Ingrid Ovidia Moe Telle

Dear colleagues,

I hope that you will give me renewed confidence when I now run for re-election to continue the work representing PhD-candidates, research assistants and postdoctoral researchers in the University Board! Continuity is an advantage in board representation, and as a sitting university board member I have gained valuable experience, and a good relationship with the rest of the board. The University´s finances are under pressure, and as temporary academic employees we must continue to clearly communicate our importance and needs to maintain UiB as a solid and forward-looking research institution.

Financial pressures

Universities and higher education are not prioritized by the current government, and accompanied by high inflation and high electricity prices, this has led to significant cuts in UiB's budget. Furthermore, the government will end earmarking of funds for PhDs and postdoc positions. I will therefore keep a very close eye on how the university manages and prioritizes its funds in the time ahead - we have reason to be worried! Also, under financial constraints, it is still important to maintain the autonomy and breadth of UiB as a classic research university, as well as continuing interdisciplinary research on climate and the environment as existentially important areas of focus.

Working conditions

In 2022 the Forskerforbundet's member survey found that only 1 in 3 young researchers, and only 1 in 5 postdocs, would recommend a research career to other young people. These are disturbing figures that must be dealt with! Support infrastructure for research and teaching is not sufficient, particularly in times of physical or psychological stress and illness. This is profoundly important for us in temporary jobs because we work on schedules and with a high degree of independent responsibility. As board representative, I will continue to work in favour of developing the Careers centre and the occupational health service, particularly the important psychological councelling service. We deserve the support we need to succeed with our research and teaching!

The pandemic may seem like a distant memory, but it is important to remember that there are still many PhDs and Postdocs that were delayed in their work. I will therefore underscore the need for sufficient resources for tutoring, co-worker counseling and funding for conference participation and networking.

Communication

As I see it, one of the most important tasks for the representative of the temporary employees in the University board is to keep in touch with our colleagues. I want to represent you, and therefore your thoughts and input are essential for me to do a good job. I will continue to work systematically to ensure communication with the faculty board members, the organizations for the temporary employees and the labour unions. I will work to ensure that the organizations for temporary employees are given funding to continue their important work for group B togetherness, common interests and needs.

About me

I am a PhD candidate at the Department of Economics. My research focuses on investment in human capital in adolescents. Before becoming a PhD candidate, I’ve worked as (temporary) head of administration of the Holberg Prize and as a research assistant at DIGSSCORE. Finally, I am the proud mother of two children. Please, do not hesitate to contact me by phone (41514781) or e-mail  ingrid.o.telle@uib.no if you have questions!