Njål Foldnes

Njål Foldnes is Professor of Statistics at the University of Stavanger's Faculty of Educational Sciences and Humanities, where he contributes to the National Center for Reading Education and Reading Research. His research integrates multivariate statistical methods with educational innovation, focusing on structural equation modeling, factor analysis, and machine learning applications in literacy development.

Foldnes leads pioneering work in two domains: 1) Developing advanced statistical methodologies for non-normal data simulation and model fit assessment, resulting in open-source tools like the covsim R package; and 2) Applying machine learning to educational challenges, notably creating predictive models for early detection of reading difficulties using gameplay data from literacy apps. His statistical research critically examines simulation methodologies and ordinal data limitations.

His educational research portfolio includes national reading assessment systems, intervention efficacy studies, and investigations into linguistic diversity's impact on learning. Recent publications demonstrate strong cross-disciplinary collaboration, with frequent co-authorship in both statistical methodology (e.g., Structural Equation Modeling) and education journals (e.g., Reading and Writing).

Foldnes contributes significantly to Norway's educational infrastructure through his role in developing adaptive national reading assessments. He co-authored the academic textbook Statistikk og dataanalyse and actively communicates research through national media outlets like Aftenposten.