– The job as Nobel director is diverse, so being able to both swing a hammer and write a good academic text probably comes in handy in this job, says Harpviken. On Wednesday, it became clear that the former director and researcher, Kristian Berg Harpviken (62), will take over as the new director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute. – We are in a time marked by conflict, and it is not necessarily as easy to find the good purposes in the time we are in, Harpviken answers when asked what will be the most demanding about the position. – Perhaps this means precisely that the job is more important than ever, he follows up. NEW OFFICE: Harpviken will have an important responsibility for preparing the factual basis. Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news The dream job As director of the Nobel Institute, Harpviken has three main tasks in particular. Among other things, as an important adviser to the Nobel Committee, which awards the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Director’s main duties Lead the academic investigation work and act as secretary for the Nobel Committee in its work to decide who will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Be responsible for the institute’s many events during Nobel Week in December. Lead the academic, financial and administrative work at the institute, and ensure that all units work well together. Source: The position’s job advertisement. – I have worked with peace all my life, so for me this is my dream job, says Harpviken. – The Nobel Committee must award the peace prize each year to the person or persons who have done the most to promote peace. I can’t imagine anything more meaningful than contributing to a knowledge base for that decision, he says further. Harpviken takes over the job from Professor Olav Njølstad, who is retiring. HONORABLE ASSIGNMENT: Together with the Nobel Committee’s chairman, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Harpviken looks at the row of prize winners. Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news Long experience with peace work According to a press release from the Nobel Institute, Harpviken, who has his roots in Hedemarken, has a broad CV. In addition to being a trained sociologist, Harpviken has gardening training and has worked on the family farm for many years. Since then, the newly appointed director has had a long career in peace work, research and high-level management. Among other things as director of the Institute for Peace Research, between 2009 and 2017. Harpviken is particularly known for his expertise in Afghanistan. Among other things, he has led the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee’s country office. Great trust from the committee Jørgen Watne Frydnes, who heads the Nobel Committee, also believes that Harpviken will make a good director for the institute. – Harpviken will be a very important contributor to continue the legacy of Alfred Nobel and take the Nobel Prize into a new era, says Frydnes. Published 19.06.2024, at 17.29 Updated 19.06.2024, at 18.14
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