Stepping Into the Role as NORA’s New CEO
Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the NORA secretariat and our partners, first as a Senior Research Advisor and then as Chief Operating Officer. I still remember my initial interview, right after ChatGPT was released. Klas’s and Sachin’s (a former NORA colleague) enthusiasm about AI was contagious, and when I was offered the job, I was thrilled. Since then, Klas has been both a leader and a mentor, and he’s now passed the CEO baton on to me - both figuratively and literally.
During my time at NORA, I’ve had the chance to get to know many of you, from serious strategy meetings to karaoke nights and watching Frodo balancing on a tower of tin cans (photo below). I’m grateful for the trust the NORA board has placed in me, and I take on the role as CEO with enthusiasm, optimism, and a deep sense of responsibility. I’m excited to work even more closely with the AI community in Norway in my capacity as CEO.
Building a National AI Research Network
NORA is a grassroots organisation, by and for the AI research community in Norway, with collaboration at its core. The idea behind NORA - a national academic AI network - was initiated by Morten Irgens (OsloMet at the time), Aslak Tveito (Simula), and Morten Dæhlen (UiO). Along with seven founding partners, they formally established NORA in 2019 with the ambition of becoming an “internationally known AI research and education network”. To help realise this vision, two key individuals were appointed to NORA’s central leadership roles: Pinar Heggernes (UiB) as the first chair of the board, and Klas Pettersen as NORA’s first CEO.
In the years that followed, the NORA secretariat, led by Klas, did a fantastic job of engaging the research community, earning their trust, and together initiating a wide range of activities, such as: two RCN-funded research schools with international exchange programs, NORA Startup, the NORA Annual Conference, Nordic AI Meet, and NORDIC AIR - a partnership between the leading academic AI centres in the Nordics (CADIA, FCAI, WASP, and the Pioneer Centre for AI).
A Busy and Exciting Autumn Ahead for Norway’s AI Community
It’s no exaggeration to say that hundreds of individuals across NORA’s partner institutions have helped shape NORA into what it is today: Norway’s de facto national academic AI network, now comprising 17 partners. I highlight all this not just as a list of accomplishments, but to illustrate the power of Norwegian collaboration.
This autumn, we’re kicking off with the very first National AI Championship – NMiKI – bringing together over 160 BSc and MSc students from universities across Norway. The following week, we’re heading to Arendalsuka, where NORA is hosting Kunstig intelligens-teltet. Later in the season, we’re organising CuttingEdge AI: Benchmarking in AI on September 12, followed by the Nordic AI Meet on 26–27 November.
I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months and to carrying forward NORA’s important ambitions - Excellence in AI research, education and innovation.
All the best,
Michael Solvang
CEO, NORA