Margrete Syrstad Andås

Margrete Syrstad Andås is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Media Studies at NTNU’s Faculty of Humanities. Her research focuses on medieval art, architecture, and ritual practices, with expertise in Romanesque and Gothic styles, stave churches, and liturgical symbolism. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Copenhagen (2013) and has taught at NTNU, the University of Oslo, and the University of Copenhagen.

Her research interests include the interplay between art and ritual, particularly in sacred spaces like Trondheim Cathedral, and the cultural significance of church portals. Key projects include studies on the Urnes Stave Church’s global Romanesque connections (2021) and the Kinn Church chancel screen (2023). She is currently writing a book on Trondheim Cathedral’s medieval history and its liturgical architecture.

Major awards include a Fulbright fellowship (2001–2002) and a NFFO grant (2012–2013). Her work bridges archaeology, art history, and theology, examining how material culture reflects medieval religious and legal practices. She leads research on wooden architecture’s role in Northern European medieval society and collaborates internationally on projects like the Rødven church portal’s Anglo-Saxon influences.

Teaching includes KUH3208/2208, a research-based course exploring Trondheim Cathedral’s architectural and ritual significance. Her outreach activities include public lectures and media features on medieval art and cathedral symbolism.