Lauritz Meltzer´s Research Awards to Ellen Christine Rørvik and Nina Langeland at K2

Lauritz Meltzer, a prominent businessman, generously left his wealth to establish the Meltzer Research Fund at the UiB. The fund’s primary objective is to advance scientific endeavors within UiB and provide support to exceptionally talented students. Each year, on Lauritz Meltzer´s birthday (March 8th), three recipients are honored with an award that includes NOK 200,000 from the fund.

The Value and Impact of Research Prizes and Awards in Medicine

What are the value and importance of research prizes and awards? I think these accolades serve as beacons, illuminating the path toward scientific excellence and inspiring the next generation of researchers. Let us delve into the significance of the 2024 honors, celebrating the remarkable achievements of our esteemed colleagues.

Recognizing Excellence: Ellen Røyrvik, PhD

Dr. Ellen Christine Røyrvik, recipient of the Award for Young Researchers, embodies the spirit of curiosity and innovation. Her work in genetics and population history has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Dr. Røyrvik’s interdisciplinary background—spanning genetics, molecular biology, archaeology, and linguistics—has allowed her to explore fundamental questions about Norwegian and European population history. But her impact extends beyond historical inquiries. By shedding new light on the biology of clinically important diseases, she bridges the gap between scientific discovery and patient care. Her prolific publication record showcases both breadth and depth, underscoring her dedication to advancing medical knowledge.

Pioneering Infection Research: Professor Nina Langeland, MD, PhD

Professor Nina Langeland stands as a beacon of excellence in infection research. Her pioneering efforts, particularly during the corona pandemic, have saved lives and shaped our understanding of infectious diseases. What sets her apart is not just her scientific acumen but also her unwavering commitment to patients. With over 25 years of experience as a senior physician at Haukeland University Hospital, Professor Langeland’s research is deeply rooted in the realities of patient care. She listens to their stories, observes their struggles, and translates these insights into meaningful scientific investigations.

Translational Research: Bridging Disciplines

Professor Langeland’s approach exemplifies the essence of translational research. By seamlessly integrating clinical experience with advanced laboratory methods, she unravels the complexities of diseases. Her work transcends disciplinary boundaries, collaborating with experts across institutions. Through this interdisciplinary synergy, she not only solves clinical puzzles but also contributes to the broader scientific community.

A Call to Celebrate

Research prizes and awards are more than mere accolades; they symbolize dedication, perseverance, and collaboration. As we honor Dr. Røyrvik and Professor Langeland, we celebrate the spirit of inquiry—the driving force that propels medicine forward. Let us continue to champion our many very good researchers, encourage curiosity, and foster an environment where excellence thrives.

Congratulations to our distinguished awardees, and may their passion continue to illuminate the path toward better health and a brighter future.

Reidun Lisbet Kjome appointed Bergen Ambassadør

The head of the Center for Pharmacy, associate professor Reidun Lisbet Kjome, was appointed official Bergen Ambassadør on March 11, 2024 for her efforts in organizing the yearly conference of the European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy in Bergen. This year’s conference topic is Optimizing pharmacy workforce: Relevance, Active and Lifelong Learning (https://eafponline.eu/annual-conference/)

At the official ceremony in Håkonshallen Reidun got a diploma by Bergen mayor Marit Warncke. Congratulations!

Professor Jutta Dierkes from the Department of Clinical Medicine was awarded for her organization of the Nordic Nutrition Conference in Bergen (https://www.nnc2024.org/), congratulations!

Project Management for Academics

Are you curious about the intricacies of project management and how it is applied in academia? This course will delve into the nuances of project management within academic settings and explore how it differs from other sectors. While examining the unique characteristics of research projects, we will also consider whether external perspectives and strategies could be beneficial in improving project management in academia.

30.05.2024 – 09.00–11.30

Nygårdsgaten 5 (NG5) – Meeting room 301 (“Sydneshaugen”)

Registration

https://www.uib.no/en/ferd/169040/project-management-academics

Transfers of personal data outside of EEA; What is the status today?

Foto/ill.: Mongta Studio

04.04.2024 – 14.15–16.00

Auditorium in JUSSII

Ane Rode will be giving a guest lecture on transfers of personal data outside of EEA as part of the courses JUS2303 and JUS3503 Privacy and data protection – GDPR.

