Nicolay Gausel is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Stavanger , affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and Department of Social Sciences. His research spans social psychology, emotion psychology, and cultural studies. Research areas include morality, self-critical emotions, psychological defense, and stigma. Collaborates across disciplines: business, neuroscience, criminology, philosophy, and climate work. Methodological expertise in confirmatory designs, qualitative/quantitative methods, and applied statistics. His work explores interpersonal dynamics of shame, moral emotions, and cross-cultural selfhood. Articles highlight interdisciplinary applications, from family therapy to global personhood models. Current projects address identity, stigma, and social justice issues.
Bård Erlend Solstad is an Associate Professor at the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder. His research focuses on youth sports psychology, athlete development, and coach education, with a particular emphasis on the impact of training loads, motivation, and injury prevention in young athletes. He holds a postdoctoral fellowship from the Norwegian Research Centre for Children and Youth Sports (2017–2020) and was a Research Fellow at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (2012–2017). Key affiliations: ROPE (Research in Outdoor and Physical Education), SPADE (Sports Performance and Athlete Development Environments). Research interests include the psychological aspects of sport injury, perfectionism in elite performers, and the motivational climate in youth sports. His work integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to address issues like athlete well-being, coaching practices, and retention in organized sports. Recent studies have explored factors influencing dropout rates in youth soccer and the efficacy of interventions like the FUEL program for female endurance athletes. Solstad has advised on coach education initiatives, emphasizing empowering coaching behaviors and the psychological needs of athletes. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to advance athlete development programs and policy recommendations.
Anne-Sofie Helvik is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) within the Department of Public Health and Nursing . Her research focuses on quality of life, coping mechanisms, aging, impairment, and disabilities, with a particular emphasis on older adults. Email: anne-sofie.helvik@ntnu.no Location: Øya Helsehus, 153.03.001, Øya, Håkon Jarls gate 11 Her work spans multiple domains: Health Promotion: Central to her research is improving health outcomes in older populations. Substance Misuse: Investigates alcohol and drug use among older adults and its impact on health. Mental Health: Studies depression, pain, and dementia in aging populations. Sensory Function: Explores olfactory and hearing impairments in older adults. Healthcare Systems: Evaluates treatment, care, and postoperative follow-up in both pediatric and geriatric contexts. Her methodological approach combines both quantitative and qualitative research , with a strong emphasis on longitudinal studies and population-based analyses. Currently, she supervises two doctoral students: Heidi Sivertsen – Researching depression among older community residents. Ingrid Torvik Heian – Investigating olfactory functioning. Her research unit, Allmennmedisinsk Forsknings Enhet (AFE) , focuses on aging and health in older adults, accessible via NTNU’s aging and health page.
Marco Seeber is a Professor at the University of Agder's Department of Political Science and Management. He holds a PhD from the University of Chieti Pescara (Italy) and has previously worked at the University of Lugano (Switzerland) and Ghent University (Belgium). His research focuses on public policy, governance, and management with specialization in higher education systems, research evaluation, and science policy. Professor Seeber's research examines policy implementation, research metrics, peer review systems, academic careers, internationalization, and interdisciplinarity in higher education. He employs comparative and quantitative methodologies to analyze governance structures and policy impacts across different educational systems. He has received significant recognition including the Swiss Prize for Research in Education (2019) and fellowships from IEEE, AIUM, and AIMBE. As Co-Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Higher Education, he shapes scholarly discourse in his field. He currently coordinates the Horizon CSA project IANUS (2025-) and leads courses in organizational theory, research methodology, and leadership.
Sivert Skålvoll Urstad is an Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology and Social Work , University of Agder , Norway. His academic interests include Sociology of Religion , Secularization , Sociological Theory , and Quantitative Research Methods . He is affiliated with research groups on Religious Minorities and Diversity , Social Studies Didactics , and Sociological Theory Development . Email: sivert.s.urstad@uia.no Phone: +47 38141868 Research Themes - Urstad's work focuses on the sociology of religion, secularization trends, and non-religious identity in the Nordic context. His studies often employ quantitative methods to analyze gender disparities in religiosity, vaccine skepticism, and organizational behavior in educational settings. Recent Article Trends - His publications include analyses of afterlife beliefs , vaccine distrust , gender equality skepticism , and non-religious identity in Norway. Collaborative works explore organizational HRM strategies and internal branding in schools. Advising and Collaborations - While no advisees are listed, Urstad frequently collaborates with scholars like Inger Furseth and Dag Yngve Dahle on interdisciplinary projects spanning sociology, education, and organizational behavior. Labs/Teams - He contributes to the Religious Minorities and Religious Diversity group and Sociological Theory Development at University of Agder.
