Election at UiT

These are the four nominated candidates for the spring election to the University Board:

PhD candidate Erlend Entner, Department of Building, Energy and Materials Technology, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology

Researcher Dhivya Borra Thiyagarajan, Norwegian College of Fishery Science, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics

PhD candidate Henrik Lykke Joakimsen, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences

PhD candidate Hannah Emilie Rørslett Johansson, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics

More information about the candidates on the Norwegian election page.

• Henrik Lykke Joakimsen

Why are you running as a candidate, and what do you wish to contribute to the board?

After several years of growing patriotism for my own university, I now want to join the university board. Specifically, I aim to ensure that temporary employees are given higher priority within the university. This includes improving their rights and the utilization of those rights, as well as making the resources already available at UiT more accessible. I believe that researchers should be supported early in their careers and want to highlight what UiT as an organization can offer, such as strong and interdisciplinary academic environments and flexibility in the workday. I also believe that I can contribute significantly to UiT's continued development as an ambitious organization that serves as a cornerstone in the region. I consider myself open-minded and skilled at collaboration across different groups and disciplines.

Background at UiT

I am an engaged and enthusiastic individual who, despite my relatively short time here, has gained diverse experience from various parts of the university. I graduated as a medical doctor with a research track at UiT (starting in 2017). Research drew me further, and I am now pursuing a PhD aimed at improving outcomes in spinal surgery using artificial intelligence. I have collaborated with both the Gastrointestinal Surgery and Endocrinology research groups, in addition to my current research group, Brain and Circulation. Furthermore, I have had three summer internships with the Machine Learning group at the NT Faculty during my studies. Science communication is also close to my heart, and I gained insight into both communication and the broader activities at the university when I participated in the Researcher Grand Prix last year.

Skills and Experience

I had an active student life at UiT and have board experience from the Northern Norway Regional Committee of the Norwegian Medical Association and as the leader of the Norwegian Medical Students' Association in Tromsø, in addition to some smaller roles in student organizations here and there. I have also previously served on the board of Tromsø Ice Hockey Club, during the same period I was employed as a U16 coach in the same club. I represent researchers in part-time positions but also have my time as a student relatively fresh in memory.

Priorities in Board Work

• Research, especially facilitating conditions for PhD candidates and postdocs.

• Work environment. I believe the university must recognize its own strengths to compete for the best minds. We can offer strong academic networks, sometimes in niche fields, and flexibility in the workday, which I believe we can use more actively to attract talent.

How will you work on the board?

I have an open and curious communication style, which I believe makes me easy to collaborate with and enables me to represent temporary employees effectively on the university board.

• Erlend Entner

Why are you running as a candidate, and what do you wish to contribute to the board?

I am running for the board to contribute to a more unified UiT. I work at the Narvik campus and am a former student outside the main campus. This experience allows me to highlight the strengths of UiT's decentralized structure and the needs of the regions. I aim to be a bridge-builder between campuses and work for quality, collaboration, and equal opportunities for students and staff, regardless of their study location.

Background at UiT

I am a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, Department of Building, Energy, and Material Technology, Narvik campus, since 2024. I have completed two of four years in my PhD program. Before this, I earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master's degree in Engineering Design at UiT Narvik.

Skills and Experience

I have board experience as treasurer and board member of Narvik Chess Club and as a PhD representative in the Research Committee at the IVT Faculty. This has provided me with experience in finance/accounting, case preparation, and advocacy on behalf of PhD candidates.

Priorities in Board Work

• Research: Improve conditions for PhD candidates and early-career researchers, including quality supervision, clear progression plans, and predictable funding. Work towards interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research collaboration across faculties.

• Education and Recruitment in the North: Flexible and decentralized study programs, stronger connections to the workforce, and targeted measures for recruitment and completion.

• Collaboration Between Campuses: Equal access to services and digital/hybrid infrastructure that facilitates collaboration and resource sharing across campuses.

How will you work on the board?

I will work knowledge-based and holistically, maintaining close dialogue with board members and colleagues across campuses. I will gather and communicate input from staff and students, with a particular focus on representing temporary employees. My goal is to strengthen research, education, and the work environment so that students receive the best possible teaching and relevant skills for the workforce.

