Reminder: Joint Lunch for Academic Staff

Get to know your colleagues! The faculty leadership invites all academic staff, from PhD candidates to professors, to a joint lunch on Wednesday, February 28th, at 11:30 in EITRI. The purpose is simply to meet across disciplines and departments to get to know each other better. Sandwiches will be served. No registration is needed.

This spring, joint lunches will be organized on 04/03, 05/08, 06/12, at 11:30 in EITRI.

Welcome!

Greetings from the faculty leadership

Colleagues Vestlandslegen – Jostein Førsvoll

Hello dear colleagues at K2,

I am Jostein Andersen Førsvoll and work at Stavanger University Hospital. Here, I serve as a senior consultant at the Department of Pediatrics with expertise in pediatric endocrinology.

On February 1st, I will assume the position of associate professor and academic coordinator for the 5th year at Vestlandslegen.

Foto:./ill: Privat

I have worked as a university lecturer for many years and have been involved in teaching medical students who have had decentralized pediatric practice in Stavanger. I enjoy teaching and find this work rewarding. I see Vestlandslegen as a natural continuation of the collaboration between our hospital and the University of Bergen. I want to contribute to creating a positive learning environment for students and educators in the 5th year, and I look forward to the start this fall.

In the long run, I hope that this position will also provide opportunities for research, and that I can contribute to projects that foster academic and research collaboration among the pediatric departments in the West of Norway.

Disputation for Jan-Lukas Førde – February 23, 2024.

Sample Lecture: Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:15 AM

Location:           Auditorium, Armauer Hansens Hus, Haukelandsveien 28
Topic:            “Animal and non-animal models for cancer drug testing: State of the art and future prospects”

Foto/ill.: Sandra Berglid

Dissertation Defense: Friday, February 23, 2024, at 12:15 PM

Location: Auditorium, Armauer Hansens Hus, Haukelandsveien 28
Thesis Title: “The Zebrafish Larva as a Model System for Myeloid Malignancies”

  1. Opponent: Associate Professor Federico Fenaroli, University of Stavanger
  2. Opponent: Associate Professor Maria Omsland, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
  3. Committee Member: Researcher Anja Torsvik, University of Bergen

The defense will be chaired by Professor Emerita Birgitta Åsjø.

Open to all interested parties.

Press release
(Only provided in Norwegian)

Stepping down as Department Head: An exciting journey ends and a new chapter begins

Dear colleagues,

It is with a mix of emotions that I pen this editorial. After six years at the helm of the Department of Clinical Science, I have decided to step down from my position as Department Head. This decision has not been taken lightly, but rather with careful consideration of the demands and responsibilities that come with leading such a dynamic and impactful department.

Our department, a hub of research and teaching excellence, has grown significantly during my tenure. With 382 dedicated employees, including 70 full-time professors and associated professors, 80 part-time professors and associated professors, over 180 researchers, podt docs and PhD students as well as 50 technicians and administrative staff , we have made significant strides in advancing clinical and translational medical research. This means that in 2023, we had publications in top-tier journals and set a record for external funding121 million NOK. You teach a variety of clinical specialties in addition to pharmacy and nutrition in an exemplary manner. And you have excelled in the competition to establish several new and robust research centers.

However, as the demands of leadership have intensified, I find myself at a crossroads. Balancing the responsibilities of both Department Head and Director of the Mohn Center of Diabetes Precision Medicine has been challenging. The pursuit of excellence requires focus, and I believe it is time to pass the torch to a new leader who can continue to push our department forward.

I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. Our collaborative spirit, dedication to patient care, and groundbreaking research have left an indelible mark. As I step down, I am confident that the department will continue to thrive under new leadership.

I will be stepping down on April 30, 2024, and in the coming period, I will gradually transfer my responsibilities to Eystein Husebye, who will serve as the Acting Department Head. Rest assured, I remain committed to our shared mission, and I look forward to contributing to the department in new ways. My decision is not a farewell but rather a shift in roles—one that allows me to focus on the exciting work happening at the Mohn Center.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have made a difference in the lives of patients and the future of medicine. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and inspire.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.

As we embark on a new chapter at the Department of Clinical Science, I am thrilled to announce two additions to our leadership team:

Professor Svein Skeie, MD, PhD: An accomplished endocrinologist and Head of Research at Stavanger University Hospital, Svein Skeie will assume the role of Leader of Stavanger Relations. His deep understanding of leadership, clinical practice, and research will serve as a valuable link between our institutions. The collaboration with Stavanger University Hospital promises to strengthen our ties and foster innovative initiatives.

