Research School in Progress

The NTNU-UiO-PRIO Research School is, as most of you will have discovered, well under way, with the official opening last Monday. The 14 excellent students have had two days of introduction (which, in addition to Mats Berdal’s opening talk, was composed of sessions with Henrik, Nils Petter, Peter, Scott, Torunn, Peter). The last 3 days of the week was spent in workshop on academic writing and presentation, with Lynn.



Yesterday, the group was out for dinner, and Inger and I joined. The informal feedback around the table was very positive – indeed enthusiastic – despite the fact that all were signed up for project presentations today. The doctoral scholars are getting on well, and there is a real sense that the composition of the group – which includes a variety of disciplines, approaches and methods – breeds good feedback and discussion. Ultimately, of course, that means it is a very good group of students!

I was also quite pleased – after the unsurprising non-presence of the media at Monday’s opening – Morgenbladet called me up for a short interview on the school. Not only did it allow me to boast of the collaboration with NTNU and UiO, as well as underline members’ qualifications, I also got my favorite question: ‘So just about what is the status of PRIO internationally?’ For my response, read the interview (click for larger version):


I will spend the first part of next week on the west coast, which unfortunately also means I shall miss this afternoon’s Easter beer. Happy Easter to you all!