From Akureyri to Stockholm to exchange professional knowledge, collaborate on Nordic projects and explore Sweden. This is the two-month plan of Nordregio’s visiting researcher Sæunn Gísladóttir. “The exchange has exceeded my expectations,” says Sæunn as she shares her experience of working at Nordregio.
Researchers from across the Nordic Region can spend time at Nordregio through the Nordic Council of Ministers’ exchange programme, NORUT. The programme supports collaboration between Nordic research environments by offering grants. For visiting researchers, it provides an opportunity to engage with Nordregio’s work on regional development, contribute to ongoing projects and build new professional networks.
Sæunn Gísladóttir first heard about the NORUT programme in 2022 when she started working at the University of Akureyri Research Centre (RHA). The centre has long been a leader in regional development studies in Iceland and collaborates with Nordregio.
“I am interested in learning more about the institute, exchanging knowledge and sharing experiences from our own research environment,” says Sæunn Gísladóttir, visiting researcher at Nordregio.
Sæunn is an economist with an MA in Development Studies and a background in international development and journalism. Her current research focuses on regional development and gender equality.
The NORUT grant enables her to spend two months working at Nordregio. It covers both travel and accommodation during the exchange period, making the stay more accessible.
During her visit, Sæunn contributes to two projects: Powering resilience: Tackling energy vulnerabilities to improve regional self-sufficiency and Unlocking local benefits from green transition.
“I am already learning about the methodologies researchers here apply in their work and how they approach challenges such as obtaining survey responses. I am also gaining insight into emerging research topics and good communication practices,” says Sæunn.
During her exchange period, the visiting researcher not only works on the projects but also participates in social events, gets to know colleagues and Nordregio’s workplace culture as well as enjoys Sweden.
“It is wonderful to spend time in Stockholm, explore the city with my family and connect with people from many different countries. Socially, the exchange has exceeded my expectations,” says Sæunn.
