National Research Schools and NFR Gather in Tromsø

On 7–8 May, the annual gathering of Norway’s national research schools took place at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, hosted this year by Photosyntech. More than 40 representatives from both established and newer research schools, together with representatives from the Research Council of Norway (NFR), convened for the two-day event to share experiences and knowledge, engage in group discussions, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

The organising committee consisted of Espen Sandøe Karlsen and John Baarli from NFR, Sunniva Katharina Thode and Kirsten Krause from Photosyntech, Cordian Riener from Mathesis, and Merry H. Navjord from HySchool.

This year’s gathering focused strongly on discussion and exchange, covering topics such as work-life relevance, financial strategies, and best practices for research schools.

• Kirsten Krause and PhD candidate Vasili Balios from Photosyntech presented perspectives on work-life relevance and best practices from a PhD candidate viewpoint. 
• Cordian Riener from Mathesis explored both the challenges and opportunities facing research schools in a changing academic and funding landscape.
• Vice-Rector and Deputy Chair of the Norwegian Expert Committee for PhD Education, Jonas Stein, presented the committee’s mandate, organisation, and current key issues related to doctoral education in Norway.
• Espen Sandøe Karlsen and John Baarli from Research Council of Norway presented upcoming calls and discussed the strategic importance of research schools going forward.

The gathering provided a valuable arena for networking, knowledge-sharing, and fruitful discussions across research schools and disciplines. A big thank you to NFR and the Forum for Research Schools in Norway for organising an engaging and inspiring event — we already look forward to contributing to next year’s gathering in Kongsberg.