Transfers of personal data outside of EEA; What is the status today?

In principle, transfer of personal data to a third country is prohibited. However, there are some exceptions from this rule. A transfer can take place if the conditions laid down in the provisions of the GDPR relating to the transfer of personal data to third countries are complied with by the controller or the processor. The GDPR provides different transfer mechanisms for transfers of personal data from the EEA to a third country. In the Schrems II judgement handed down by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on 16 July 2020 , the CJEU declared that the transfer mechanism Privacy Shield for transfers between the EEA and the U.S was no longer lawful.

https://www.uib.no/fg/konkurranse/169177/transfers-personal-data-outside-eea-what-status-today

Seminar series Centre for Nutrition

The  Centre for nutrition is pleased to invite you to a new seminar in our seminar series this spring. The series addresses key challenges in nutrition and health.

Inge Tetens from the Department of Nutrition and Exercise, University of Copenhagen, will present his research to us.

Time: Thursday April 11th  2024 kl. 14.30-15.30

Place: Aud. 2, BB-bygget

Professor Inge Tetens from the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen. Her primary goal is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the scientific basis for optimal health and well-being through healthy diets.

One of her research areas is healthy aging. Her research in this area focuses on identifying dietary and lifestyle factors that can help older adults maintain independence, and quality of life, and prevent age-related health problems. Her current research activities relate to bone and muscle health during aging, with a focus on dietary intake of calcium, protein quantity, and quality.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Welcome!

Show off your science in Nature’s photo competition

The 2024 Working Scientist photo competition is open for entries. Capture your science on camera for a chance to appear in Nature.

Nature’s 2024 photo competition is now live, providing a chance to celebrate the diverse, interesting, challenging, striking and colourful work that scientists do around the world.

Conditions for the competition

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00688-3

Interdisciplinary Conference: Music, Quality of Life, and Social Participation

Based on the knowledge cluster Polyfon, and using music and music therapy as an example, this interdisciplinary conference aims to illuminate opportunities for cross-faculty collaboration. It also explores the University of Bergen’s potential to become a leading international institution in the field of Arts and Health research.

The invitation to the conference goes out to researches at HF, KMD, MEDFAK, PSYKFAK and SV.

Time and place: Nygårdsgaten 5.    3/4 -24 kl. 11.00-14.50. Deadline for registration March 14th, register here:  Tverrfakultær konferanse: Musikk, livskvalitet og samfunnsdeltaking | Polyfon kunnskapsklynge for musikkterapi | UiB (Website only in Norweigan)

Joint meeting with the Computational Biology Unity (CBU)

Many of you have asked for it and we are pleased to announce that we will have a joint MED-CBU seminar on the 21st of March at 11:15. Like last time the seminar aims to foster interaction between researchers at MED and CBU and will be followed by a mingling lunch. The seminar will take place in the ‘blåbær’ room at CBU, 5th floor of the Datablokk at Høyteknologisenteret. If you need help with directions, please let me know.
If you are interested in joining this event please contact Marc (marc.vaudel@uib.no) or Silje (Silje.Skrede@uib.no) to ensure that enough food is ordered. Also, if you have suggestion of activities, workshop, or want to help with the organization – please let us know!

Disputas: Marianne Catharina Astor – 19.03.2024

Lecture Trial: Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 10:15 AM
Location: Auditorium 4, BB Building, Jonas Lies vei 91 Assigned
Topic: “Effects of Vitamin D on Bone and Muscles”

Foto/ill.: Ingrid Hagerup

Dissertation Defense: Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 12:15 PM
Location: Auditorium 4, BB Building, Jonas Lies vei 91 Dissertation
Title: “Hypoparathyroidism in Norway”

  1. Opponent: Professor Lars Rejnmark, Aarhus University
  2. Opponent: Professor Kerstin Landin-Wilhelmsen, University of Gothenburg
  3. Committee Member: Associate Professor Hildegunn Aarsetøy, University of Bergen

The defense will be chaired by Professor Tomas Eagan.

Open to all interested parties

Press Release (Only Norwegian)

Disputation: Erlend Eriksen – 15.03.2024

Lecture Trial: Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:15 AM
Location: Auditorium, Glass Blocks, Haukelandsbakken 15 Assigned
Topic: “Mechanical Circulatory Support – Beneficial or Harmful?”

