acem and Transcendental Meditation Sami Missionary History : Investigating early Norwegian missionary efforts Radicalization Trends : Linking conversions to new religious movements and radical Islamism Her recent publications highlight shifts in spiritual self-identification, secularization of meditation, and empirical approaches to alternative spirituality. She teaches courses in KRLE (Christianity, Religion, Life Stance, Ethics) and leads online programs in religious education.

• Religious Studies
• New Age Religion
• New Religious Movements
• +7 more

Randall James Stephens is a Professor of American and British Studies at the University of Oslo, Faculty of Humanities. He specializes in the history of religion, American and British culture, conservatism, the American South, environmental history, and popular music. Previously, he taught at Northumbria University (UK) and Eastern Nazarene College (USA). His research explores intersections between religion, politics, and culture, with a focus on topics such as evangelicalism, rock music, and environmental ethics. He holds a PhD in American History from the University of Florida (2003), and MAs in American History (Emporia State University, 1998) and Theological Studies (Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1998). Stephens has authored influential books like *The Devil’s Music: How Christians Inspired, Condemned, and Embraced Rock ’n’ Roll* (2018) and *The Fire Spreads: Holiness and Pentecostalism in the American South* (2008). His work has appeared in *The Atlantic*, *The New York Times*, and academic journals such as *Church History* and *Journal of American Studies*. Stephens has received prestigious awards, including the Fulbright Roving Scholar (2011–12) and the Organization of American Historians Distinguished Lecturer title. He has supervised PhDs on topics ranging from American environmental history to the cultural history of rock music. His research funding includes grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the John Templeton Foundation. Stephens is affiliated with research groups like KLIMER (Climate, Environment, and Energy) and the Anglophone Political Cultures Research Group. His teaching spans courses on American history, environmental humanities, and the cultural history of rock music.

• American Religious History
• American and British Cultural History
• Conservatism in the US
• +4 more