Steinar Aas

Steinar Aas is a Professor at Nord University since 2012, specializing in modern Norwegian and European history with a particular focus on World War II memory studies. He holds a Dr.artium degree from the University of Tromsø (UiT) obtained in 2007. His academic career spans several institutions including the University of Tromsø where he served as Senior Consultant (1993-1998), Researcher for Narvik municipality (1998-2001), Office Manager of the Department of History (2001-2010), and Researcher at University College Bodø/University of Nordland (2010-2012) before joining Nord University.

Professor Aas's educational background includes his doctoral work at UiT completed in 2007. His extensive academic journey reflects deep engagement with Northern Norwegian history and institutions.

His research focuses on the interwar period, urbanization and urban life, urban planning, modernization processes, polar history, political history, and the use of history through memory studies. His work particularly emphasizes Second World War experiences in Norway. His expertise spans diverse areas including Urban History/Planning, Bodø during WWII, European History, Fascism/National Socialism, History Didactics, War History, Women/Gender History, Local and Regional History, Memory Studies, Modern and Norwegian History, High North Studies, Polar/Circumpolar History, Social History, and Labor History.

Professor Aas's recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on Northern Norwegian urban development, particularly Bodø, with numerous works examining small town urbanization from historical and contemporary perspectives. He has made significant contributions to understanding polar exploration history, particularly regarding Roald Amundsen and Umberto Nobile's expeditions, as well as the complex history of Narvik during WWII and the interwar period. His work often intersects urban studies with memory studies, examining how historical events shape contemporary urban identity.

Professor Aas is actively engaged in public discourse, frequently contributing to local newspapers like Avisa Nordland with historical commentary on contemporary issues, demonstrating his commitment to historical dissemination beyond academic circles. His work bridges academic research and public understanding of history.

His academic advising and potential research grants are not explicitly detailed in the available information, though his extensive publication record suggests active mentorship and research leadership. His work on the history of Bodø and Northern Norway represents a significant contribution to regional historical scholarship while connecting to broader European and global historical narratives.