Photo/Illustration: Tina Vaksdal

Dissertation Defense: Friday, March 15, 2024, at 12:15 PM
Location: Auditorium, Glass Blocks, Haukelandsbakken 15 Dissertation
Title: “Multimodality Imaging in the Immediate and Long-Term Evaluation of Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction”

  1. Opponent: Associate Professor Matthias Götberg, Lund University, Sweden
  2. Opponent: Ph.D. Kristin Angel, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital
  3. Committee Member: Associate Professor Venny Lise Kvalheim, University of Bergen

The defense will be chaired by Associate Professor Dana Cramariuc.

Open to all interested parties

Press Release (Only Norwegian)

Disputation: Arleen Aune 15.03.2024

Lecture Trial: Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:15 AM
Location: Auditorium, Armauer Hansen Building, Haukelandsveien 28 Assigned
Topic: “Necessity for Sex-Specific Classification and Treatment Targets in Arterial Hypertension”

Photo/Illustration: Elise Aasebø

Dissertation Defense: Friday, March 15, 2024, at 12:15 PM
Location: Auditorium, Armauer Hansen Building, Haukelandsveien 28 Dissertation
Title: “Cardiac Organ Damage in Systemic Hypertension: Impact of Gender, Etiology, and Comorbidities”

  1. Opponent: Professor Maria Lorenza Muiesan, University of Brescia, Italy
  2. Opponent: Professor Emeritus Michel Burnier, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
  3. Committee Member: Professor Hans-Peter Marti, University of Bergen

The defense will be chaired by Professor Emerita Birgitta Åsjø.

Open to all interested parties

Press release (Only Norwegian)

Disputation: Hilde Kristin Vindenes – 08.03.2024

Lecture trial: Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10:15 AM
Location: Auditorium, Armauer Hansen Building, Haukelandsveien 28
Assigned topic: “Treatment of Hand Eczema”

Photo/ill.: Private

Dissertation defense: Friday, March 8, 2024, at 12:15 PM
Location: Auditorium, Armauer Hansen Building, Haukelandsveien 28
Dissertation title: “Occupational and Environmental Exposures: Impact on Skin and Associations with Skin Microbiome”

  1. Opponent: Associate Professor Åke Svensson, Lund University, Sweden
  2. Opponent: Ph.D. Merete Åse Eggesbø, Norwegian Institute of Public Health Committee
  3. member: Associate Professor Bjørn Blomberg, University of Bergen

The defense will be chaired by Professor Silke Appel.

Open to all interested parties

Press release (Only Norwegian)

Election notice and invitation to propose candidates group B

Announcements for the election of representatives from group B to the department council The Department of Clinical Science and the faculty board at The Faculty of Medicine.

The deadlines for submitting written candidate proposals to the faculty’s election committee c/o Gjert Bakkevold:,gjert.bakkevold@uib.no are:

Candidates for the institute council and faculty board – proposal deadline April 4th.

Election notice proposal candidates group B dept council The Department of Clinical Science here:

Election notice proposal candidates group B Faculty board here:

Cell Press virtual forum on the impact of plastics on human and ecosystem health

Join us for a virtual forum on the impact of plastic pollution on human and environmental health, highlighting the gaps in our understanding of how plastics affect human and ecosystem health and explore what needs to be done to close them.

Keynote speaker Nanna Hartmann (Technical University of Denmark) will be joined by an interdisciplinary panel featuring
Bethanie Carney Almroth (University of Gothenburg)
Philip J. Landrigan (Boston College and Centre Scientifique de Monaco)
Imari Walker-Franklin (RTI International)

Register here: https://hubs.li/Q02m6nKz0

Healthy Economy mailbox

The project “Healthy Economy” is meant to propose measures to streamline the operations of the entire faculty, including both the departments and the faculty administration. If you have suggestions for measures that can improve efficiency or save money, don’t hesitate to submit them here. You can do so anonymously if you prefer. All suggestions are appreciated. The project group is led by the head of the K1 department, Christian Vedeler, and their proposals are due by May 15th.

Read more on the webpage for the project (only in Norwegian): https://www.uib.no/med/169019/sunn-%C3%B8konomi

National Science Week 2024

The National Science Week are held from September 18th to September 29th, 2024. Sign up to participate in the research festival!

