Sjekkes mot fremføring

Dear Ambassador, Rectors, Professor Marcus du Sautoy, Trond Mohn and the Mohn Foundation,

Dear all,

I am very happy to be here today – celebrating mathematics, basic research and the great potential of Imagination, Exploration and Collaboration that Lie-Størmer Centre embodies.

In the times we live in, with so much uncertainty in the world, it is more important than ever to celebrate the forces that can create a better future. Mathematics has the power to do just that.

While we celebrate, we must acknowledge the seriousness of the societal challenges we face. In Norway and in the world. Growing geopolitical tensions, an escalating climate and energy crisis, increasing pressure on resources and skilled labor, and a technological shift that is reshaping society.

To meet these challenges, Norway needs a high level of mathematical and technological competence. To achieve this goal, several measures are necessary:

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First and foremost, we must develop outstanding research in these fields. In the last years, the Norwegian government has launched several research and infrastructure initiatives, in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, High Performance Computing, defense and polar research. These research initiatives are all interdisciplinary. But one thing do they have in common: Mathematicians play an invaluable role in all of them.

Second, we need talented people who are able to communicate research to a broader audience – to engage and make people realize that math is deeply connected to our daily lives – and to inspire and educate future engineers, scientists and innovators.

Both qualities are characteristics of the Lie-Størmer Center – and, we are lucky to have Professor Marcus du Sautoy with us here today – someone who is widely known for making mathematics accessible and engaging for the public. I really look forward to hearing your keynote in a couple of minutes.

We need inspirational scientists like you to inspire more young people to study math. In Norway, we currently have fewer students choosing science and technology fields compared to our neighboring countries. This may lead to a shortage of skilled workers in sectors that are experiencing growth. That is why this government has prioritized ICT fields in higher education. Going forward, we need to further look into the recruitment challenges and the competence required within these fields.

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To boost Norway’s technological competence and competitiveness, more collaboration between private actors and the research community is key. This is yet another area in which this center stands as a leading example.

We need more collaboration between private foundations and private businesses on the one hand, and universities and researchers on the other – and we need more private investments. Because when businesses are connected early on, we can put research into use much faster. Strengthening collaboration between private actors and the research community is therefore a key priority for me as minister.  To achieve this, we have given the Norwegian Research Council a more prominent role in connecting research institutions, private enterprises and foundations.

The Mohn Foundation exemplifies what long-standing support for research can achieve. Their contributions have been vital in establishing the Lie-Størmer Centre, together with recent funding from the Norwegian Research Council. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Mr. Trond Mohn, who I am happy are with us here today, for your unique support and generosity towards research in Norway. Thank you!  

I sincerely hope that that many others will follow in your footsteps. Research is a collective good, and this government is committed to maintaining strong public funding of research. But to solve the great challenges of today, we need initiatives such as this. We need foundations and businesses who dare to be bold and to take social action, and we need strong partnerships across sectors. 

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Dear all,

I would like to thank the University of Tromsø, the University of Bergen, leadership, students and staff at the Lie-Størmer Center for the vital role you are playing in a field of great, and growing importance. Through collaboration, excellence and perseverance you are doing work of great importance for our future.

Thank you!