Randi Gressgård

Randi Gressgård is a Professor at the Centre for Women's and Gender Research (SKOK) at the University of Bergen, with additional affiliation to the International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) research unit. Her work bridges sociology, political theory, and gender studies, focusing on pressing contemporary issues of identity, power, and governance.

Research Interests: Her scholarship centers on gender and sexuality, migration and minorities, and urban security and governance. Thematically, she explores multiculturalism, postcolonialism, nationalism, racism, East-West geopolitics, and the politics of recognition. Her work critically examines how categories like race, gender, and sexuality are instrumentalized in political discourse and urban policy. She has made significant contributions to debates on intersectionality, resilience, necropolitics, and microaggressions in academic life.

Recent Research Trends: Her most recent publications (2020–2023) analyze the racialized dimensions of urban resilience, the politicization of sexuality in Eastern Europe, and shifting notions of vulnerability in Swedish prevention policy. A recurring theme is the critique of liberal tolerance and the uncovering of hidden power mechanisms in governance and identity politics. Her work often engages with critical theorists like Foucault, Mbembe, and Kögler.

Public Engagement: Gressgård is actively involved in public discourse through media interviews, opinion pieces, and panel discussions on topics such as cancel culture, LGBT+ rights, academic freedom, and gender identity. She has participated in events like the NORNDiP Conference, Christie Conference, and NORA Conference, and has contributed to public understanding during Pride and Transgender Awareness Week.

Research Leadership: She is a member of the Egalitarian Futures Research Group (FUTURES) and SkeivForsk, and co-edits special journal issues on topics like Struggles over Europe and Planning for Pluralism in Nordic Cities. She leads or collaborates on projects examining urban resilience in the context of migration.