Foto: Eivind Senneset
Since last time I wrote, we have conducted a bioLUNCH, and this week, the first bioTEACH took place. Regarding bioLUNCH, we are working on finding an alternative venue where we can have lunch together more effectively while also having a couple of presentations. Unfortunately, I missed bioTEACH as I was in Brussels with the dean’s office and other department heads this week (more on that later). From Øyvind and Beate, I received feedback on our first bioTEACH, and it sounds like it got off to a great start. Øystein Varpe was welcomed as the new program board leader for Biology—many thanks to him for taking on this important role! There was also information shared about the new info pages designed to help master students choose the right courses for their specialization and master’s thesis selection as we merge the study tracks for our Master in Biology starting in the fall of 2025. Additionally, the “top five” action points registered from the Teacher’s Retreat on this topic were reviewed. This sparked good engagement among attendees and led to valuable discussions about how to welcome master students in the fall of 2025, course selection, and further work on master thesis assignments. Measures related to this are already well underway, including an information meeting in March to provide students with early guidance. A lot of good work is being done in this area, and I am confident that we will successfully implement this restructuring of the Master program in Biology!
As mentioned, the dean’s office and department heads from NT visited UiB’s Brussels office this week, where our host was Charlotte Eide. Over the two busy days, we received briefings from various offices and units that play key roles in many of our activities and funding opportunities. We met with representatives from NFR and the European Innovation Council (EIC Pathfinder). In addition, we attended highly interesting presentations from DG Science for Policy, Advice, and Ethics, as well as Norway’s advisor to the EU delegation on ICT policy. Many thanks to Charlotte Eide for organizing an excellent visit. These were valuable days, and my ambition is to become more familiar with UiB’s Brussels office and how it serves as a key resource for our work within the EU system.
This week, Katja and I also had our first meeting with the research group leaders at BIO. Our main topic was how to prepare for large infrastructure funding applications (RCN) in the fall of 2025 and 2027. We aim to establish a routine for these meetings with research group leaders so that we can discuss and coordinate strategy regarding research and external funding. This will help us stand stronger and more united in the development of BIO in the coming years.
Wishing you all a great weekend and a nice winter holiday week!
Ståle