By Spiwe Thandabani Rønning (Nord Master Plus 2025 Research Candidate) and Anna CohenMiller, 28 February 2025
In this blog post, Spiwe Rønning (Nord Master Plus 2025 Research Candidate) shares an overview and reflections from the Nord Master Plus 2025 kick-off. Working together, we have highlighted how the program fosters lifelong learning, research excellence, and global engagement—all critical for shaping the future of education and professional development in Norway and beyond.
As Norway’s educational and professional landscapes evolve, the need for highly skilled, research-driven professionals has never been greater. Lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement are key to addressing societal challenges and shaping the future.
The Nord Master Plus program is a forward-thinking initiative designed to equip high-achieving first-year master’s students with the research skills, networks, and academic growth opportunities needed to drive innovation and knowledge-building—not just within Norway, but on a global scale.
This year’s kick-off event, held on February 6th—The National Day of the Sámi People, set the tone for this journey. We began with a Land Acknowledgment Statement, recognizing the land and Indigenous people of Norway. It was explained that the development of a sample Sámi Land Acknowledgement for Nord University became a central emphasis of a research article (you can read the article here by CohenMiller, Ness & Martin, 2024).
This moment of reflection was particularly significant, as Nord University holds national responsibility for education and research in Lule and South Sámi studies. Understanding and appreciating diverse histories and perspectives is a critical aspect of lifelong learning, reminding us that knowledge-building must be inclusive, ethical, and deeply rooted in context. Moreover, the responsibility for acknowledging the history and appreciation rests on all our shoulders, with anyone and everyone invited to read Land Acknowledgements at the beginning of events, classes, and other activities.
Preparing Future Researchers for Norway’s Changing Needs
As Norway continues to adapt to shifts in education, technology, and workforce demands, the Nord Master Plus program plays a vital role in:
- Developing research expertise that addresses real-world challenges
- Building strong academic and professional networks, both locally and internationally
- Fostering lifelong learning skills essential for career adaptability
Professor Anna CohenMiller, chairing the event, encouraged us to engage in continuous reflection—on what we see, hear, and practice—as a way to drive meaningful change through research. This aligns with the program’s core mission: to prepare students not just for academic success, but for careers where their research will have a tangible impact.
The Vision Behind Nord Master Plus
Professor Levi Gårseth-Nesbakk, Prorector, shared the founding story of Nord Master Plus—a vision that took years to develop and was launched in 2024. This year’s second cohort consists of eight candidates from three faculties, reflecting Nord University’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and future-oriented research training.
A key component of the program is internationalization, highlighted by a presentation by Tove Holm, national senior advisor for the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU). This initiative connects nine universities across Europe, including Nord, to foster cross-border research collaboration. This is particularly relevant as we prepare for our study visit to the University of Gdańsk, where students will gain further international exposure and expand their academic networks.
Learning Through Connection & Experience
To foster collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking, we participated in “human bingo” and “research speed-dating”, engaging activities that encouraged us to identify common research interests and potential collaborations across fields. Dr. Elise Arnsby, an expert in teacher professional learning, led these sessions, making networking both insightful and fun.
A well-deserved lunch break followed, featuring a special Sámi National Day cake, reinforcing the connection between cultural appreciation and academic community-building.
Insights into Research Careers
Afternoon sessions provided valuable insights into the realities of research careers:
Dr. Umair Mughal shared an honest perspective on the challenges and rewards of being a PhD candidate, emphasizing that researchers play a crucial role in societal development and are key contributors to Norway’s future knowledge economy.
Professor Nayr Ibrahim led an interactive learning workshop, starting with a powerful question:
- What does research taste, feel, sound, look, and smell like? By engaging all senses, we explored the essence of research as a lived experience, reinforcing that knowledge is shaped by creativity, collaboration, and iterative discovery. She concluded with a fitting metaphor: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Tackling big challenges—whether in research, education, or society—requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
As Professor CohenMiller wrapped up the day in collaboration with the team – Tor Eivind Aaneland and Malin Olsen – it was clear that Nord Master Plus is more than just a research training program—it’s a strategic investment in Norway’s future researchers, educators, and leaders. With an ever-changing professional landscape, lifelong learning and international collaboration are no longer optional; they are essential.
Onward to new knowledge, new collaborations, and new learning adventures!