• Dhivya Borra Thiyagarajan

Why are you running as a candidate, and what do you wish to contribute to the board?

I am running as a candidate because I want to contribute to a stronger and more transparent culture within the board. Openness and clear communication are essential for building trust and engagement, and I aim to be a representative who listens, collaborates, and finds effective solutions. My goal is to contribute to inclusive and forward-looking board work that creates value for everyone.

Background at UiT

I am a researcher at NFH, BFE, and have worked at UiT for approximately 18 years, including during my PhD and postdoctoral position at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Skills and Experience

Although I have less experience in board work, I bring strong enthusiasm and a desire to learn and contribute. Through previous collaborations in various research projects, I have developed excellent communication and teamwork skills, and I am accustomed to working in a structured and goal-oriented manner. I represent a perspective that is open, curious, and focused on finding solutions that consider everyone's interests. I believe my motivation and willingness to learn will be an asset in board work.

Priorities in Board Work

In my board work, I wish to prioritize research and finances, with a particular focus on transformation and sustainable development. I believe that a solid financial foundation is crucial for ensuring long-term growth and opportunities for innovation, especially in research. At the same time, I want to help further strengthen our important societal mission and the positive work environment we already have. By balancing transformation with our core values, we can ensure that the organization remains robust, forward-looking, and relevant.

How will you work on the board?

I aim to contribute to greater transparency in board work, with a focus on clear communication and accessibility. I see it as an important task to represent employees in a way that ensures their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes. Through dialogue and collaboration, I will work to build trust and foster a culture where employees feel included and valued. My goal is to be a bridge between the board and the employees so that together we can achieve positive outcomes for UiT and its staff.

• Hannah Emilie Rørslett Johansson

Why are you running as a candidate, and what do you wish to contribute to the board?

I am in my second year as a PhD candidate and have gained valuable insight into both the challenges and opportunities that exist for PhD candidates and temporary employees at the university. I believe this experience would be beneficial to bring to the board. Additionally, I am passionate about ensuring that UiT takes sustainability challenges seriously, both by reducing its own emissions and through research and education. Overall, I aim to be a positive and engaged voice for temporary employees on the university board!

Background at UiT

I have been employed at UiT since the fall of 2024, when I started my PhD. My project is affiliated with the Changing Arctic Research School, an interdisciplinary research school focusing on renewable energy, food security, and health and welfare in the Arctic. My research focuses on sustainability reporting and sustainable business management, with a particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises. I am especially interested in how businesses can contribute to sustainable development.

Skills and Experience

In terms of board experience, I am the chair of the board for the regional chapter of Framtiden i våre hender Nord (The Future in Our Hands, Northern Region). I am also a deputy member of the PhD Committee and recently co-founded Rethinking Economics Tromsø. During my studies, I was actively involved in various student organizations. For instance, I served as the leader of the academic committee for the master's program in sustainability at the University of Bergen.

Priorities in Board Work

• Research: I want to work to ensure that young researchers and PhD candidates have excellent opportunities at UiT. Additionally, I am committed to promoting interdisciplinary research projects to address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

• Education: I believe that the education offered at UiT should provide students with strong connections to the workforce, prepare them to tackle societal challenges, and make UiT an attractive place to study.

How will you work on the board?

I am running to represent temporary academic staff in a fair and structured manner and to better understand the opportunities and challenges faced by PhD candidates and temporary employees. I am committed to asking the right questions and shedding light on issues in a thoughtful and constructive way.

News:
New Members to the University Board (30.05.2024)
Election result: These are now entering the University Board (10.06.21)

See video presentation by Associate Professor Marcus Buck: Electoral arrangements at UiT

Election app: http://stemme.uit.no
The University Board

Documents:

• Election Rules for Institutional Level at UiT (PDF, 25.01.2021)
• Appendix: Election Form - A Principled Review
• Governance and decision-making rules (Rules of procedure) for meetings at the University Board and other subordinate governing bodies at UiT the Arctic University of Norway

Do you have questions about the election? 

Send an email to valgstyret@uit.no if you have questions regarding the elections.