Rune Ellefsen

Rune Ellefsen is a Researcher at the Center for Research on Extremism (C-REX) at the University of Oslo, where he conducts research on hate crime, political violence, radicalization, and policing of protest movements. He is also affiliated with RusForsk at Oslo University Hospital, leading qualitative research on heroin-assisted treatment in Norway. His work combines analytical perspectives from social movement studies, criminology, and political violence research.

Ellefsen's educational background includes:

• PhD in Sociology of Law from the University of Oslo (2018), with dissertation "Performing and policing transgressive protest: A relational approach to the SHAC-HLS conflict in Britain (1999–2014)"
• Prior research in green criminology, including co-editing the book "Eco-Global Crimes" and authoring "Med lov til å pine"

His primary research interests focus on the intersection of social movements, political violence, and state responses. Ellefsen examines how hate crimes manifest and how societies respond to them, particularly through his work on the HateCycle project. He investigates the policing of radical protest movements and the dynamics between activists and law enforcement. His research on radicalization prevention explores everyday resistance strategies employed by minority communities, particularly Muslims facing anti-Muslim hostility. Additionally, his work on heroin-assisted treatment examines patient experiences and clinician perspectives on this harm reduction approach.

Ellefsen's recent publications reveal a clear trajectory connecting his expertise in social movement dynamics with contemporary issues of hate crime, radicalization, and drug policy. His work bridges theoretical frameworks from criminology and sociology with practical applications in policy development. The articles show a consistent focus on marginalized communities, whether examining the experiences of drug treatment patients, LGBTQI individuals reporting hate crimes, or minority youth confronting racism. His methodological approach combines qualitative analysis with theoretical insights from multiple disciplines.

Ellefsen has contributed to several significant research projects:

• HateCycle project: Exploring the life cycle of hate crimes
• Radicalization and Resistance project (2019-2022): Examining Muslims' everyday prevention of radicalization
• Nordic pilot project on Countering violent extremism (2018-2019)
• Swedish research project on Radicalization and counter-radicalization (2018)
• HAB project: Evaluation of heroin-assisted treatment

His work spans multiple institutional contexts, demonstrating his ability to bridge academic research with practical policy applications in both security and public health domains.