Et barn gjør fysikkeksperiment, holder på en elektrisk kule og håret reiser seg

Foto/ill.: Øivind Ganesh Eknes

HEALTH is the main theme
The main theme in 2024 is “health”. Health concerns us humans physically and mentally, but also animal health and health in the oceans and nature are relevant research fields to communicate. UiB has a lot of relevant research to showcase, and we encourage academic communities to be inspired by the theme. However, it is equally desirable for UiB to communicate research that deals with other topics. All faculties and academic communities are encouraged to participate and showcase their research.

We are seeking contributions for this year’s festival
The following events are being planned (note deadlines for expressing interest):
1 Research fair at Festplassen
– Express interest by April 5th
2 School visits
– Express interest by April 5th
3 Researcher Grand Prix
– Application deadline April 30th
4 Research Days YOUNG
5 Other events
– Submit your own events for the program by May 15th.

Read more (only in Norwegian) here: https://www.uib.no/foransatte/17362/forskningsdagene#andre-arrangementer

or for more information contact Kristine Gabrielsen: kristine.gabrielsen@uib.no

Nordic Cancer Unions’ annual call for researcher projects

Upcoming call in March: Nordic Cancer Unions’ annual call for researcher projects
The Norwegian Cancer Society now has the secretariat for the Nordic Cancer Union from 2024 to 2026. The NCU has an annual call for research projects with Nordic collaborations in focus. We will announce when the call is open for applications.

For any questions, contact: ncu@kreftforeningen.no.

https://kreftforeningen.no/

Postdoc Development Programme at MED 24/25

The Faculty of Medicine is now accepting applications for admission to the Postdoc Development Program 2024/25. The application deadline is 15 May.

This program aims to support postdoctoral researchers in developing the skills necessary for a successful academic career, foster a community of early-career researchers, and make the Faculty of Medicine an attractive workplace for postdocs.

Participants: postdoctoral or researchers affiliated with a research group at the Faculty of Medicine. 20 places.

NEW Program: Participants will have the opportunity to shape the program according to their interests. Possible topics include career development, grant writing, knowledge utilization, leadership skills, or project management-

Meetings:

3x two-day meetings in Voss

3x one-day meetings in Bergen

Postdoc Development Programme | Faculty of Medicine | UiB

PhD Grant Writing Course

13 + 16 May 2024, Eitri

The Faculty of Medicine invites all PhD-candidates to a workshop on “How to write a successful grant proposal”.

The workshop will enable PhD-candidates in medicine and sciences to start early with their future research project. Participants will gain insight into the international funding landscape and develop hands-on knowledge by working on their own project proposal. Target audience: PhD-candidates enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine who want to kick-start their academic career in the nearest future.

Topics:

  • The literary genre of a project proposal
  • Evaluation criteria: excellence, impact, implementation
  • Curriculum vitae and track record
  • The funding landscape in Norway and Europe

Speakers: Research advisors at the Faculty of Medicine

Time: The workshop will run two half-days, with obligatory homework to be submitted on the second day. Monday 13 May, 9-13 and Thursday 16 May, 09-13
Place: Eitri Medical Incubator, Haukelandsbakken 31, Bergen
Course fee: free.

PhD Grant Writing Workshop (Day 1) | Faculty of Medicine | UiB

Core Facility Expo

Foto/ill.: Colorbox

Have you wondered where to find modern research instruments and who can help you use them? Or asked yourself which services are available to you and what you can use them for? The Faculty of Medicine is organizing an event where you can get to know all our core facilities and other research services used by our researchers.

At this event the core facilities and other research infrastructure available to researchers at the Faculty of Medicine will present their equipment and services and show how researchers successfully use them for cutting-edge discoveries. We will launch the Faculty’s new roadmap for research infrastructure. Join to discover how you can use our state-of-the-art research infrastructure in your projects.

Participating Facilities:
Metabolomics
Proteomics (PROBE)
Genomics (GCF)
Flow and Mass Cytometry
EliXir
Biophysics, Structural Biology, Screening (BiSS)
Molecular Imaging (MIC)
Nano/Tissue Regeneration (IKO)
Laboratory Animal Facility
Health Surveys
Biostatistics
Primary Care Network

There will be stands in the entrance hall where you can discuss your project, talk to other users, and sign up for guided tours of the platforms.

Core Facility Expo | Faculty of Medicine | UiB