Holberg Prize

The Holberg Prize is awarded annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to research in the humanities, social sciences, law or theology. The prize is named after the Norwegian-Danish writer Ludvig Holberg and was established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2003. The Holberg Prize was awarded for the first time in 2004 and is worth NOK 6 million. The purpose of the Prize is to raise awareness of the significance of the humanities and social sciences.

The Nils Klim Prize

The Holberg Prize also awards the Nils Klim Prize to a younger researcher under 40 from or based in a Nordic country. The Nils Klim Prize is awarded in the same research fields as the Holberg Prize. The scholar’s ability to be original and innovative is highly emphasised. The prize is worth NOK 500,000.

The recipients of the Holberg Prize and the Nils Klim Prize are announced in mid-March, and the award ceremony takes place during the Holberg Week, which is held in Bergen in the first week of June each year.

The Holberg School Programme

Each year, the Holberg Prize organises the Holberg School Programme (external link), a national research competition for upper secondary school students. Every year, students from 20 schools across Norway participate in the competition. Students are free to choose their own research topic and receive guidance from established researchers.

Through this work, students become familiar with scientific theories and methods in the humanities and social sciences. They learn to use sources and academic terminology, and to write analytical and argumentative texts. Participation is linked to the national curricula in the relevant subjects.

The three best student research projects are awarded NOK 30,000, NOK 20,000 and NOK 10,000. A teacher's prize of NOK 20,000 is also awarded for the best teaching programme carried out in connection with the competition.

The Holberg Week

The annual Holberg Week (external link) takes place in the beginning of June each year as a celebration of the Holberg Prize Laureate, the Nils Klim Prize Laureate, and the Holberg School Programme finalists. The programme typically includes the award ceremonies, lectures, panel debates, an academic symposium in honour of the year's Holberg Prize laureate and the annual government banquet at Håkonshallen.

Most academic events during Holberg Week are open to the public and free of charge. It is also possible to watch live broadcasts or recordings of the events on the Holberg Prize YouTube channel. (external link)

The Holberg Debate

The Holberg Debate (external link) is an annual event organised by the Holberg Prize. The debate is inspired by Ludvig Holberg’s Enlightenment ideas and aims to explore pressing issues of our time. The debate is held annually in early December.

The Holberg and Nils Klim Laureates

The announcement of the Holberg Prize and the Nils Klim Prize takes place in mid-March each year. The announcement ceremony is held in the University Aula in Bergen.