Strategy 2026–2030

The University of Bergen (UiB) is an international research university with long-standing scientific traditions and a national responsibility to maintain and develop a broad range of academic disciplines. We are a classical knowledge and culture-bearing institution grounded in European university ideals. Academic freedom is a fundamental principle and a prerequisite for our scientific activity. UiB is committed to safeguarding the independence of our academic staff and the conditions for research and education.  

Long-term, fundamental research and research-based education of high international quality form the foundation for all our activities. Our broad academic scope provides unique opportunities for mobilisation, specialisation and collaboration across disciplines in addressing future challenges. The greatest strength of UiB lies in its people who through their work and studies contribute to knowledge that shapes society. 

We develop knowledge through a democratic university community and an academic culture that promote scientific integrity, open dialogue and critical thinking. We are a diverse university grounded in common values of trust, participation, and inclusion. We stand together with colleagues and students internationally in defending academic freedom. 

The world is facing major societal and environmental challenges, as well as new technologies and digital transformations. Independent, research-based knowledge is essential for addressing global challenges and for ensuring an informed society with engaged and equitable citizens. Democratic societal development, alongside sustainable and technological transformation, depends on research, education and knowledge transfer from UiB. Through our strong academic communities, our diverse educational offerings, our culture and our organisation, we contribute to sustainability and to strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

The world faces major societal and environmental challenges. Independent, research-based knowledge is essential for solving global challenges and for ensuring an informed society with engaged and equal citizens. Democratic societal development, alongside digital and green transitions, depends on research, education and knowledge transfer from UiB. Through our strong academic communities, our rich educational offerings, our culture and our organisation, we contribute to sustainability and the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law.

UiB is both a nationwide and an international university. Situated in the heart of Bergen, we are an integral part of the city, its culture and the working life. UiB works purposefully to promote and develop both Bergen science city and the surrounding region as an international hub for science, art and culture.

Vision 

UiB shall be among Europe’s leading universities, internationally recognised for its high quality in research and education. As a societal institution, we will contribute to sustainable and democratic development and be an attractive and inclusive place of study and work. 

Research at the University of Bergen covers a wide range of scientific disciplines, contributing to fundamental understanding and to addressing challenges of the future. We are rooted in the European university tradition. Our mandate is to sustain disciplinary diversity in research, including both scientific and artistic methods. 

We safeguard independent, curiosity-driven research and recognition of the intrinsic value of scientific knowledge. Norway, along with rest of the world face complex challenges that require in-depth expertise, groundbreaking research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. UiB’s broad range of disciplines helps ensure society's preparedness in terms of knowledge.

High quality and long-term perspectives characterise UiB’s research communities, many of which are internationally leading. Research ethics and scientific integrity are core values in our work. Academic diversity and our unique scientific collections constitute an important part of our shared cultural heritage and UiB’s societal mission.

Vision

UiB shall push the frontiers of knowledge and contribute to a sustainable and democratic future through strong research within and across disciplines, spanning a broad range of academic fields. 

Education at UiB is research-based and tightly linked to knowledge development. The disciplinary breadth of our academic programme is an advantage for our students, enabling them to acquire insights from a wide range of disciplines. Our education emphasises fundamental knowledge, skills in scientific or artistic methods, and new technologies. 

Our study programmes promote independence, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. UiB provides competence and knowledge transfer to society, also through research-based and flexible lifelong learning programmes.

Our students come from all over the world and participate in an inclusive and diverse university community. We have a unique location in Bergen and place the physical learning environment and student community at the centre.

A vibrant student democracy and the many student organisations contribute to a rich student life, are formative for the individual and are important for UiB as a societal institution and place of study.

Vision

UiB will educate graduates who can shape the society, working life and business of tomorrow, drawing on perspectives from a wide range of disciplines. We will provide students with an academic foundation that lasts a lifetime and helps develop competent, reflective citizens.

Science communication and engagement in public debate are an integral part of UiB’s academic culture and responsibility. We highlight the importance of research for societal development, and safeguard academic freedom of expression, critical thinking, informed discourse. Creative and performing arts, scientific collections, and research-based exhibitions are an important part of our interaction with the wider society.  

UiB has strong traditions of translating knowledge into new technological and innovative solutions for society. Students are actively involved and a driving force in these innovative efforts.

With our central role in Bergen science city and across Western Norway, we are an important meeting place for collaboration between working life, cultural life, and society more broadly. Our knowledge clusters and Centres for Research-based Innovation (SFI) are key arenas for collaboration and innovation, at both the national and international levels. 

Vision

UiB shall be an open source of knowledge and a leading arena for research-based knowledge dissemination and societal dialogue. 

UiB is an international academic community that safeguards academic freedom and a climate of open and tolerant expression. As a university, we emphasise an inclusive and inspiring working and learning environment that encourages academic creativity, boldness and innovation. We are characterised by strong academic communities, collegial sharing, and shared ambitions for high quality.

UiB emphasises that its staff have strong opportunities for professional development in order to meet changes in working methods, technology and society. We benefit from a strong recruitment base and strive for recruitment practices characterised by quality, long-term perspectives, equality and diversity.

Vision

UiB shall be an attractive place to work and study that recruits and develops strong competence and fosters a collaborative culture around shared high ambitions.