We research what it takes for each of us to experience quality of life and good living conditions, and how society can be transformed in a sustainable direction.
Our overarching interdisciplinary perspective on social and ecological conditions allows us to see the major societal challenges in context: demographic changes, increasing inequality, exclusion in education, work, and social life, pressure on municipal finances and public services, competence needs among professionals, overexploitation of natural resources, and climate change.
At the core lies the concept of sustainability: If we as a society are to solve the challenges we face, we need understanding and knowledge rooted in people’s actual lives, work, and everyday experiences. We can contribute with knowledge that helps answer questions such as: What significance do social and structural conditions have for our upbringing, health, and welfare? And how does our interaction with the environment function, and how can we together create a greener society? We also examine how health, environment, and animal welfare are closely interconnected. What affects one part often has consequences for the others. The World Health Organization calls this “One Health” – a way of understanding health across humans, animals, and nature.
The research group has broad expertise encompassing a range of disciplines, including political science, sociology, pedagogy, special education, child welfare and social work, health sciences, social anthropology, urban and regional planning, economics, and agroecology.
The goal of the knowledge we produce is that it can be applied in practice, policy, and research, both to prevent, improve, and transform.
Written by:Irene Larsen Øyeflaten
Work life and health are two fundamental building blocks of a sustainable society. In our research, we explore how work, welfare, and health services interact – and operate individually – in meeting people’s needs and society’s development. We research challenges such as sick leave, staffing, and pensions, and how different occupational groups and sectors organize […]
Written by:Marianne Singsaas
We research how nature – such as forests, water, biodiversity, and outdoor recreation areas – can be managed fairly, sustainably, and collectively. This involves examining which institutions, laws, practices, and norms make this possible in practice. It is crucial to understand these systems and processes, because decisions that do not take local rights, usage traditions, […]
Written by:Christine Hvitsand
We research how we can strengthen the transition to more sustainable and health-promoting food systems, including by exploring which barriers and opportunities influence this transition. The food system is an important part of the bioeconomy, food preparedness, and our daily lives. At the same time, sustainability challenges are found at every stage – from production, […]
Written by:Geir Møller
Family, upbringing, and education are fundamental arenas for the development of children and young people. We research how environments, public services, and policies can contribute to good conditions for growing up and promote well-being, learning, and social inclusion. The family is the child’s first and most important arena for development. Research on family relationships includes […]
Written by:Monica Bjerklund
We develop knowledge that strengthens people’s well-being, participation, sense of belonging, and safety throughout their lives. This involves examining how universal measures – such as parental guidance, prevention of violence and abuse, traffic safety measures, and work with psychosocial health and positive environments in schools and kindergartens – can help prevent challenges before they arise. […]