Professor Silje Skrede, MD, PhD: With a background in pharmacology and administrative work in teaching, Skrede joins us as Leader of Innovation which will strengthen our focus on this important field. Skrede will temporary act as Leader of Teaching while Mette Vesterhus is away.

Enjoy the week-end!

Pål

Announcement of postdoctoral positions within LEAD AI

During the month of March, 10 postdoctoral positions will be announced at UiB within the framework of the research and career development program LEAD AI. The Faculty of Medicine will advertise 3 of these positions. LEAD AI is jointly funded by the faculties and the EU through the co-financing scheme COFUND Postdoctoral Programmes under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. The total budget is NOK 130 million over five years. Research opportunities range from basic AI research to applied research in the natural sciences, medicine, and social sciences. It is desirable to recruit both local and international researchers. Mobility, internationally and across disciplines and sectors is an important element of the programme. All applicants will be evaluated by an international committee and it is open to both inbound and outbound mobility.

We ask relevant academic communities to report their interest in the postdoctoral positions by March 1st to tone.hordvik@uib.no.  Attach a 1/2 page project description with name and affiliation

Remember:

  • If you submit a project description, you will act as a mentor for the postdoctoral fellow.
  • You shall not provide the name of the candidate; This is an open international call for proposals.
  • The topic is artificial intelligence
  • If we receive many outlines, we will select which projects best fit into the topic of the call.
  • If your project is among those moving forward, you will be contacted for further information.

CodeRefinery workshop

March 12-14 and 19-21, 2024

  • This time we plan to start Git and GitHub from the web interface and only later move to the command line.
  • We offer the two workshop weeks as two blocks but you can sign up for both or just one.
  • Week 1 is tuned for exercises and group work. Week 2 will focus on demonstrations and discussions.
  • We are updating and simplifying the install instructions. We recommend to only go through them in the week before the workshop starts, but not earlier.
  • Watch the stream at https://twitch.tv/coderefinery (shareable)
  • Lesson material is linked in the schedule below (shareable)
  • Collaborative document for questions and notes (please register to receive it)
  • Q&A of each day is archived on this page (shareable)
  • Archive of past communication to participants (shareable)
  • Videos on Twitch for 7 days and on YouTube later

https://coderefinery.github.io/2024-03-12-workshop/

Upcoming events at the International Centre

Mobility seminar

Are you planning a research stay outside of Norway? Make sure to join our online mobility seminar to learn about practicalities and necessary steps when planning a research stay abroad. It will take place on February 22nd from 09.00 to 12.00 in Zoom. Sign up https://www.uib.no/en/international/168136/mobility-seminar-researchers

Introduction to tax

Sign up and join us for an online informative meeting about how to pay tax in Norway. This is useful if you are moving to Norway, shifting between Norway and other working countries, or working from abroad. We have this seminar 2 Fridays per month, from 11.00 to 11.30. The next seminar will be on February 9 th . In the registration form you can choose which date you want to sign up to. Read morehttps://www.uib.no/en/international/167208/introduction-tax-norway

Introduction course for new employees

This course is step 2 of our introductory seminars for new international employees. The course will take place on March 19 th from 12.00 to 15.00. The doors open a bit in advance, so you have the chance to have a coffee and snacks and get to know each other. You can register https://www.uib.no/en/international/167229/introduction-course-new-employees

Please complete step 1 (short e-learning course) before attendinghttps://www.uib.no/en/foremployees/141727/introduction-uib-new-employees

Dual career: career advice for partners

If your partner came with you to Norway, and they are looking for a job, this course will be useful for them to get to know the basics about the Norwegian labor market, how to prepare a CV and cover letter, and a bit about Norwegian culture. The seminar is taking place on April 10 th from 09.00 to 12.00 at Rom Aktiv 2, Ulrike Phils hus (Professor Keysersgate 1). You can read more here https://www.uib.no/en/ferd/167719/dual-career-seminar-working-and-learning-norway

The University Library is testing Keenious

Keenious is an example of a new type of academic search tool that utilizes technology based on artificial intelligence to find research articles. The University Library wants to test whether this is a useful supplement to traditional search tools. Therefore, students and staff at UiB will have access to Keenious Plus during the spring semester of 2024. The Plus version provides more features than the free version.
Read more here about how to use the tool and how to get started:

The University Library is testing Keenious | University of Bergen Library | UiB

PhD Grant Writing Workshop

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.

