Strategy 2016–2022

Scenario

By 2022, the faculty will establish Norway's most exciting and dynamic social sciences environment for education and research, and the faculty will be at the forefront of international research in several fields.

Research – Primary Objective

The faculty's academic communities conduct free and analytical research of a high standard, and contribute to solving the challenges our society faces.

Research – Strategic Objectives

We will have world-leading research environments

We will set standards for research into major social challenges and create new approaches to global issues

We will focus on a scientifically-based curriculum and academic diversity

We will promote innovative methodology and theory development across our academic disciplines

Research – Approach

Employ leading researchers by means of talent development and international recruitment

Increase international researcher exchange and international collaborations

Contribute to UiB's interdisciplinary centres, knowledge clusters and initiatives within research and education: Media City Bergen, climate, energy and health, along with global social challenges

Work towards acquiring a Centre of Excellence (SFF), a Centre for Research-Based Innovation (SFI), grants from the European Research Council (ERC), and grants from the Research Council of Norway and the Bergen Research Foundation

Collaboration with Uni Research, Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) and other relevant academic communities and organisations

Establish research infrastructure for social sciences

Promote the development of disciplines and utilise evaluation of academic subjects

Education – Primary Objective

The faculty will have robust academic communities with exemplary education and a stimulating environment wherein candidates are provided solid specialist knowledge and high analytical expertise.

Education – Strategic Objectives

We will ensure that students receive significant educational and academic benefits

We will work towards establishing a strong link between education and research

We will promote qualitative and relevant education programmes

We will facilitate interdisciplinary study programmes

We will acquire more and better-qualified applicants and strengthen students’ pursuit of education

We will increase student mobility through a high-quality exchange programme

We will strengthen continuing- and further education programmes

Education – Approach

Increase diversity in teaching and assessment forms, and facilitate more interactive learning for students for their academic benefit

Further develop practical education programmes

Facilitate enhanced pedagogical skills in general and colleague supervision during teaching

Collaborate with DigUiB and establish schemes for using digital tools to promote learning

Acquire a Centre of Excellence in Education (SFU)

Establish schemes which ensure better supervision of and contact with students, for example, mentorship

Offer more courses in English and recommended exchange itineraries for all our students

Collaborate with other enterprises to establish more continuing- and further education programmes

Ensure that current and ongoing departmental research is included in teaching

PhD programmes – Primary Objective

Research training will be used to create the right conditions for independent, critical and original thinking, and prepare PhD candidates for participation in high-level international research

PhD programmes – Strategic Objectives

We will offer research training of a high international standard

We will improve on time completion of PhD-studies

We will increase international contact for our PhD candidates

We will endorse the relevance and competence of our PhD candidates outside of academia

PhD programmes – Approach

Strengthen our PhD candidates' methodological competence by means of methodology courses and interdepartmentally

Employ the Professor II scheme for supervision of PhD candidates

Link PhD candidates to research groups

Facilitate international research visits for individual candidates

Ensure high quality in submitted theses and dissertations, for example through evaluation seminars

Creating meeting points between PhD candidates and workplaces

Communication and Dissemination – Overall Objective

Academic communities at the faculty are to promote active dissemination and will be recognised for our social analyses and our contribution to public discourse.

Communication and Dissemination – Strategic Objectives

We will promote research for an interested audience through the appropriate dissemination and presentation channels

We will highlight the quality and relevance of education programmes

We will work to profile more young researchers in the media

We will generate awareness for topical issues and work to increase research investment in these areas

Communication and Dissemination – Approach

Make use of new media, UiB dissemination expertise, DigUiB and Media City Bergen for educational and research presentation

Establish initiatives that encourage active media participation

Arrange lectures and debates on pertinent topics and current social challenges

Use our alumni as ambassadors for our subjects

Encourage various dissemination and presentation initiatives to show the span and diversity of our expertise

Organisation and Workplace – Overall Objective

The faculty strives to have a good work environment and favourable conditions for the development of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary collaboration in research and education.

Organisation and Workplace – Strategic Objectives

We aim to have a work environment that is stimulating, inspiring and inclusive

We strive to have an organisation that is advantageous to achieving our academic goals

We will work to ensure that a career in research is appealing and calculable

We will work to have effective and progressive administrative support services

We will work to improve gender distribution across academic as well as administrative positions

We strive to have a good work environment for employees and students

We will ensure favourable conditions for and good cooperation between students and the student organisations

Organisation and Workplace – Approach

Recruit the best professionals for all types of positions

Create good academic and social meeting spaces

Assess the organisational structure in relation to professional goals, robustness and flexibility

Facilitate development of individual competencies and offer favourable and clear career paths for administrative and academic positions

Facilitate leadership development and good leadership

Ensure good premises for students