As of June, the FNI leadership team consists of the Director, the Head of Administration and three Research Directors. Two of the three are now new.

Research Professor Andreas Østhagen is taking over as head of the research group on marine and polar issues, which has been renamed the Arctic and Ocean Politics Research Group. Research Professor Irja Vormedal is taking over the group on biodiversity and genetic resources, which has also been renamed – now the Global Environmental Governance Research Group. These two groups, together with the Climate and Energy Politics Research Group, form the core of FNI’s research structure.

Both Østhagen and Vormedal have worked at FNI for many years and hold professorial competence, giving them strong academic footing in their new leadership roles.

‘At FNI, there has always been, and should continue to be, renewal in the leadership group,’ says FNI Director Iver B. Neumann. ‘It was a real pleasure to work with the previous group, and I’m certain it will be just as enjoyable – though no doubt a bit different – to work with the new one.’

Østhagen and Vormedal take over from Pål Wilter Skedsmo and Regine Andersen, respectively. Both are now returning to their regular research positions.

‘I’d like to thank both Pål and Regine for their important contributions and great collaboration over the years,’ says Neumann.

New name, broader scope

‘It’s important to say that our research on biodiversity and genetic resources remains as strong as ever. But the new name reflects a broader focus,’ says Irja Vormedal, on the reasoning behind the change.

Her own background is in climate and energy politics, and she is bringing one other colleague from that group into the new team.

‘We work on everything from critical minerals and aquaculture governance to seed regulation and plastic pollution, and across continents. What unites us is the big question: How is global environmental governance structured, and how should it be?’

For Vormedal, it’s essential to stay connected with the other research groups.

‘I’ve worked a lot with climate and energy, and I want to keep close collaboration with that group. I also work on aquaculture, so the ocean group is not far off either. We have everything to gain by thinking together – especially when preparing large funding proposals.’

From marine and polar to Arctic and ocean

Andreas Østhagen has led several major projects, written books and recently became a professor. Now, he steps into the role as leader of the group that has worked most extensively on security and cooperation in the Arctic.
‘Pål has been an excellent Reseach Director for six years, and I’m bringing much of what I’ve learned from him into this new phase.’

He wants the group’s expertise to be even more visible – both internally and externally.
‘We have deep knowledge of Arctic affairs, Russia, and ocean governance – and we’re world-leading in several areas. I’d like us to strengthen the group identity, share more across projects, and grow together.’ That’s also the idea behind the new name.

‘The Research Group on Arctic and Ocean Politics is a clearer reflection of what we do. It includes everything from jurisdiction and resource management to security policy in the High North.’

Strategic thinking in leadership, still full throttle in research

Both Vormedal and Østhagen are looking forward to combining strategic leadership with active research careers.
‘I’ll continue to do research, but I’ll use the start of this new role to develop as a leader,’ says Østhagen.
‘I’ve been through many phases of academic life. Now I’m excited to help shape the institute as a whole.’

‘Getting closer to the researchers in my group is genuinely inspiring,’ says Vormedal. ‘Knowing what people are working on makes it much easier to develop new projects and build strong proposals.’

FNI rotates its leadership team every three years, although some may serve for more than one term. That opens space for both continuity and fresh thinking, says Vormedal.

‘Having researchers rotate in and out of leadership lowers the threshold and raises the sense of ownership. It’s not a very hierarchical structure – and that suits FNI perfectly.’

While the research is sharp and focused, the atmosphere in the building is low-key and collaborative.
‘It’s an institute with a relaxed tone and a very high level of expertise,’ says Østhagen.
‘We might not be the best at beating our own drum – but we definitely have the credentials to do so. Maybe it’s time we start doing just that.’