Østfold University College brings together applied research, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a strong commitment to societal relevance. Its work focuses on practical solutions to today’s key challenges – from sustainable healthcare and inclusive education to digital transformation and smart regional development.
The Norway Mobility Program offers data science talents the opportunity to spend up to three months at Østfold University College, where they engage in hands-on research and contribute to impactful, interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of technology, health, and society.

About NORA
NORA - Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium
The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is a partner of NORA, the Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium. This initiative aims to strengthen Norwegian research, education, and innovation in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, as well as other relevant areas that support the development of AI applications.
Together with HIDA, NORA co-organizes the Norway Mobility Program, which offers doctoral researchers and postdocs from the Helmholtz Association and NORA partner institutions the opportunity to participate in a research stay in Norway.
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Østfold University College (HiØ) is dedicated to tackling pressing societal challenges through practical and innovative approaches. Key areas of focus include digital transformation, sustainable development, health and welfare, inclusive education, and the advancement of smart, resilient communities.
Research at HiØ is deeply rooted in collaboration—with partners across academia, industry, the public sector, and international networks. The aim is to turn knowledge into tangible outcomes that benefit society and drive meaningful change at both local and global levels.
Research priorities:
- Faculty of Health, Welfare and Organisation
- This faculty engages in interdisciplinary research across clinical nursing, biomedical technology, psychosocial work, digital health, person-centred care, welfare services, and educational methods—addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, social work, and professional development through both practical and theoretical lens.
- Faculty of Computer Science, Engineering and Economics
- This faculty hosts diverse research groups spanning advanced materials, applied economics, green energy, machine learning, digital communication, cyber-physical systems, and innovative teaching—highlighting a strong interdisciplinary focus on technology, sustainability, and societal development.
- Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages
- This faculty conducts broad-ranging research in early childhood, mathematics and science education, language and literature, lifelong learning, special education, and artistic research, emphasizing critical, developmental, and digital perspectives on teaching and learning across the lifespan.
With approximately 1,800 staff members and around 16,500 students, HVL is one of the largest universities in Norway.

The sites
Die Standorte
Das HVL ist auf fünf Standorte verteilt:
- Bergen
- Førde
- Haugesund
- Sogndal
- Stord.
Østfold University College's expertise in the field of Data Science and AI
At the Østfold University College, Data Science and AI are central pillars of interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Across its various campuses, the college drives forward-looking developments in fields such as healthcare, engineering, education, and sustainability.
- Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics
- Development of robust models for pattern recognition, forecasting, and decision support — with applications in healthcare, mobility, and public administration
- Big Data and Cloud Computing
- Designing scalable data infrastructures and analytical tools for large-scale datasets in social, technical, and environmental domains
- Explainable and Ethical AI
- Research on transparency, fairness, and trust in AI systems — especially in education, public services, and social welfare
- AI in Health and Care
- Creating AI-powered solutions for remote diagnostics, health monitoring, patient interaction, and assistive technologies in care settings
- Intelligent Systems and IoT Integration
- Applying connected sensors and real-time data in smart city concepts, energy grids, transport systems, and environmental monitoring
- Learning Analytics and Educational Technology (EdTech)
- Adaptive learning platforms, behavior-based interventions, and AI-assisted curriculum planning to support learning outcomes and individual development
Interested in a research stay at the Østfold University College?
Find out more about the Norway Mobility Program!
Wie funktioniert die Bewerbung?
- Schritt 1: Kontaktieren Sie eine Forschungsgruppe an einer der NORA-Mitgliedsinstitutionen, um die Möglichkeit eines dreimonatigen Forschungsaufenthalts zu besprechen.
- Schritt 2: Sie bewerben sich über diesen Link bei HIDA
- Schritt 3: Die Bewerbungen werden von einem Auswahlkomitee geprüft und Sie erhalten zeitnah? Eine Nachricht. (wie ist es hier nochmal mit dem Zeitpunkt? Wird es hier Runden geben?)
Mehr Informationen zum Bewerbungsablauf erhalten Sie hier. (Link zu How to)
Für die Vergabe der Stipendien sind insbesondere die Motivation des Antragstellers, die Qualität und Originalität des Projekts sowie die grundsätzliche Durchführbarkeit im Zeitraum des geplanten Forschungsaufenthalts entscheidend. Darüber hinaus muss ein Bezug zum Bereich Information & Data Science sowie der Mehrwert für das Forschungsportfolio der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft klar erkennbar sein. Die Förderzusage erfolgt in Abstimmung mit den Helmholtz-Zentren.
Bitte beachten Sie, dass das Programm für Promovierende und Postdocs mit einem Arbeitsvertrag an den Helmholtz-Zentren sowie für Helmholtz-affiliierte Promovierende und Postdocs offen ist. Wenn Sie an ein Helmholtz-Zentrum angegliedert, aber anderweitig beschäftigt sind, setzen Sie sich bitte vor Ihrer Bewerbung mit uns in Verbindung.
Im Rahmen dieses Austausches vermittelt HIDA zwischen Gastgebern und Teilnehmern und finanziert die Reise- und Sachkosten der Helmholtz-Teilnehmer. Bitte sprechen Sie mit den Programmbeauftragten (Ansprechpartnern) Ihres Zentrums oder der Gastinstitution über spezifische Fragen zu den Vertrags- und Arbeitsbedingungen.
(Würde das noch gelten?)
Weitere Informationen zu den Regularien erhalten Sie hier (Link zu Regularien)
Contact
If you have any further questions on this or our other mobility programs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Stefanie Gruber-Sliva
Networks & Mobility Program Manager
Contact
