Marte Haaland is the new leader of the Young Academy of Norway

Associate professor Marte E. S. Haaland was recently elected as the new leader of the Young Academy of Norway (AYF) (external link), succeeding Guro Nore Fløgstad (external link). CISMAC congratulates Marte – and AYF! She worked as CISMAC’s administrative leader from January 2015 to March 2017, then as one of its PhD students and subsequently as a postdoctoral fellow with CISMAC.

This marks the first time since AYF’s establishment in 2015 that the chair will be based in Bergen.

What is AYF?

The Young Academy of Norway (AYF) is an independent, interdisciplinary, and diverse network for collaboration and the exchange of experience among early-career researchers. The initiative came from the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, (external link) and funding was allocated through the state budget. It was intended to fill a gap and ensure that younger researchers were able to participate in and influence research policy.

"Each year we admit around 10 new members, and membership lasts for 4 years. We want to spread the values of knowledge and open research, and to help drive new and creative ways of communicating research. By doing this, we hope to support a more knowledge-based development of society, both in Norway and around the world," Haaland says.   

She also points out that the Young Academy of Norway is important because it provides a clear research-policy voice from researchers who are early in their careers.  

"The AYF is listened to in research-policy processes and helps strengthen the dialogue between research and society," she adds.  

The path forward

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of AYF. As new-elected leader of the organization, Haaland is eager to put important research policy issues on the agenda. 

"Academic freedom is under pressure in many parts of the world, and it’s a principle we really need to protect. At the same time, the media landscape is getting more and more complex, so the need for clear, responsible, and knowledge-based communication has never been greater. Together with our Deputy Leader, Erik Sveberg Dietrichs (external link), I’m excited to help lead AYF forward, stay closely connected with the board and our members, and work to empower young researchers," Haaland says.