New Study Programs
New this year is the bachelor's program in Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Technology, which became one of UiO's most popular programs. It is followed by a parallel offering of a master's program in Nuclear Technology. Nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry are in-demand competencies in Norway, and these study programs were established quickly after an unexpected allocation of dedicated study places by the Government. A big thank you to the academic communities, department leadership, and administrative staff at the Department of Physics and at UiO for succeeding in starting these programs this fall!
The new master's program in Space Systems at the Department of Technology Systems teaches students how satellites and space probes are developed and used, where user needs, technology, operational environments, and economics set the premises. The application numbers for this program were also promising. The bachelor's program in Material Science for Energy and Nanotechnology (MENA) has been revised and renamed to Renewable Energy and Nanotechnology. The academic communities and education leaders at the Department of Chemistry have made a remarkable effort and have succeeded in a significant increase in application numbers. Congratulations!
Additionally, I would like to highlight the new bachelor's program in Economics and Data Science, which the Department of Informatics (IFI) contributed in collaboration with the Department of Economics (Faculty of Social Sciences). The program was among UiO's most sought-after, demonstrating how interdisciplinary collaboration can succeed in student recruitment.
Focus on Nuclear Sciences
The Government has initiated a focus on nuclear sciences, and on August 22nd, we will celebrate the launch of the Norwegian Nuclear Research Center. The center is led by the Department of Physics in collaboration with IFE and NMBU. The new minister is coming to inaugurate the center and celebrate with us, and we are greatly excited! The Pharmaceutical Institute has announced two scientific positions in nuclear medicine/radiopharmacy with chemical and pharmaceutical backgrounds, which will be linked to the center. Our ambition is to elevate the entire field, from fundamental research in nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry to more thematic and applied research in nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy.
To highlight this focus and stimulate debate, the Faculty will participate in two events at Arendalsuka on August 17th: Nuclear Competence – Is Norway Prepared? and Does Norway Need Competence in the Field of Nuclear Medicine? We are collaborating with IFE, NMBU, Agilera, and Inven2 on these events, featuring lectures and discussions where the Research Council, the Pharmaceutical Industry Association, the Cyclotron Center, ministries, directorates, municipalities, and the business sector contribute.
Launch of two SFFs and phasing out of an SFI
This fall, our two new Centers for Excellence in Research (SFFs) are launching: PHAB – Center for Planetary Habitability at the Department of Geosciences, and Integreat – Norwegian Center for Knowledge-Driven Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics. There has been a lot of work and challenging negotiations between the centers, de