!!Lise Øvreås is the new Academic Director of Academia Europaea Bergen Hub

__Academia Europaea Bergen Hub is welcoming [Lise Øvreås|Member/Øvreås_Lise] MAE as the new Academic Director from January 2026. __
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[{Image src='Ovreaas_Lise.jpg' caption='Professor Lise Øvreås' height='450' alt='Professor Lise Øvreås' align='center'}]
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__Lise Øvreås was president of The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters from 2021 to 2024. She is also the newly elected President of EASAC (the European Academies Science Advisory Council). Her positions in EASAC and in AE-Bergen Hub will run parallel to her continued scientific research as an accomplished microbiologist. Lise Øvreås follows Professor Eystein Jansen who led the Bergen Hub since 2018.__
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__Lise Øvreås comes to the position as Academic Director of AE- Bergen hub with experience from prominent positions in Science Academies. __

!Read the interview

__What roles do you see for Science Academies in academia and in society today?__
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''I think that Science Academies play an utterly important role under the challenging global times we are experiencing today. Science Academies play a crucial role as trusted knowledge brokers. They provide independent, evidence-based advice to policymakers and society, ensuring that decisions are informed by the best available science at any time. Academies also foster international collaboration, connecting researchers across disciplines and borders to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and public health issues. In addition, the global science communities are experiencing a mistrust in science, and we also see that there are ongoing threats to academic freedom. Science Academies can therefore also play a role beyond academia, and serve as guardians of scientific integrity, promoting transparency and trust in an era where misinformation can easily spread.''
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__How do authoritarian tendencies and anti-scientific sentiments that we see today influence the role of science academies?__
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''These tendencies increase the importance of securing science independence and supporting democratic values, which are the responsibilities of Science Academies. When evidence-based approaches are questioned or sidelined, academies must act as strong advocates for open dialogue and critical thinking. They also have a role in science diplomacy—providing neutral and independent platforms for collaboration even in politically polarized environments. We therefore need to strengthen the public engagement and thus communication is essential to counter disinformation and emphasise the value of science in society.''
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__What challenges do you see in working both as an active researcher and scientist and in prominent positions in Science Academies?__
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''Balancing these roles is demanding but also rewarding. Time management becomes critical when combining research and teaching with leadership responsibilities. There is also the challenge of maintaining scientific focus while contributing to policy and advisory work. In my own research I must zoom in and focus on detailed basic research questions, when we are discovering new organisms and functioning in rapid changing ecosystems due to climate change. When working towards science diplomacy I must zoom out and get a more holistic picture.  However, I feel these roles complement each other: active research provides firsthand insights into emerging scientific issues, which enriches the advisory work of academies. Conversely, academy leadership offers a broader perspective on how science can shape societal progress.''
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__What are your thoughts on the way forward for the Hub?__
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''The AE Bergen Knowledge Hub has a strong foundation, and I see great potential for growth through interdisciplinary collaboration. We should continue to position Bergen as a center for excellence in areas of global relevance, such as sustainability and Arctic research.''
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''We should also continue to engage research and scholarship with policymaking in Europe with a specific focus on the Nordic and Baltic Regions, and work in close collaboration with national academies of the region. Increasing visibility through events, publications, and outreach will be key. I also believe in strengthening partnerships—both within Norway and internationally—to ensure that the hub remains a vibrant contributor to Academia Europaea’s mission.''
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__Can we expect a continuation of the hub’s engagement in Arctic issues?__
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''Absolutely, personally I have dedicated much of my scientific research to various ecosystems in the Arctic. The Arctic is a region of immense scientific and societal importance, and its current changes have global implications. The hub will continue to promote excellent research from and about the Nordic and Baltic Region, its surrounding seas and the Arctic. We will continue to engage in Arctic research and policy discussions, leveraging Bergen’s strong expertise in marine and polar sciences. Our goal is to connect scientific knowledge with decision-making processes to support sustainable development in the Arctic, through scholarly workshops and public events.''
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__Science Academies are sometimes accused of lack of diversity. What’s your take on that?__
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''It is true that diversity has historically been a challenge for many academies. However, diversity –whether in gender, geography, discipline, or perspective—is essential for robust science, productive dialogs and effective policy advice. Academia Europaea and its hubs are actively working to improve representation and inclusivity. This is not only a matter of fairness but also of quality: diverse voices are important to strengthen scientific dialogue and lead to better solutions for complex problems.''
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The interview was published 9%%sup th/% January 2026 and conducted by the [Academia Europaea Bergen Knowledge Hub|https://aebergen.w.uib.no].\\
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