Vidar Skogvoll

Vidar Skogvoll serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Teaching and Learning in Science (KURT) within the Department of Physics at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. His work bridges computational physics research and innovative science education methodologies, with particular focus on integrating generative artificial intelligence into academic instruction. He maintains active roles in both the Interface Dynamics in Geophysical Flows (EarthFlows) research group and the Center for Computing in Science Education (CCSE).

Skogvoll's research spans computational physics (specializing in topological defects and phase field crystal modeling) and AI-enhanced education. His ComFiT library represents significant contributions to open-source scientific software, while his educational projects explore scaffolding techniques for student use of large language models. He actively develops resources through llmteaching.com and comfitlib.com, and produces educational content through dual podcast platforms focusing on science pedagogy and popular science.

His publication record demonstrates consistent output in high-impact physics journals including Physical Review B, Journal of Mechanics and Physics of Solids, and Modeling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering. The research exhibits strong methodological continuity in computational approaches to material defects while showing recent expansion into AI applications for education. Key thematic threads include topological defect dynamics, phase field modeling, and computational methodology development.

Notable recognitions include:

• Third place in Norwegian Physics Olympiad (2011)
• The King's watch awarded by Trondheim Katedralskole (2011)

Skogvoll leads multiple educational initiatives including the development of AI-integrated teaching materials and maintains an active blog on AI in education with recent 2025 publications. His podcast work (Real læring and Under kappa) extends his science communication efforts to broader audiences. He teaches core physics courses including Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves, Thermodynamics, and Mathematical Methods in Physics, demonstrating comprehensive engagement with the department's educational mission.