A Norwegian powerhouse for research, NORCE employs 800 people at multiple locations, including Kristiansand. Headquarters are located in Bergen.
NORCE is a long-standing participant of GCE NODE. The research institute and the cluster have a history of collaboration on various projects.
“I am eager to build on the good relationship with GCE NODE and with other clusters in Norway. Interaction between academia, research institutes and clusters is essential for identifying areas of research that close knowledge gaps and create value for society and businesses. Climate and technology are two of the fields of expertise in which NORCE has great capabilities,” says Wallevik.
NORCE is the result of a merger between Uni Research, the International Research Institute of Stavanger, Christian Michelsen Research, Agderforskning, Teknova and Norut. Wallevik is the former CEO and Deputy Head of Agderforskning.
FORWARD-THINKING
“A unanimous board has decided to hire Wallevik. She has solid leadership qualities, long experience from both academia and the business world, is forward-thinking and highly motivated,” says Tore Ulstein, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NORCE.
The board emphasizes that Wallevik has good knowledge of the Norwegian research and innovation system, knows the institute sector from the inside and has international experience. Wallevik also has a background in the private business community and has extensive experience with board work.
“The board is very pleased to have such a well-qualified person as Kristin Wallevik on the team, and looks forward to working with her,” says Ulstein.
Wallevik lives in Kristiansand but expects to travel a lot in years to come.
“Covid-19 has taught us that it is possible to work remotely, but also that it has its limitations. Digital solutions cannot replace physical meetings between people. In the beginning I will travel to get to know both the employees and the research they do. However, working from the different locations will be crucial on a continuous basis. I will also spend a significant amount of time at the Bergen headquarters,” says Wallevik.
STARTS ON 1 AUGUST
Wallevik is looking forward to further developing NORCE and increasing collaboration with its university owners. Her first day in the office will be on 1 August.
“I have great faith in research as a driver for societal change. NORCE is a force built to ensure more research-based innovation, and more of the applied research that both the society and the private sector need. For me, this is a great motivation for taking on this position,” says Wallevik.
