Strategy 2016–2022
Vision: Knowledge that shapes society We promote innovative and internationally recognised research and education which establishes important standards in the analysis and the shaping of society.
Main content
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