University of Bergen introduces new initiatives for Ocean and SDG Research and Teaching

The University of Bergen, Norway, announced two major initiatives related to the institution’s commitment to the SDGs. The first being the official launch of the One Ocean expedition on 20 August 2020, in which the need to educate future leaders in sustainable ocean management was. This SDG 14 research and teaching expedition also goes beyond ocean science and is in line with the new initiative launched at the University of Bergen to strengthen critical thinking and interdisciplinary work on all SDGs.

The University of Bergen, Norway, announced two major initiatives related to the institution’s commitment to the SDGs. The first being the official launch of the One Ocean expedition on 20 August 2020, in which the need to educate future leaders in sustainable ocean management was. This SDG 14 research and teaching expedition also goes beyond ocean science and is in line with the new initiative launched at the University of Bergen to strengthen critical thinking and interdisciplinary work on all SDGs. Rector Dag Rune Olsen at the University of Bergen presented the role the University has been handed on SDG 14 – Life below water by UNAI and IAU.
In the IAU Global HESD Cluster, the University of Bergen heads SDG 14.

Furthermore, to implement SDG Research and Teaching, several measures were promoted by the University of Bergen, such as a new MA on the SDGs and an initiative called UiB Sustainability Collegium. The UiB Sustainability Collegium will be a meeting point for all those working on SDG-related education to exchange experience and ideas and a way to encourage people to take personal initiative on SDG oriented education.

In the context of the One Ocean expedition, the University of Bergen plays a key role.The expedition will allow researchers and students to study the ocean and bring together education, research and innovation which are paramount for creating a sustainable ocean. The University of Bergen partnering with the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, the Institute of Marine Research, the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and NORCE also promotes the importance of exchange and collaboration with other partners in order to create a more sustainable future.

Read more about both initiatives in the press releases by UiB here:
- https://www.uib.no/en/sdgbergen/137701/educating-ocean-leaders-future
- https://www.uib.no/en/foremployees/137615/initiative-sdg-education

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The photo in this post shows UiB student Thea Båtevik and Rector Dag Rune Olsen meeting Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the One Ocean launch on board tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl on 20 August 2020. Photo credit: Eivind Senneset for University of Bergen 08/21/2020