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

Target audience: PhD-candidates enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine who want to kick-start their academic career in the nearest future.

13.05.2024 – 09.0013.00, EITRI Medical Incubator, Haukelandsbakken 31

Introduction to Data Management Plans (DMP)

The Norwegian Research Council and Horizon Europe require projects to submit a data management plan (DMP). A data management plan describes how data in a research project will be collected, processed and made available.

Introduction to Data Management Plans (DMP)

23.02.2024 – 10:15-11:00 ▶ Sign up!

05.04 2024 – 10:15-11:00 ▶ Sign up!

Open call for the 2024-2025 Momentum Programme

Momentum banner

The Momentum Program is a career development program for young, outstanding researchers at UiB. The target audience for the program is young outstanding researchers who aspire to an academic career at a research university. The program is interdisciplinary, aiming to bring together various disciplines and scientific fields. There are 15 spots available for the program, with the Faculty of Medicine being allocated 3 spots.

The purpose of the program is to enhance participants’ career development. The program consists of five gatherings and one shorter webinar scheduled to start in August 2024 and conclude in June 2025. It is mandatory for candidates to participate in all seminars.

Who can apply?
Postdocs, researchers and associate professors employed at UiB can apply to Momentum. Candidates should adhere to the following eligibility criteria:

  • The candidates should normally have a minimum 80 % FTE position at UiB.
  • Employees in fixed-term positions must have at least one year left on their contract at the start of the programme in August 2024.
  • It should be no more than six (6) years since candidates have obtained their PhD from the start of the programme in August 2024. You can subtract time for statutory leaves of absence, compulsory military or civilian service or sick leave.
  • Candidates admitted to the programme must have a plan to apply for external funding in the coming 12-24 months.

The application process and deadlines:

Step 1 – the candidate applies to the faculty.
The deadline for candidates is March 22, 2024. The application is submitted via the program’s website https://www.uib.no/en/foremployees/167616/call-open-2024-2025-momentum-programme
Step 2 – the faculty nominates its candidates.
The faculty is responsible for the evaluation and selection of its candidates. The deadline for internal evaluation and nomination of candidates by the faculties is April 19, 2024. Offers of placement for candidates accepted into the program will be sent out at the end of April, with an acceptance deadline in early May.”

The announcement of Peder Sather funds for 2024 – 2025

The Peder Sather Center for Advanced Study annually announces funding for collaborative projects between Norwegian educational institutions and UC Berkeley (California). The Peder Sather funds offer a unique opportunity to establish collaborations at one of the top universities in the USA.

The application deadline in 2024 is April 1st.

Read more about the criteria and application process here:

https://sathercenter.berkeley.edu/peder-sather-grant/

Questions about the program and assistance in getting in touch with relevant individuals at UC Berkeley can be directed to annette.servan@uib.no

Essential ERC – A very basic introduction to the European arena for excellent science

13. feb kl 14:00 – 15:00

It is easy to assume that all researchers are familiar with the European Research Council (ERC) grants for excellent researchers at all stages. This is however not entirely true. This is a short, very basic webinar for early stage and mature researchers who wants to know more about the grants offered to excellent researchers at all experience levels. What can you apply for, how do you apply, when and at what stage? After the presentation, there will be a Q&A.

The webinar complements our other activities for applicants to the ERC, such as writing courses, proposal reading days and more.

The webinar is held in English.

ERC web: https://erc.europa.eu/homepage

https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/events/2024/essential-erc-a-very-basic-introduction-to-the-european-arena-for-excellent-science/

ERC Proposal Reading Day at UiB

Dear prospective ERC applicant,

The NFR will travel to Bergen on March 5th to offer an ERC Proposal Reading Day for researchers and support staff. You can sign up for a morning or afternoon session to sit in peace and quiet and read paper copies of successful ERC grants across disciplines from the Starting, Consolidator and Advanced categories (unfortunately no Synergy Grants to date).

  • 5th March
  • Nygårdsgaten 5 – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

You can register for a session and choose which applications you would like to read here: Closing date for registration is 27 February.

Grieg Foundation

 

Grieg Foundation supports
innovative medical research
that can have wide-reaching impact.

