The Research Council honours Norway's best:
Prestigious awards for Outstanding Research and Excellence in Communication of Science
The Research Council of Norway's prestigious awards for Outstanding Research (Møbius Prize) and for Excellence in Communication of Science for 2008 were presented by Norway's Minister of Research and Higher Education Tora Aasland at the Research Council's annual event held at Oslo Concert Hall on Tuesday 23 September.
The Prize for Outstanding Research was shared between Professor Anne-Lise Børresen-Dale, Head of the Department of Genetics at the Norwegian Radium Hospital and Professor Sverre Håkon Bagge, Director of the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Bergen.
Professor Ole Didrik Lærum of the University of Bergen received the Award for Excellence in Communication of Science.
Cancer research and medieval history
Anne Lise Børresen-Dale is one of Norway's most eminent experts in the field of cancer research, with a particular focus on the role of genes in cancer. She has played a pivotal role in building Norway's expertise in the fields of molecular biology and gene technology and has made key advances in research relating to lung cancer, testicular cancer, colon cancer and in particular breast cancer.
Børresen-Dale received the Award for Outstanding Research from Minister of Research and Higher Education Tora Aasland. Photo: Arne Langleite
Børresen-Dale is known for her ability to apply innovative research methods and has conducted a number of essential studies which place her at the forefront of international research. In 2008 she was elected President of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR).
Sverre Håkon Bagge has conducted research into European medieval history for some 30 years and gained a prominent position in international research circles. In his research Bagge has sought a better understanding of the thoughts, mentality and attitudes of the people of the Middle Ages. An innovator in his field, his particular areas of interest include the role of social science and the history of ideas in the study of history.
Bagge received the Award for Outstanding Research for his research into medieval history. Photo: Arne Langleite
Bagge played a key role in achieving the establishment of the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Bergen, which is one of Norway's 21 Centres of Excellence. His work at the centre has focused on studying Medieval Europe and the need to view the Norwegian and Scandinavian Middle Ages in a European context.
Building bridges between research and society
Ole Didrik Lærum received the 2008 Award for Excellent Communication of Science in recognition of his ability to raise awareness and generate interest in research through the wide-ranging research communication activities he has been engaged in for many years. He has not only provided information in his own specialist field, medicine, but has also helped to focus attention on research in Norwegian society in general. Lærum's efforts in this area have been of a consistently high quality; he has been able to reach a wide audience and has made use of a wide range of instruments and channels of communication. His approachability and interest in the press have led to a significant increase in the number of column inches devoted to research in Norwegian newspapers.
Minister of Research and Higher Education Aasland presented the Award for Excellent Communication of Science to Ole Didrik Lærum. Photo: Arne Langleite
Ole Didrik Lærum is Professor at the Section for Pathology at the Gade Institute, University of Bergen, and President of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
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The Award for Outstanding Research (Møbius Prize) The award may be granted to individuals or groups, including interdisciplinary research cooperation groups. Award winners receive the sum of NOK 500 000 and the Møbius statuette, designed by sculptor Åse Texmon Rygh. The award is intended to reward the use of original, creative communication measures, and the initiative must be directed toward the general public. The award may be granted for all types of dissemination through all types of media, and for activities that have taken place over time or as a specific effort. It comprises a cash prize of NOK 200 000, and may be conferred for communication in connection with ongoing or completed research activity. |
- Published:
- 25.09.2008
- Last updated:
- 25.09.2008
