Bergen Summer Research School
Every summer, we bring together 100 PhD students and researchers from around the world to collaborate on solutions to major global challenges such as climate change, inequality, health and governance. In 2026 we focus on "Ocean Expectations".
About the research school
- Place: Bergen, Norway
- Time: 1-11 June 2026
- Apply by: 1 February 2026
This year, we offer five parallel courses open to PhD students from all disciplines. As a participant, you will receive:
- two weeks of intensive research training with international experts
- a global network of PhD students and researchers
- interdisciplinary methods for addressing global challenges
- the opportunity to develop policy briefs on concrete issues
1-11 June 2026: Ocean Expectations
The Ocean Expectations theme responds to urgent global challenges related to climate change, food security, energy transitions, and cultural engagement with the sea. We hope the programme will contribute significantly to preparing you to meet society’s multifaceted expectations of the ocean: as a source of nourishment, resilience, justice, and inspiration.
When joining us in Bergen next summer, you will collaborate with international peers, refine your research skills through lectures and workshops, and develop innovative approaches to ocean studies. We will create a unique environment that will equip you to advance sustainable and equitable futures for our oceans.
Five parallel courses
- Accounting for sustainability: water and climate
- Ocean productivity and seafood in a changing climate
- Ocean desires, ocean diversities
- Diverse ways of sensing, knowing, and valuing the ocean
- The ocean and planetary health justice (cancelled)
In addition, you will take these two mandatory courses:
Addressing global challenges
Shaped by some of Bergen's best research groups, Bergen Summer Research School tackles the most pressing challenges facing the world. Each summer, this interdisciplinary research school offers five to six intensive courses led by experts from:
- University of Bergen
- Chr. Michelsen Institute (external link)
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (external link)
- NHH Norwegian School of Economics (external link)
- NORCE (external link)
Participants work across disciplinary and national boundaries to develop new perspectives on complex societal challenges. Topics change from year to year, but often include climate, energy and the environment, health, inequality, and governance.
BSRS fosters lasting connections between researchers from around the world. Many former participants now lead research institutions or work in public administration or in international organisations.
BSRS is a permanent research school with annual funding from the University of Bergen. it is organised through the university’s strategic mechanism on Global Challenges.
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People
Leadership and administration
Sehoya Harris Cotner Scientific director 2026
Howaida Faisal Abdelrahman Administrative coordinator
Contact
BSRS/Global Challenges
University of Bergen
Box 7800
N-5020 Bergen, Norway
Visiting address: Årstadveien 21
- Phone number
- +47 55 58 49 90
- Emails
- bsrs@uib.no