Awards for research prizes and grants 2022
THE WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AWARD IS
Professor Anders M. Dale (born 1964 in Norway), University of California, San Diego, USA and Adjunct Professor at the University of Oslo
he Olav Thon Foundation’s research prize within the natural sciences and medicine is awarded to Professor Anders M. Dale (born 1964 in Norway), University of California, San Diego, USA and Adjunct Professor at the University of Oslo. He receives the prize due to his extensive research within neurology, particularly within studies of the brain’s functions, age-related changes in the brain and, thereby, within the field of gerontology. Dale’s significance as a researcher stretches far beyond the borders of the US and today he is one of the world’s leading researchers in his field. Professor Anders M. Dale’s research has contributed to the development of better approaches to diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and has had an impact on clinical practice. Dale has contributed to basic knowledge about how the brain functions through research on the development of, and genetic basis for, the brain’s structure and function, particularly in relation to age-related changes and underlying brain diseases.
THE WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING ARE:
Senior Lecturer Tone Fredsvik Gregers, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo
Tone F. Gregers (born 1972) is an outstanding teacher who is constantly striving to develop her skills as a university lecturer for the benefit of her students’ learning. Gregers particularly excels in her inquiring approach to teaching. She emphasises the importance of being able to document and analyse what produces the best outcomes in teaching, not just in her own work, but also in a systematic project aimed at developing a knowledge-based academic environment with a view to achieving the highest quality teaching possible. Gregers has already made a profound mark on the teaching of biology and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo.
Professor Vigdis Vandvik, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen
Vigdis Vandvik (born 1968) has headed bioCEED – Centre for Excellence in Biology Education for 7 years, while teaching and supervising students from bachelor’s up to doctoral level. She is a particularly skilled and committed teacher, supervisor, mentor and educational leader and always attaches importance to developing her own practices in line with modern methods and pedagogical thinking. As a subject and course coordinator, she has improved the students’ opportunities to gain real research experience and training in general research dissemination at a high level.
Professor Sigbjørn Hervik, Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Stavanger
Sigbjørn Hervik (born 1976) is a highly engaged university lecturer in mathematics and physics. He has taught at all levels, including secondary school level, and always receives outstanding evaluations from his students for his teaching efforts. Hervik is also a very active researcher in his field at an international level. This range of engagement and interests, from highly theoretical research work to teaching mathematics and physics at all levels is a very rarely seen combination. At 31, Sigbjørn Hervik became the country’s youngest professor of mathematics. He gained his PhD from Cambridge University in 2004.