'Master's students invigorate our academic environment with fresh ideas and critical perspectives. Their projects not only advance our understanding of key issues but also enrich the intellectual life of the institute. We see their work as a vital contribution to both the students' growth and the broader research community,' says FNI Director Iver B. Neumann.

FNI welcomes new master's students every semester, offering scholarships and the opportunity to conduct their thesis research in our academic environment. Application deadlines are November 20 and May 20. Find out more about our student scholarships here (in Norwegian only).

The students are provided with office space at Polhøgda and play an active role in the institute's daily life. This spring, we are proud to introduce:

Emma-Lovise Ridderseth
Master's Program: Law, University of Oslo
Supervisor: Ole Kristian Fauchald
Thesis: Zoning Plan Requirements for Aquaculture Installations in the Sea under the Norwegian Planning and Building ActEmma-Lovise examines whether site clearance constitutes a decision that triggers a regulatory obligation under Section 12-1, third paragraph, of the Planning and Building Act, and what legal consequences the failure to comply with such an obligation may have for site clearance decisions.
 

Ida Therese Høvik
Master's Program: International Relations, University of Cambridge
Supervisor: Iver B. Neumann
Thesis: Western embassies’ digital diplomacy and localization of diplomatic content in East Asia
Ida's research focuses on how Western embassies adapt their digital communication to local contexts in East Asia. Her work explores the strategic choices behind content adaptation and how these decisions influence international relationships. Practical case studies from embassies in the region form the core of her analysis.

Tizian David Ziegler
Master's Program: Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Supervisor: Gunnar Fermann
Thesis: What factors and motivations explain Germany's energy development from the “Energiewende” to today?
Tizian examines Germany's energy development, focusing on the economic, political, and external factors driving its transition to renewables. By applying theories like Schumpeter's creative destruction and Olson's vested interests, his work sheds light on key moments of change and continuity in Germany's energy history.

Peter Aga Ljoså
Master's Program: Political Science, University of Oslo
Supervisor: Elin Lerum Boasson
Thesis: Why do Norwegian municipalities aim for spatial neutrality?
Peter's thesis explores how Norwegian municipalities adopt and implement the principle of spatial neutrality in their land-use planning. He investigates how they balance urban densification, the preservation of green areas, and ecological restoration, while also tracing the origins and application of spatial neutrality in local policies.

Hanna M. Vandeskog
Master's Program: Development, Environment & Cultural Change, Centre of Development and the Environment, University of Oslo
Supervisor: Jostein Jakobsen
Thesis: The political economy of Norway's seabed mineral extraction policy
Hanna studies the political process and impact assessment which lay the groundwork for the Norwegian Parliament's decision to open for seabed mining. Her thesis focuses on the friction points between the Ministry of Energy, the Norwegian Environment Agency, and the Offshore Directorate. She explores how internal government conflicts and external interests have shaped the outcome and considers how this case could set a precedent for future management of marine natures.

Kristin Thrane
Supervisor: Tora Berge Naterstad
Master's Program: Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Oslo
Thesis: How do security discourses shape Georgian identity?
Kristin examines how debates about security influence national identity in Georgia. Through fieldwork in Tbilisi, she examines the effects of the 2024 "foreign agents" law on Georgia's self-perception and debates about its international orientation. Her analysis includes both public discourse and individual perspectives to uncover social and political implications.

We’re looking forward to a semester full of fresh perspectives and new insights from our great students!