University of South-Eastern Norway

The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) is a Norwegian university dedicated to applied research and hands-on teaching across a broad range of disciplines, including health sciences, social work, education, engineering, technology, arts, business, and management.

The Norway Mobility Program offers data science talents the opportunity to undertake a research stay of up to three months at the University of South-Eastern Norway.

Apply now!

About NORA

NORA - Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium

The University of South-Eastern Norway 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.

Learn more about the Norway Mobility Program

USN is a public, regionally rooted, and multidisciplinary university with a strong focus on knowledge development in collaboration with society and industry. It provides researchers with a vibrant academic environment that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and emphasizes the societal impact of science.

Many research projects at USN are developed in close cooperation with municipalities, companies, NGOs, and public sector institutions, ensuring that knowledge is translated into real-world impact.

Research priorities:

The University is organized into four faculties located across multiple campuses:

Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Sciences
Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences
The USN School of Business

With approximately 1,900 staff members and around 17,000 students, USN is forth biggest university in Norway.

The sites

USN spans three Norwegian counties, with campuses in

Bø
Drammen
Horten
Kongsberg
Notodden
Porsgrunn
Ringerike

University of South-Eastern Norway's expertise in the field of Data Science and AI

USN’s research in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is characterized by interdisciplinary approaches that bridge the gap between technical methods and domain-specific applications. Research teams develop solutions to real-world challenges with a strong emphasis on ethics, inclusion, and sustainable innovation.

Key competencies include:

Applied machine learning in health and industry
Human-centered AI and digital interaction
Predictive analytics in education and public services
Automation and intelligent systems for sustainable manufacturing
Natural language processing and information systems
Data ethics, algorithmic accountability, and fairness

How to Apply

Step 1: Reach out to a research group at one of the NORA member institutions (including USN) to explore a possible three-month research collaboration.
Step 2: Submit your application through this link.
Step 3: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and you will receive feedback shortly thereafter.

You can find more details about the application process [here] (insert link to “How to Apply”).

The selection of candidates for the scholarship is primarily based on the applicant’s motivation, the quality and originality of the project, and the overall feasibility within the proposed research stay. In addition, a clear connection to the field of Information & Data Science and added value for the Helmholtz Association’s research portfolio must be evident. The final decision on funding will be made in coordination with the respective Helmholtz Centers.

Please note that the program is open to doctoral researchers and postdocs with an employment contract at a Helmholtz Center, as well as Helmholtz-affiliated doctoral researchers and postdocs. If you are affiliated with a Helmholtz Center but employed elsewhere, please contact us before submitting your application.

As part of this exchange, HIDA acts as a liaison between hosts and participants and covers travel and material costs for Helmholtz participants. For specific questions regarding contractual and employment matters, please contact the program officers at your Helmholtz Center or the host institution.

(Would this still apply?)

More information about the program regulations can be found [here].