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Election to The University Board - candidate group A

Trond Lødøen

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I am running for election to help reshape national policies regarding sustainability, the environment, energy, social responsibility, and a full reconsideration of our values. The University of Bergen plays a crucial role in our society by educating and contributing to research and collaboration in areas where international studies urge Norway to change direction. This includes the oil sector, the growing aquaculture industry, and other fields where it's essential for educational institutions to lead society and the market towards more sustainable and green practices. Similar challenges exist in agriculture, forestry, social development, and associated with the increasing demand for energy, consequently leading to the loss of nature and biodiversity. The university sector encompasses several disciplines that can significantly influence these decisions, and I aim to strengthen the conditions for these disciplines. I am convinced that many solutions lie in the collaboration between natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Our national policy gradually reduces resources for research, reinforcing traditional perceptions and hindering innovative thinking, which negatively impacts universities. I am deeply concerned about the societal challenges facing both our society and the global community, such as population growth, integration, diversity, tolerance, and human rights. I believe the University of Bergen can contribute to combating injustices against nature, other species, people, and nations. Despite our nation’s pride in awarding the Peace Prize, we often maintain cooperation with countries that violate human rights, profiting from their misfortunes.

In academic contexts, discussions about Palestine and Israel are overshadowed by debates on academic boycotts, ignoring the real legal violations. The University of Bergen should lead in Norway by showing solidarity with the Palestinian nation their universities, in line with the sympathy mobilised for Ukraine after the Russian attack.

As an archaeologist and representative for the University Museum of Bergen, with extensive experience in interdisciplinary research, I am committed to enhancing the interaction between urban and rural areas on a national level, where education and research can be further stimulated in the regions surrounding the university city of Bergen

The success of social norms should not be measured by our achievements in digitization or material goods, both of which have significant negative impacts. The university sector can challenge government guidelines that lack thorough considerations of their consequences. In summary, I want the University of Bergen to take on even greater social responsibility.

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