![\"\"](\"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/81\/2025\/02\/DSC00500.jpg\")
This moment of reflection was particularly significant, as Nord University holds national responsibility for education and research in Lule and South S\u00e1mi 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preparing Future Researchers for Norway\u2019s Changing Needs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAs Norway continues to adapt to shifts in education, technology, and workforce demands, the Nord Master Plus program plays a vital role in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Developing research expertise that addresses real-world challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Building strong academic and professional networks, both locally and internationally<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fostering lifelong learning skills essential for career adaptability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Professor Anna CohenMiller, chairing the event, encouraged us to engage in continuous reflection\u2014on what we see, hear, and practice\u2014as a way to drive meaningful change through research. This aligns with the program\u2019s core mission: to prepare students not just for academic success, but for careers where their research will have a tangible impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Vision Behind Nord Master Plus<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nProfessor Levi G\u00e5rseth-Nesbakk, Prorector, shared the founding story of Nord Master Plus\u2014a vision that took years to develop and was launched in 2024. This year\u2019s second cohort consists of eight candidates from three faculties, reflecting Nord University\u2019s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and future-oriented research training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 Gda\u0144sk, where students will gain further international exposure and expand their academic networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learning Through Connection & Experience<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nTo foster collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking, we participated in \u201chuman bingo\u201d and \u201cresearch speed-dating\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/81\/2025\/02\/Nayr-at-master-plus3.jpg\")
Photo of research speed dating to better understand experiences and insights into cross-disciplinary topics. Photo by Tor Eivind Aaneland<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nA well-deserved lunch break followed, featuring a special S\u00e1mi National Day cake, reinforcing the connection between cultural appreciation and academic community-building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insights into Research Careers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAfternoon sessions provided valuable insights into the realities of research careers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Umair Mughal<\/strong> 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\u2019s future knowledge economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProfessor Nayr Ibrahim<\/strong> led an interactive learning workshop, starting with a powerful question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- What does research taste, feel, sound, look, and smell like? <\/em>\u00a0By 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: \u201cHow do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.\u201d Tackling big challenges\u2014whether in research, education, or society\u2014requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to lifelong learning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As Professor CohenMiller wrapped up the day in collaboration with the team \u2013 Tor Eivind Aaneland and Malin Olsen \u2013<\/strong> it was clear that Nord Master Plus is more than just a research training program\u2014it\u2019s a strategic investment in Norway\u2019s future researchers, educators, and leaders. With an ever-changing professional landscape, lifelong learning and international collaboration are no longer optional; they are essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnward to new knowledge, new collaborations, and new learning adventures!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In this blog post, Spiwe R\u00f8nning (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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":160,"featured_media":532,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,8],"tags":[97,33,41,80,36],"coauthors":[47],"class_list":["post-529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english","category-livslang-laering","tag-forskningsbasert-undervisning","tag-laering","tag-livslang-laering","tag-nord-master-plus","tag-studentaktivitet"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/160"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=529"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":534,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions\/534"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=529"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Professor Anna CohenMiller, chairing the event, encouraged us to engage in continuous reflection\u2014on what we see, hear, and practice\u2014as a way to drive meaningful change through research. This aligns with the program\u2019s core mission: to prepare students not just for academic success, but for careers where their research will have a tangible impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Vision Behind Nord Master Plus<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nProfessor Levi G\u00e5rseth-Nesbakk, Prorector, shared the founding story of Nord Master Plus\u2014a vision that took years to develop and was launched in 2024. This year\u2019s second cohort consists of eight candidates from three faculties, reflecting Nord University\u2019s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and future-oriented research training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 Gda\u0144sk, where students will gain further international exposure and expand their academic networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learning Through Connection & Experience<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nTo foster collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking, we participated in \u201chuman bingo\u201d and \u201cresearch speed-dating\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhoto of research speed dating to better understand experiences and insights into cross-disciplinary topics. Photo by Tor Eivind Aaneland<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nA well-deserved lunch break followed, featuring a special S\u00e1mi National Day cake, reinforcing the connection between cultural appreciation and academic community-building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insights into Research Careers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAfternoon sessions provided valuable insights into the realities of research careers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Umair Mughal<\/strong> 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\u2019s future knowledge economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProfessor Nayr Ibrahim<\/strong> led an interactive learning workshop, starting with a powerful question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- What does research taste, feel, sound, look, and smell like? <\/em>\u00a0By 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: \u201cHow do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.\u201d Tackling big challenges\u2014whether in research, education, or society\u2014requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to lifelong learning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As Professor CohenMiller wrapped up the day in collaboration with the team \u2013 Tor Eivind Aaneland and Malin Olsen \u2013<\/strong> it was clear that Nord Master Plus is more than just a research training program\u2014it\u2019s a strategic investment in Norway\u2019s future researchers, educators, and leaders. With an ever-changing professional landscape, lifelong learning and international collaboration are no longer optional; they are essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnward to new knowledge, new collaborations, and new learning adventures!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In this blog post, Spiwe R\u00f8nning (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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":160,"featured_media":532,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,8],"tags":[97,33,41,80,36],"coauthors":[47],"class_list":["post-529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english","category-livslang-laering","tag-forskningsbasert-undervisning","tag-laering","tag-livslang-laering","tag-nord-master-plus","tag-studentaktivitet"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/160"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=529"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":534,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions\/534"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=529"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
To foster collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking, we participated in \u201chuman bingo\u201d and \u201cresearch speed-dating\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A well-deserved lunch break followed, featuring a special S\u00e1mi National Day cake, reinforcing the connection between cultural appreciation and academic community-building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Afternoon sessions provided valuable insights into the realities of research careers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Umair Mughal<\/strong> 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\u2019s future knowledge economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professor Nayr Ibrahim<\/strong> led an interactive learning workshop, starting with a powerful question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Professor CohenMiller wrapped up the day in collaboration with the team \u2013 Tor Eivind Aaneland and Malin Olsen \u2013<\/strong> it was clear that Nord Master Plus is more than just a research training program\u2014it\u2019s a strategic investment in Norway\u2019s future researchers, educators, and leaders. With an ever-changing professional landscape, lifelong learning and international collaboration are no longer optional; they are essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Onward to new knowledge, new collaborations, and new learning adventures!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In this blog post, Spiwe R\u00f8nning (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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":160,"featured_media":532,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,8],"tags":[97,33,41,80,36],"coauthors":[47],"class_list":["post-529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english","category-livslang-laering","tag-forskningsbasert-undervisning","tag-laering","tag-livslang-laering","tag-nord-master-plus","tag-studentaktivitet"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/160"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=529"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":534,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions\/534"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=529"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.nord.no\/plus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Insights into Research Careers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n