Affiliated Researchers
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2024 Affiliated Researchers
Dr. Arve Egil Asbjørnsen, Professor, Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen
Project Title: Implicit Language Learning
Project Description: Spoken language consists of sound patterns occurring with some regularity, and the distribution of these sound patterns act as cues for implicit processing and learning. Earlier studies have documented that we are able to detect and identify adjacent and non-adjacent sound patterns that act as cues to both word boundaries and to morpho-syntactical structures when we are exposed to a new and unfamiliar language. This has been shown using both artificial and natural language, and the ability to do this is shaped at birth. In this project we aim to design a series of experiments where we will use Greek grammatical structures as stimuli for of language learning in Greek naïve participants, using single words, simple syntactical structures and naturally occurring speech to target different aspects of implicit language learning based on statistical properties of the language. The mechanisms used for implicit language learning are believed to be a part of the probability calculator that is closely related to the basic information processing capacity of our nervous system that can automatically identify and evaluate sensory input. It is suggested that these mechanisms are modality general and not uniquely designed for language learning, but better understanding of how these mechanisms work can give important knowledge for language teaching strategies as well as remedial planning for language disorders.
Helge Ask, PhD student, Centre of Mission and Global Studies Faculty of Theology and Social Sciences, VID Specialized University
Project Title: Angels Who Sinned: Reading Jude 6 and 2 Pet 2:4 from an Imperial-Critical Perspective
Project Description: This Ph.D. project is based on an interest in how the two texts of Jude 6 and 2 Pet 2:4 interact with their Roman imperial context. Because of Jude 6 and 2 Pet 2:4’s subject matter, namely the fallen angels and how they stand as a warning against sinful conduct, as well as these texts’ Roman imperial context and influences from former empires, they portray a remarkable complexity of ideas and contexts. This complexity is an intriguing feature with these texts which this project opts to study. As a criticism that is occupied with how texts display direct or indirect influence of and interaction with empires, imperial criticism stand as a suitable theoretical framework for this endeavor. By reading Jude 6 and 2 Pet 2:4 from an imperial-critical perspective, this project shall therefore primarily undertake an exegetical study on these texts by applying their imperial context(s) as an interpretative lens. A secondary interest with this project is how and from where the idea(s) of fallen angels as portrayed in the letters of Jude and 2 Peter developed. It is anticipated that imperial criticism will be useful when examining this feature as well. The main research question that shall guide this project is: How can a reading of Jude 6 and 2 Pet 2:4 from an imperial-critical perspective broaden our understanding of these texts?
Mads Sondre Stryger Prøitz, PhD student, School of Archaeology and Faculty of Classics, University of Oxford
Project Title: Manifesting Identity: Symbols and Iconography in Ancient Greece – Analysing Collective Identities and Propaganda
Project Description: Archaic and Classical Greece saw significant changes to social organisation and collective and cultural identities. Together with the formation of city-states, Greek collective identities/self-representations and understandings were created, reinforced, and spread throughout the Greek world, however, the why and how of the matter remains nebulous. My project examines how iconography played a role in forming collective identities and social organisations during these periods in mainland Greece. My body of evidence is the understudied source of shield emblems. My research question can be summarized as follows: how does the use of iconography, focusing on shield emblems and archaeological material depicting such emblems, reflect these social transformations? What can iconographic use tell us about Greek collective identities/self-representation and memory, and their connection to emerging city-states?
Dr. Markos Katsianis, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Archaeology, University of Patras
Project Title: Paliambela Kolindros Archaeological Project / Amphipolis Excavation Project
Project Description: Dr. Markos Katsianis will be continuing his research into two ongoing projects during Spring 2024. This includes work on semantic modeling and post-excavation stratigraphic data study for the Paliambela Kolindros Archaeological Project, as well as data documentation for the Amphipolis Excavation Project.
Oliver Hambsch, PhD Research Fellow, Oslo National Academy of the Arts
Project Title: Material Memory
Project Description: My research at the NIA is part of the larger research project I’m conducting during my PhD research fellowship at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts. My current research is into the materiality of printmaking as a conceptual tool with which to address larger issues of memory and identity through analogy (https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/1495740/2521216). A large part of my current research consists of an investigation into materiality and process within artmaking. As an artist whose practice is centred around these two aspects as essential meaning-forming components of her art, Siopis’ work is of particular interest to me. Furthermore, Siopis has extensively dealt with issues of identity and memory in her work. As such I consider Siopis an important reference artist in my research. The research I’m planning to conduct at the Norwegian Institute at Athens would consist of an in depth examination of Siopis’ show, followed by an interview with her and potentially the curator of the exhibition. I am planning on revisiting the show over the course of a couple of days as well as examining any subsequent critiques and reviews. Access to relevant libraries would be beneficial too. The primary research conducted on site will inform and integrate into my larger research project upon my return to Oslo.
2023 Affiliated Researchers
Dr. Alex Knodell, Associate Professor, Classics Department, Carleton University, US
Project Title: Small Cycladic Islands Project
Project Description: Dr. Knodell is the co-director of the Small Cycladic Islands Project (SCIP; 2019-present), a collaboration (synergasia) between the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, the Norwegian Institute at Athens, and Carleton College. The synergasia operates under the direction of Demetris Athanasoulis (Director of the Cyclades Ephorate), and the research is co-directed by Drs. Alex Knodell and Žarko Tankosić (University of Bergen). SCIP is a diachronic archaeological survey of several small, uninhabited islands in the Cycladic Archipelago (Greece). As of 2022, SCIP has carried out comprehensive surveys of 45 islands. During his stay at NIA, Dr. Knodell will be working on data analysis and publication of SCIP’s results.
For more information about SCIP, please follow this link.
Dr. Anne Helen Mydland, Professor, The Art Academy – Department of Contemporary Art, University of Bergen
Project Title: Clay and Ceramics
Project Description: During her research stay at the NIA, Professor Mydland aims to establish connections with the local archaeological and museological community. She plans to explore artifacts and collections in archaeological museums and engage with Athens' burgeoning contemporary art scene. Her objective is to broaden the scope of her current research projects by incorporating insights and collaborations from the local academic community. Additionally, she seeks to establish contacts for potential future collaborative endeavors.