Monica Bjerklund

Monica Bjerklund is a Research Professor at the Telemark Research Institute, affiliated with the University of South-East Norway (USN). Her work focuses on early childhood education with a particular emphasis on Sámi communities, sustainability, and psychosocial well-being. She investigates cultural preservation in childcare practices, family diversity representation, and language revitalization efforts in indigenous settings. Her research often addresses systemic challenges in public institutions and the integration of traditional knowledge into modern educational frameworks.

Key research interests include Sámi rights in education, outdoor activities as mental health tools, and the intersection of family diversity with professional childcare practices. She has published extensively on topics such as cultural sustainability in kindergartens, resilience in indigenous childcare environments, and ethical considerations in donor-assisted reproduction contexts.

Her work frequently draws connections between policy implementation and grassroots practices, advocating for inclusive and culturally responsive approaches in early childhood education. She collaborates with institutions to develop knowledge-based systems that enhance both organizational effectiveness and child well-being outcomes.