Beate Kristin Leirpoll

Beate Kristin Leirpoll is an Associate Professor at the Department of Kindergarten Teacher Education, Faculty of Teacher Education and International Studies, Oslo Metropolitan University. She is a study leader for Area 1 and actively contributes to research groups including Methodological developments in kindergarten and educational research (MUBU), Professional understanding and professional ethics in kindergarten (ProfEt), and 'Small children, big cities: kindergarten qualities, inequalities, communicative complexities.'

Her research interests lie at the intersection of early childhood education, pedagogical-ethical practice, and professional expertise. She explores themes such as temporality, touch, intimacy, inclusion, and ethical responsibility in kindergarten settings, often drawing on critical and posthuman theories, including the work of Walter Benjamin. Her research emphasizes the embodied, relational, and improvisational aspects of care and education.

The recent publications reflect a strong focus on naptime practices, bodily rhythms, emotional labor, and the philosophical underpinnings of care. Her work bridges theory and practice, engaging with both academic discourse and public dissemination. She frequently contributes to conferences, panels, and podcasts, highlighting her commitment to knowledge exchange.

Her scientific engagement includes research reports and active participation in research projects aimed at improving inclusion and quality of life for children and young people. She leads and contributes to interdisciplinary efforts that connect services across educational and social domains.

She advises doctoral students and is involved in research labs such as BLU-LAB, where she discusses reports on educational equity. Her work demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing kindergarten pedagogy through rigorous, ethically grounded, and socially relevant research.