Karen V. Lykke

Karen V. Lykke is a Professor at the Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM) at the University of Oslo. She has established herself as a leading scholar in the interdisciplinary field of food studies, environmental humanities, and cultural history, with a particular focus on the cultural and historical dimensions of food systems and human-animal relationships.

Her academic background includes a PhD in Cultural History from the University of Oslo (2009), postgraduate studies in Environmental History at St. Andrews University as a Chevening scholar (2001-2002), an M.Phil. in Ethnology from the University of Oslo (2000), and a degree as an Agronomist from the Oslo Agricultural Academy (1992).

Professor Lykke's research spans several interconnected areas: food and sustainability, regenerative agriculture and soil health, the historical and cultural dimensions of food, meat consumption across historical periods, landscape studies as arenas for nature use and recreation, and the social and cultural aspects of hunting and fishing. Her work frequently examines how cultural narratives shape our interactions with nature and food systems, with particular attention to the politics of meat production and consumption.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on meat cultures, examining historical changes in meat production, the politics of meat promotion, and the cultural dimensions of slaughter practices. She also explores broader environmental themes including landscape heritage, the relationship between nature and culture, and ideas about the 'good life' in relation to environmental sustainability. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges humanities perspectives with environmental concerns, making significant contributions to understanding sustainable food systems.

• Norwegian Chevening scholar 2001/2002 at University of St. Andrews

Professor Lykke has held various leadership positions including board member of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT-Oslo) and board member for academically employed staff at the Centre for Development and the Environment. She is actively involved in several research projects including RegenRegion (focused on soil health and regenerative agriculture), 'Making Meat a Mystery' (examining historical changes in our relationship with food animals), and research on sustainability and the concept of the 'good life.'

She teaches multiple courses at the University of Oslo including SUM4035 - Past, present and future meat cultures in a local and global context, SUM4027 - Food, health and sustainability, SUM4024 - Humanist Perspectives on the Environment, SUM4100 - Research Methods and Project Design, and SUM4200 - Key Issues in Development and Environment.