Tuesday 30. September all staff was invited to a general meeting at VilVite. The main issues discussed and presented were:
Area reduction process – status
We are still working on developing solutions to be able to move into a smaller area. There has been a focus on four main areas:
1. Thormøhlens gate 55 Bioblokken fifth floor:
Proposals for solutions have been prepared for laboratories and offices for microbiology, molecular biology and administration. An architect has made proposals for drawings, which will soon be completed, but some details related to the laboratories remain. Proposed solutions will be presented to the involved groups when they are completed.
2. Thormøhlens gate 55 Bioblokken fourth floor:
A separate working group has worked on proposals for how we can establish new teaching laboratories on the fourth floor, to replace those we will lose in Thormøhlens gate 53 A when we move. The architect has made proposals for drawings, but some details remain. Proposals for solutions will be presented in relevant groups when they are complete.
3. Thormøhlensgate 55 Bioblokken third floor:
We have worked on finding space for storing ultra-freezers and equipment for the teaching laboratories. Consideration is being given to how the hallway can be used for this, among other things. The solution for this has not been fully finalized.
4. Thormøhlensgate 53 B:
We have two working groups with representatives from the Ecology and Evolution group and the University Museum (UM), who are working on solutions for BIO and UM in the B-block. For now, we are having discussions in the working groups, and gradually an architect will be involved to draw up the solutions that we believe will work.
We aim to decide on solutions for all areas before Christmas, but the moving process will not start in 2025. We encourage all staff to use the time up until the physical moving starts to tidy up and dispose of any outdated “stuff” taking up space in offices and laboratries.
Reorganization – status
In the spring of 2025, work was initiated to review the internal organization of the department, with the goal of creating a simpler structure with better information flow and clearer division of work and responsibilities.
A working group has been established and began its work in the spring of 2025, but the work has been delayed by the area reduction process, which has had priority. The latter has proven to be so demanding that further progress in the work on the organizational structure has been put on hold until the main lines regarding area reduction are in place.
Working group for career advancement for fellows and postdoctoral fellows
We have established a working group consisting of Alistair Seddon, Helene Müller Haugan, Aurelia Lewis, Tommy Strand, who will look at how career advancement work at BIO is structured and followed up.
Department council meeting 29 September 2025
A department council meeting was held on 29 September to discuss study plan changes with financial consequences.
All matters were approved, with some comments. The details will be recorded in the minutes of the department council. Among other things, an increase in the number of days of practice in the fish health study is planned and a new course BIO2XX Norway’s nature is being created.
Upcoming events – please sign up!
Remember the teacher’s retreat on 25 November and the ECC’s first conference on 1 December!
New projects
Many congratulations to Aina-Cathrine Øvergård and Anita Rønneseth for their two new NFR researcher projects. We are proud and happy of you!