Lena Augusta Ulfseth

Lena Augusta Ulfseth is an Associate Professor at the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her academic background includes a PhD in Health Sciences, Cand. Pol. in pedagogy/educational psychology, and Cand. Mag. in sociology and history. She has practical experience as a school teacher, educational-psychological counselor, and unit manager for Child and Family Services.

• Education:
  • PhD in Health Sciences
  • Cand. Pol. in pedagogy/educational psychology
  • Cand. Mag. in social studies/sociology and history

Her research focuses on child welfare, mental health, and narrative inquiry, with an emphasis on everyday life perspectives, relational dynamics, and ethnographic methods. Her recent publications analyze the impact of pandemic measures on child welfare systems, coercion in foster homes, and relational approaches to complex family lives.

Key research trends include:

• Child welfare system challenges during crises
• Relational and narrative methodologies
• Ethnographic studies of mental health environments
• Interdisciplinary approaches to social work

She has led and participated in international collaborative projects such as Erasmus+ and Marie Curie grants, focusing on innovation in family services and community integration for vulnerable youth. Her work extends to policy evaluations and community-based interventions.