 

We support

  • Research that can have great impact on the development of new treatments.
  • Innovative ideas.
  • Women´s health and safe deliveries.
  • Cardiac disease with a special focus on women.

All projects must be

  • Must be anchored in the SDGs.
  • Have local ownership.
  • Make a difference for people and communities and contribute to a more compassionate society.
  • Our support makes a difference.

We support initiatives that focus on the well-being of women, recognizing that their health is deeply intertwined with the wellness of families and communities.

https://www.griegfoundation.com/what-we-support/health-research

RCN self-evaluation has been submitted

On Wednesday, K2’s self-evaluation was sent to the Research Council of Norway. It turned out to be a document of 268 pages. As with previous evaluations, this has taken a significant focus for the institute administration and those of you who contributed to the self-evaluation. In addition to the institute’s overall self-evaluation, the following research groups participated with their own self-evaluation:

  • Bergen Respiratory Research Group by Tomas Mikal Lind Eagan
  • Broegelmann by Helena Erlandsson Harris
  • Endocrine Medicine by Eystein S. Husebye
  • Research Group for Infection and Microbiology by Rebecca Jane Cox
  • Drug Group by Lars Herfindal
  • Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine by Pål R. Njølstad
  • Oncology by Stian Knappskog
  • Paediatric Follow-up Group by Camilla Tøndel
  • Precision Oncology by Ola Myklebost

In addition, the following impact cases participated:

  • Catching the rhythms by Eystein S. Husebye
  • Changing clinical practice in childhood diabetes by precision medicine by Pål R. Njølstad
  • Heart disease in women by Eva Gerdts
  • Pandemic preparedness: the COVID-19 case by Rebecca Cox

The process ahead is a three-step evaluation. First, research groups are evaluated in expert panels categorized by field/discipline across sectors. Then, administrative units are evaluated in evaluation committees that are sector-specific. The third step is the national level, which includes all medical research in Norway. A selection of experts from the evaluation is used here.

The administrative units are the main object of the evaluation. Evaluation results for the research groups will be included in the evaluation report for the administrative unit to which they belong.

Many thanks to everyone who participated – especially Susanne and Silke – for great effort over a long period. Now we can enjoy the weekend with a clear conscience and hope for a good result!

Pål

Mobility seminar for researchers

Are you planning a research stay abroad? This seminar will help you with the planning.

Seminar 22.02.2024 – 09.00–12.00 Zoom

Registration link

International Centre together with the Occupational Health services, IT-department, and the division of Research and Innovation is hosting a mobility seminar for you who are planning a research stay abroad.

The topics that will be covered:

  • Health and vaccinations
  • IT security
  • Social security affiliation outside
  • Norway Health rights abroad
  • Taxation Insurance
  • Change of address
  • Personal security
  • Are you traveling with family?
  • Financing possibilities

 https://www.uib.no/en/international/168136/mobility-seminar-researchers

Annual Research Presentations 2024

The Research School in Clinical Medicine at Department of Clinical Medicine, Department of Clinical Science and Haukeland University Hospital organizes an annual gathering where PhD candidates present their research to their doctoral colleagues.

The event consists of two parts: a poster presentation with posters hanging in the lobby of Haukeland University Hospital, and a gathering with oral presentations.

prisvinnere forskerskolen 2024

Award winners from left to right: Prisvinnere for 2024, fra venstre til høyre: Solveig Løkhammer, Hilde Eide Lien, Rasmus Bach Sindre, May Gjerstad, Lise Skarstein Jakobsen og Urszula Kalucka. Rammah Elnour og Grete Ueland was not present.
Photo:Ingrid Hagerup

 

Congratulation!!!

Read more: link

Seminar – Myelogene blodkreftsykdommer

Only in Norwegian

Kronisk myelogen leukemi (KML), Akutt myelogen leukemi (AML), Myelodysplastisk syndrom (MDS) og Myeloproliferative sykdommer (MPN) er eksempler på myelogene blodkreftsykdommer som har slektskap med hverandre.

Torsdag 8. februar inviterer Blodkreftforeningen til seminar om temaet på Radisson Blu Royal Bryggen hotell i Bergen. Seminaret blir også streamet og mulig å følge fra hele landet.

For program klikk lenke

 

MRCRM’s seminar series – February 2024

What does it take to obtain a manufacturing license for producing advanced therapies such as gene therapy, cell therapy and tissue engineering products?

