Research Group for Humanities and Social Sciences

The research group for humanities and social sciences aims to explore and understand various connections between people, cultures, and societies. We study both our own society and people and cultures farther away in time and space. We do this by asking questions, exploring, and communicating our research.

Academic Focus

The members of the research group work within a broad range of humanistic and social scientific disciplines. Our research interests cover a wide array of different topics, without strict thematic restrictions. We examine various phenomena and trends at local, regional, national, and global levels.

Methodology and Approach

We work interdisciplinarily and use various methods to understand complex social and cultural phenomena. Through collaboration and critical reflection, we strive to develop new insights and understanding. We continuously look for new ways to analyze and interpret data to contribute to scientific advancements.

Contact and Collaboration

We are always open to collaboration with other research environments, institutions, and societal actors. We warmly invite dialogue about potential projects and collaboration opportunities. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can develop new knowledge together.

Selected fields of research in our group:

  • American history and politics (Knut Øyangen)
  • Anthropology of education (Lars Gjelstad)
  • Corporate environmental responsibility (Håvard Brede Aven)
  • Digitalization of higher education (Irina Pavlova)
  • Early modern history Denmark-Norway (Susann Holmberg)
  • Education on sustainable development (Per Jarle Sætre)
  • Environmental Sociology (Lars Leer)
  • Environmental (in) justice (Lars Leer)
  • Geography education (Per Jarle Sætre)
  • Global history and international politics (Knut Øyangen)
  • Hybrid landscapes (Yngve Nilsen)
  • History of Knowledge (Susann Holmberg)
  • History of medicine and health (Susann Holmberg)
  • Indigenous Australian knowledge traditions, dreams and mythology within modernity (Bård Rydland Aaberge)
  • Knowledge history of environmentalism (Håvard Brede Aven)
  • Metaphysics of the city: mobility, infrastructures and sense of place (Kjell Sindre Schmidt)
  • Modern Norwegian knowledge history (Yngve Nilsen)
  • Norwegian politics on energy and environment (Yngve Nilsen)
  • Political Anthropology (Lars Leer)
  • Scandinavian and European medieval history (Pål Berg Svenungsen)
  • Sociology of culture (Roger Hestholm)
  • Sociology of knowledge (Roger Hestholm)
  • The Crusades (Pål Berg Svenungsen)
  • The Vikings (Pål Berg Svenungsen)
  • Vocational knowledge cultures (Lars Gjelstad)
  • Work-integrated learning in higher education (Irina Pavlova)
  • Youth sociology (Lars Gjelstad)

Head of Research Group

bilde av Pål Berg Svenungsen

Pål Berg Svenungsen

Associate Professor