Keynote Speakers

Annelise Ly: Navigating Cross-Cultural Work Environments 

Prof. Annelise Ly's presentation, "Working Successfully Across Cultures," addresses a fundamental aspect of contemporary research and professional environments. In today’s globalized academic and business landscapes, the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across cultural boundaries is indispensable. Her insights into overcoming challenges and leveraging the strengths of diverse teams are vital for developing competent researchers who can thrive in international settings. This topic is particularly relevant for Ph.D. students who might collaborate with peers, mentors, and industry professionals from various cultural backgrounds during and after their studies. 

Download Annelise Lys' presentation here (pdf)

Bio

Annelise Ly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Professional and Intercultural Communication at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) in Bergen, Norway. With a Ph.D. in intercultural communication, she has established herself as an Excellent Teacher Practitioner, recognized for her innovative approaches to education. Prof. Ly's research focuses on cultural and communication differences in the workplace, leadership across cultures, diversity, inclusion, international teamwork, and leadership communication. She is passionate about teaching and frequently presents on topics related to diversity management, intercultural competence, global teams, and global leadership. Prof. Ly's work is pivotal in preparing students and professionals to navigate the complexities of our globalized world effectively. 

Silje Mæland: Resilience, Community, and Well-Being

Professor Silje Mæland’s discussion focuses on the personal journey of researchers, emphasizing resilience, the value of community, and the critical importance of maintaining personal well-being amidst the rigors of scientific inquiry. By sharing her experiences and perspectives on navigating a research career, she highlights the necessity of support networks, mental health awareness, and strategies for balancing professional and personal life. This guidance is crucial for Ph.D. students and postdocs, who often face significant pressures and stressors that can impact their productivity, satisfaction, and overall quality of life.

Download Silje Mælands' presentation here (pdf)

Bio

Professor Silje Mæland holds a position in the Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen (UiB), Norway. Prof. Mæland's dual role in scientific and knowledge cluster work allows her to impact both research and community health significantly. Her expertise in work and health research, particularly her leadership in the National Professional Council for Work and Health, exemplifies her commitment to improving workplace health. Prof. Mæland also leads the Professional Forum in the Alrek health cluster and is involved in the Sports Cluster West and Sunnaasstiftelsen, reflecting her broad influence across health and wellness disciplines. Her current research projects, such as the Bergen in Change COVID-19 study and the MenoWork project, highlight her dedication to addressing contemporary health challenges and improving work-life integration for women facing menopausal complaints.

Gunn Janne Myrseth: Enhancing Scientific Communication Skills

Ms. Gunn Janne Myrseth's talk on the importance of passion and playfulness in science communication addresses a critical skill set that is often underemphasized in traditional Ph.D. programs. Effective communication is essential for researchers to share their findings, engage with stakeholders, and participate in public discourse. Myrseth’s approach to making scientific work accessible and engaging through storytelling and interactive dialogue is a valuable lesson for emerging researchers. It underscores the need for Ph.D. students to develop the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences, including those outside their immediate field of study.

Bio

Ms. Gunn Janne Myrseth has carved a unique path through the world of communication, starting her career as a journalist before venturing into advisory roles for political organizations and government ministers. Her extensive experience in newspapers, television, and radio has given her a profound understanding of storytelling and its power to connect people. Currently serving as a Senior Communications Adviser at NORCE in Bergen, Norway, Ms. Myrseth supports over 800 researchers in effectively disseminating their work to broader audiences. Her commitment to empowering scientists with advanced communication skills has been instrumental in developing Forsker Grand Prix, a science communication award program that celebrates the ability to engage and educate through storytelling. Ms. Myrseth’s background in coaching organizations and individual researchers underscores her belief in the transformative power of clear, passionate communication in the scientific community.

Alisa Rysaeva: The Power of Poster Design

In the academic realm, the importance of visual design is often overlooked, despite its potential to captivate audiences and effectively convey complex information. Alisa Rysaeva's talk focuses on the transformative power of poster design. Specifically tailored to cater to the needs of an academic audience, this presentation emphasizes the crucial guidelines for communicating intricate scientific findings through visually appealing posters. This talk will equip PhD students with the skills to present their research in a clear and comprehensible manner.

Download Alise Rysaevas' presentation here (pdf). 

Bio

As a dedicated project leader at the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Alisa Rysaeva is at the forefront of integrating Virtual Reality into educational practices, not only within the faculty but also across the entire HVL. With a background in Visual Communication, her primary goal is to find compelling and efficient methods to communicate the benefits of incorporating VR in the classroom. Leveraging her experience as a research visualizer and illustrator, she possesses a deep understanding of the visual communication toolkit and how to use it to its greatest potential. Passionate about knowledge dissemination, Alisa enthusiastically incorporates visual and technological tools to enhance learning experiences both in the classroom and beyond.

Prepares participants for the multifaceted challenges

The inclusion of these speakers and topics at the symposium not only enriches the academic experience but also prepares participants for the multifaceted challenges they will encounter in their careers. By addressing issues such as cross-cultural collaboration, personal resilience, and effective communication, the symposium equips Ph.D. students and postdocs with the insights and tools necessary for success in both their personal and professional lives. This holistic approach to doctoral education is essential for cultivating well-rounded researchers who are not only adept at navigating the complexities of their scientific endeavors but also capable of thriving in the dynamic, interdisciplinary, and intercultural contexts that characterize the modern world.