Alvaro Köhn-Luque is an Associate Professor at the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, and Group Leader at the Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital. His work bridges mathematical modeling with clinical applications, particularly in cancer research. His academic background includes a PhD in Mathematical and Computational Biology from Complutense University of Madrid (2012), preceded by multiple Master's degrees in Mathematics and Physics from Spanish universities. Dr. Köhn-Luque's research focuses on mathematical oncology , developing computational models to understand cancer dynamics and improve treatment strategies. His work spans multiscale modeling of tumor growth, personalized cancer medicine through computer simulations, and biomarker discovery using machine learning approaches. He has made significant contributions to modeling breast cancer progression and treatment response, particularly in the context of endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibition. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating mechanistic learning approaches that combine mathematical models with machine learning techniques. This hybrid methodology allows for more accurate prediction of treatment outcomes while maintaining biological interpretability. His work frequently involves collaboration with clinical researchers to ensure models are grounded in real patient data and have direct translational potential. Computational modeling of tumor heterogeneity and drug response Development of methods for phenotypic deconvolution in cancer cell populations Integration of multi-omics data for personalized treatment prediction Application of birth-death processes to model tumor evolution Creation of user-friendly computational tools for biomedical researchers Dr. Köhn-Luque has supervised multiple PhD students including Even M Myklebust, Salim Ghannoum, and Xiaoran Lai, and has secured funding for projects including RESCUE, BigInsight, and Integreat. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory from theoretical mathematical biology toward increasingly clinically relevant applications in personalized cancer medicine.
Dr. Saeed Karimi Aghdam Ordaklou is an Associate Professor of English Language and Didactics at the Faculty of Education and Arts, Nord University, Norway. His academic career is rooted in applied linguistics, with a focus on second language acquisition, educational psychology, and dynamic systems theory. PhD in Applied Linguistics (Second Language Acquisition), University of Jyväskylä, Finland MA in English Language Teaching, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Iran B.A. in English Language & Literature, University of Tabriz, Iran Professional Teacher Education, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland His research synthesizes Vygotsky’s cultural-historical psychology, dynamic systems theory, and dialectical frameworks to explore second language development in sociocultural contexts. Key themes include L2 writing, complexity-accuracy-fluency dynamics, and interdisciplinary theoretical integration. Recent publications emphasize dynamic systems theory applications, digital mediation in multilingual writing, and the sociocultural dimensions of language learning. He has also guest-edited special issues addressing theoretical dialogues in applied linguistics. Dr. Karimi Aghdam has taught in Iran, Finland, and Norway, and holds teaching qualifications from the UK, Finland, and Norway. He actively collaborates with international scholars and has held visiting researcher roles at UC San Diego, Penn State, and the University of Southern Denmark.
Ingrid Storm is a Professor of Sociology at MF University College of Theology, Religion and Society, serving as Head of the Department of Religion, School and Society since December 2022. She previously held roles at the University of Birmingham (Birmingham Fellow, 2018–2022) and the University of Manchester, including a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015–2017). Her expertise spans religious change, quantitative methods, and the interplay between religion, identity, and social attitudes. Storm’s research focuses on topics such as reactive religiosity, economic insecurity’s impact on religious behavior, and immigration attitudes. She has conducted EU-funded projects on youth radicalization and inequality, and her work often utilizes large-scale survey data. She teaches courses including Religion and Society in Europe and the USA and methodological training for undergraduate and graduate students. Her scholarly contributions explore how religious identity intersects with ethnicity, nationalism, and social capital, with a focus on Europe. Key themes include secularization trends, the role of religion in civic engagement, and the influence of parental socialization on religious practices. She has served on councils for institutions like the Nordic Association for the Sociology of Religion and the SCORE Initiative.
