Background and Purpose

The initiative to establish an expert committee was first mentioned in the government’s white paper on the research system presented in March 2025, Report to the Storting No. 14 (2024–2025) – Secure knowledge in an uncertain world. The expert committee will provide concrete recommendations to authorities, research institutions, and both private and public sectors on measures that can strengthen the quality and relevance of doctoral education. The expert committee is chaired by Professor Silje Haus‑Reve. The committee will submit its report to the Ministry of Education and Research by 1 March 2027.

The expert committee will assess the current framework for doctoral education and its overall contribution to society. The committee will advise on concrete measures to shape future doctoral education so that research competence benefits society as effectively as possible. Recommended measures may include further development of existing instruments or entirely new ones.

Quality in doctoral education will be a guiding principle in the work of the expert committee. The committee will conduct assessments and recommend measures separately for the following fields:

  • Health
  • Social sciences and humanities
  • Technology and natural sciences

Progress and Sector Involvement

The expert committee will invite stakeholders to an open consultation meeting on Friday, 4 December 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30. The meeting will take place at the Ministry’s premises at Kirkegata 18, Oslo, with a limited number of participants. It will also be possible to participate digitally. Invitations to relevant stakeholders will be sent well in advance of the meeting. Prior to the meeting, the expert committee will share a background document as a basis for input. It will also be possible to submit written feedback after the consultation meeting.

Composition of the Expert committee

The expert committee consists of nine members who, collectively, have broad expertise in the research sector and doctoral education, as well as Norwegian and international labour markets.

In addition to Chair Silje Haus‑Reve, Professor of Innovation and Regional Studies at the University of Stavanger (UiS) and Researcher II at NORCE, the expert committee includes the following members:

  • Jonas Stein
    Pro-Rector, UiT (Deputy Chair)
  • Jan Magnus Aronsen
    Associate Professor, UiO / OUS
  • Asgeir J. Sørensen
    Professor, NTNU
  • Linn Merete Sandvold
    Manager and Industrial PhD candidate, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
  • Lise Rye
    Professor, NTNU
  • Taran Thune
    Professor, UiO / Research Professor I, NIFU
  • Bjarte Bye Løfaldli
    Head of Research, Kristiansund Municipality; Associate Professor, Molde University College
  • Lene Tanggaard Pedersen
    Professor, Aalborg University

Members do not represent their institutions or organizations, but participate based on their personal expertise and experience.

Reference Group

Following input from relevant stakeholders and based on an overall assessment of competence, geographical distribution, and gender balance, the Ministry has also established a reference group.

Members of the reference group will contribute perspectives based on their affiliations. The expert committee will make use of the reference group in its work.