Welcome to this year’s first MRCRM seminar, where the key personnel from the Section for Cell-based Medicinal Products (CMP) at Helse Bergen HF will present the Ex vivo clean room facility at Helse Bergen HF. Delve into the process, milestones achieved, and the final steps needed to secure a manufacturing license for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).

Enjoy the insights over coffee, tea and cookies with your peers in Aud. 4 at BBB this Tuesday afternoon. The seminar is free and open to all.

Title:  How to obtain a manufacturing license according to current good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations.

Speakers: Elin Strand, Kimberley J. Hatfield and Petra Vogelsang

Time: February 20, 2024, from 14:30-15:30

Where:  BBB, Auditorium 4

MRCRM’s 2nd International Meeting on Regenerative Medicine

Logo: Mohn Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine

Mohn Research Center for Regenerative Medicine (MRCRM) invites you to join our 2nd International Meeting on Regenerative Medicine at Grand Hotel Terminus on April 15th and 16th, 2024.

The scientific program features renowned speakers presenting the latest advancements in regenerative medicine, including the development of advanced therapies and insights from clinical studies. We also invite master’s and PhD students to showcase their research during the Lightning Talk Session (see the link below for more information). Following the conclusion of the scientific program on day 1, we extend an invitation to a delightful networking dinner at the hotel.

Date and time: April 15, 12.00 – 19.00, April 16, 09.00 – 16.00

Venue: Grand Hotel Terminus

Registration deadline: March 22

Visit the conference website for the program and registration details!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Nominations accepted for the Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Prize

The Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation’s 75th anniversary prize is awarded for significant contributions to psychosomatic research.

In this context, psychosomatic research refers to research that studies the impact of psychological factors on physical health, not research that focuses on how physical illnesses affect mental health.

The prize can be awarded to an individual scientist, a research group or a research community. Continue reading

Invitation to showcase your work at the SDG Conference 2024

Dear PhDs and postdoctoral researchers, It is our pleasure to invite you to present your work at the upcoming SDG Conference 2024!

The sixth SDG Conference in Bergen will take place 7-9 February 2024 with the theme “The role of universities in transformative change” (see SDG Conference Bergen | University of Bergen (uib.no) for details). This digital conference provides new opportunities to present emerging and important research by motivated PhD students and postdoctoral researchers addressing the conference themes. We therefore invite all PhDs and postdoctoral researchers that are interested to present a digital videorecorded poster on your research and how it relates to the theme of the upcoming conference.

The deadline for submitting a two-minute videorecorded poster is 2 February, 2024.

For more information on details on how to record your contribution and practical information regarding submitting, please see attached pdf flyer with information or visit the call for posters website. Your videorecorded poster videos will be showcased in the conference platform and available for all digital participants to view.  

This is a great opportunity to share your research with a global audience and we hope to see your presentation at the conference!

Link for more information

Vestlandslegen Colleagues – Tore Grimstad

Hello dear colleagues at Clinical Science and project Vestlandslegen,

My name is Tore Grimstad, and I am an internist and gastroenterologist, as well as an Associate Professor II affiliated with K2, based in Stavanger.

Clinically, I work at the gastroenterology outpatient clinic. In addition to my clinical work, my research primarily focuses on inflammatory bowel disease, and I am involved in both clinical, basic research, and microbiome-related projects.

Photo.:/ill Private

Since spring 2018, I have been teaching medical students during placement practice from UiB MED8, and additionally, Vestlandslege students since the fall of 2023. I find it exciting and inspiring to teach students, the future doctors, especially contributing to clinically oriented and hopefully educational discussions with students in an activating environment. I believe that special visits with small groups of students provide an exciting and developing teaching arena, aiming to engage students and facilitate effective learning within a secure framework. This also places important demands on us as teachers as clinical role models.

I also find it rewarding to work together with others towards a common goal and to have the opportunity to follow and guide PhD candidates in the scientific process from project improvement to a completed thesis. I want to contribute to building a scientific environment and mentoring other researchers in a section that has always focused on patient care and conducted extensive and intensive clinical operations. I am delighted by the increasing scientific activity at the gastroenterology section in Stavanger.

Vestlandslegen is in its early stages; the start has been challenging but also exciting. We have a unique opportunity to further develop professional, teaching, and research competence in the coming years, which will benefit patients, students, and staff. I hope my commitment to UiB will allow me to contribute significantly in these areas.

We truly have exciting years ahead!