Hege Bjøkne Wathne is an Associate Professor in Intensive Care Nursing at the Department of Care and Ethics, University of Agder. She is affiliated with the NFR project "eHealth from Hospital 2 Home" and the research program area "HevHelse". Her primary research focuses on eHealth interventions to improve health services post-hospital discharge, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses and non-communicable diseases. She holds a PhD candidate status in Health Sciences (2020–), a Master in Health Sciences (2011–2013), and certifications in Intensive Care Nursing (2006–2007) and Nursing Education (1996–1999). Her work emphasizes nurse-assisted remote monitoring systems, usability of digital health tools, and patient self-management strategies. Key publications explore eHealth feasibility in colorectal cancer care, heart failure management, and chronic illness recruitment strategies. She has presented at conferences like the Nordic Conference in Nursing Research and participated in interdisciplinary collaborations to design patient-centered digital health solutions. Current projects aim to bridge gaps between hospital and home care through innovative technology. Wathne’s contributions include protocol development for randomized controlled trials and co-creation methodologies involving patients in eHealth design. Her research aligns with broader goals of enhancing healthcare accessibility and continuity through technology-driven interventions.
Efthymios Papatzikis is a Professor of Infant Brain Development at Oslo Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Education and International Studies. He leads the Advanced Health Intelligence and Brain-Inspired Technologies (ADEPT) Research Group, focusing on brain development in the first 1500 days of life using neuroimaging, behavioral analysis, and AI-driven tools. Research Focus: Multimodal neuroimaging (qEEG, ABR, aEEG), computational neuroscience, AI in NICU diagnostics, and personalized sound/music interventions. Collaborations: Harvard University, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, UCL, and Bergen University. Editorial Roles: Associate Editor for Frontiers in Pediatric Psychology, Guest Editor for Frontiers in Pediatric Neurology. His work bridges neuroscience with clinical neonatal care, emphasizing family-centered medicine and precision diagnostics. Recent projects include EU Cost Action CA22111 on real-world environments’ impact on brain development. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK Certified Specialist in Social Prescribing by the World Health Organization He contributes to journals as reviewer and editor, co-develops computational tools for NICU EEG analysis, and advises international foundations on maternal/child health and early childhood education.
Anna CohenMiller, PhD , is a Professor at Nord University in Norway and serves as the director of the PLUS Centre for Professional Development and Learning . A multinationally recognized scholar, she is a TEDx speaker and award-winning qualitative methodologist whose work centers on social justice, equity, and inclusion in higher education through transformative research and leadership. Her research and teaching span arts-based methodologies, decolonial approaches, and inclusive pedagogies with a focus on empowering marginalized communities, particularly in Central and Southeast Asia. Education While specific degrees are not detailed in the provided text, CohenMiller holds a PhD and has extensive experience as a qualitative methodologist and pedagogical leader. Research Interests Arts-Based Research: Utilizing creative methods like photovoice, body mapping, and visual arts to amplify marginalized voices. Decolonial Methodologies: Challenging colonial frameworks in research and education, especially in post-Soviet and Asian contexts. Gender and Diversity: Investigating systemic inequities faced by women, mothers, and minoritized groups in academia. Transformative Leadership: Promoting organizational change towards inclusive and equitable practices in higher education. Motherhood Studies: Exploring the intersection of motherhood and academic identity, particularly during crises like COVID-19. Recent Research Trends CohenMiller’s recent work (2022–2025) emphasizes innovative qualitative and mixed-methods approaches applied to global challenges such as pandemic impacts on education, decolonizing research practices, and fostering inclusive pedagogies . Her publications consistently integrate social justice frameworks , often co-authored with early-career scholars, reflecting her commitment to mentorship. Notable themes include online arts-based research methods , gender audits in higher education , and collaborative autoethnography as tools for institutional and societal transformation. Scientific Awards Knowledge Foundation Prize for Open Access (2022) – for the edited book Leading Change in Gender and Diversity in Higher Education from Margins to Mainstream . American Educational Research Association (AERA) Outstanding Book Award (2021) – for Questions in Qualitative Social Justice Research in Multicultural Contexts (with N. Boivin). Grants and Projects CohenMiller leads and coordinates multiple funded initiatives, including: SEA-EU Alliance – promoting international collaboration in higher education. Nord Master's Plus – enhancing interdisciplinary graduate education. Bodø2024 – integrating research with cultural and educational development. TEDxBodø – fostering public engagement with research on equity and inclusion. Labs and Teams As director of the PLUS Centre for Professional Development and Learning , CohenMiller oversees a multidisciplinary team focused on professional development, inclusive pedagogy, and transformative research practices . She also collaborates with international networks such as SEA-EU and Horizon2020-funded projects to advance gender-sensitive curriculum development globally.
