NHH Norwegian School of Economics and SNF Centre for Applied Research host the Network Conference 2026.
Moderator: Malin Arve
(Assistant moderators: Aksel Mjøs, Ivar Kolstad)
11:15–12:00 Lunch
12:00–12:30 Opening of the conference
Practical information – Malin Arve
Welcome – Kurt R. Brekke
Opening remarks – Carl Christian Thodesen
12:30–13:30 Unlocking the potential of everyone in academia: Where are we?
Status at NHH – Kurt R. Brekke
What about UiB? – Tonje Fyhn
What about Norway? – Veronica Ski-Berg
Questions from the audience / QR code
13:30–14:15 Exhibition stands: New BALANSE+ projects (status as of today)
University of Bergen (UiB): Marie Annette van der Kloet, Mirey Alfarah
VID: Sara Gåsbakk, Sanjana Arora
University of Bergen (UiB): Jana Birke Belschner, Yvette Peters
University of Oslo (FRONT4): Marthe Amundsen
NHH (STEP): Krisztina (with Annelise, Malin and Eva)
14:15–15:15 Does prejudice stand in the way of excellence?
Introduction – Therese Egeland
Panel discussion:
Hanna Fløysvik
Vidar Schei
Håvard Haarstad
Questions from the audience / QR code
15:15–16:15 International accreditations – do they support diversity efforts?
Introduction – Steffen Juranek
Contributions: Casper Claudi Rasmussen, Ola Kvaløy
Closing remarks – Steffen Juranek
Discussion
18:00/19:00 Welcome drink and conference dinner at Skyskraperen, Mount Ulriken (registration required)
Moderator: Annelise Ly
(Assistant moderators: Aksel Mjøs, Ivar Kolstad)
08:30/09:00–09:15: Coffee/tea and networking
09:15–10:15 Language as a barrier to academic careers
Introduction – Sunniva Whittaker
Contributions: Verónica Pájaro, Marta Bivand Erdal
Discussion
10:15–10:30 What is KIMU – Course in diversity management in the university, higher education and research institute sector?
Presented by Kristian Solaas
10:30–11:15 Break with KIMU modules
Module 1: Introduction to diversity management – Marthe Amundsen
Module 2: Intercultural competence – Kathrine Vangen og Ann Birgitte Tveiten
Module 3: Strategic diversity management – Kari Skarholt
Module 4: Inclusive research leadership – Tony J. A. Sandset
11:15–12:15 Elevating international voices in academia
Opening remarks – Aksel Mjøs
Contributions: Hanna Fløysvik, Sut I Wong, Aksel Mjøs
Discussion
12:15–12:20 Information from the Committee for Gender Balance and Diversity in
Research (KiF)
12:20–12:50 Closing session
Malin Arve, Professor, NHH and Chair of the Programme Committee
Magne Angelshaug, Managing Director, SNF
12:50–14:00 Lunch
14:00– Departure / meetings at NHH
The Network Conference is part of the work of the Network for Gender Equality Practitioners in the Research Sector, which was established by the Committee for Gender Balance and Diversity in Research and Higher Education (the KIF Committee) in 2006.
The Network Conference is held every year and addresses various topics related to equality and diversity in research.
These annual equality conferences are open to everyone and are particularly relevant for leaders, equality advisers, and others who work with equality and diversity at universities, colleges, and research institutes in the research sector.
The task of organizing the conferences rotates between institutions.
Bergen is a very attractive and often fully booked city in May, so it is recommended to book a hotel as soon as possible.
Feel free to visit Visit Bergen for an overview of hotels in Bergen
A 15% discount is offered when booking at Scandic Ørnen using this link
Bus connections to NHH are generally very good.