Saeed Langarudi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Bergen. His research focuses on System Dynamics modeling applied to environmental and resource management challenges, including oil taxation, water scarcity, groundwater management, and policy analysis. He collaborates with institutions such as New Mexico State University and the University of Maryland, contributing to interdisciplinary projects addressing sustainability and resource governance. Langarudi’s work emphasizes dynamic simulation to explore complex systems, particularly in energy and water sectors. His recent studies include modeling New Mexico’s oil production taxation, reference mode elicitation in System Dynamics, and transboundary aquifer prioritization. He also investigates socio-technical policy frameworks for desalination and agricultural water use efficiency. Key Research Themes : System Dynamics theory, resource management, environmental policy, hydrology, and sustainability. Collaborations : Active partnerships with New Mexico State University, University of Maryland, and James Madison University. His publications highlight innovative applications of System Dynamics to real-world challenges, such as mitigating drought in drylands and addressing the tragedy of the commons in groundwater use. Despite prolific output, no scientific awards are explicitly noted in the provided materials.
Sergej Stoppel is currently a researcher (PostDoc) in the visualization group at the University of Bergen. His academic background includes a Mathematics master's degree (2014) and a PhD in 2018, both from the University of Bergen. His research focuses on visual data science, with an emphasis on interactive visualization techniques, human-computer interaction, and physical visualization systems. He has authored/co-authored numerous papers on topics such as hexagonal map enhancements, spatio-temporal data interaction, and low-cost physical art generation. Education: M.Sc. Mathematics (2014), University of Bergen PhD in Visualization (2018), University of Bergen Research Interests: His work spans data visualization, scientific visualization, and interactive techniques. Notable contributions include Vol²velle (printable interactive volume visualization widgets), Firefly (virtual illumination drones), and LinesLab (low-cost art generation systems). He explores methods to bridge the gap between virtual and physical visual representations, emphasizing user-centric design. Publications: His recent work includes advancements in hexagonal map visualization (2022), spatio-temporal selection techniques (2020), and illumination automation (2019). These contributions highlight his focus on enhancing data interpretation through novel interaction paradigms. Labs/Teams: Active member of the VisGroup at the University of Bergen, collaborating on projects like MetaVis and VIDI. His work is supported by grants involving visualization and medical imaging applications.
Gunnar Morken is a Professor and senior consultant in the Department of Mental Health at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and St. Olavs Hospital. His research focuses on bipolar disorder, chronotherapy, psychiatric epidemiology, and clinical interventions for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and insomnia. He collaborates on studies involving genomic analysis, environmental factors (e.g., light exposure, UV radiation), and treatment efficacy evaluations. Key research areas include genomic insights into bipolar disorder, the role of circadian rhythms in mental health, and clinical trials assessing therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia and exercise interventions for schizophrenia. His work spans both basic science (e.g., genetic studies) and translational research (e.g., hospital lighting design to improve sleep). Publications highlight his contributions to understanding lithium response mechanisms, environmental influences on psychiatric disorders, and the design of clinical trials in acute psychiatric care. Morken’s interdisciplinary approach integrates neuroscience, epidemiology, and clinical practice to advance mental health treatments.
Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter is a Professor at the Physical Activity and Health Research Group within the Department of Science, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences at Queen Maud University College. She holds a master’s in sports science from the Norwegian School of Sports Science and a doctorate in psychology from NTNU. Sandseter’s research focuses on risky play in early childhood education, emphasizing how physical environments shape children’s exploration of limits and developmental opportunities. Education: Major in sports (Norwegian School of Sports Science), PhD in psychology (NTNU) Her work challenges Western societies’ overemphasis on safety in childhood environments, advocating for free outdoor play to build resilience and self-efficacy. Current projects like ViRMa (Virtual Risk Management) use VR and motion capture to study how risky play fosters risk assessment skills. Previously, she led the EnCompetence project, linking physical environments to play behavior and activity levels. Her academic output spans behavioral studies, psychometric assessments, and policy advocacy, with keywords including child development , virtual reality , and play-based learning . She actively disseminates findings through international lectures and collaborations, particularly on ethical challenges in risky play. No scientific awards or student advisement details are listed in the provided text.
