HVL and INN have increased their AI activity during the last couple of years, and with NORA’s strong vision of being stronger together it is with great pleasure and excitement we can announce that HVL and INN are now part of the NORA consortium.
NORA is a national AI consortium for universities, university colleges and research institutes, and we will continue collaborating on AI research, AI innovation and AI education. Our national research school on AI, our EU network (NORA.EU) and our innovation network (NORA.startup) are tools for such collaborations. We are also connecting partners to industry and public sector, and we are part of the EDIH NOMONOOR. All these projects benefit from a stronger, national collaboration and coordination.
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
The vision of Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL): "Knowledge that builds people and society," can also be applied to the possibilities and challenges that AI represents. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the university college addresses concerns in academia regarding the ethical use of AI tools, collaborating across fields to develop effective solutions. In 2023, HVL established an AI Coordination Group, initiated by the Digitalization Council, which focuses on advising and ensuring that AI systems align with HVL's values.
The Coordination Group's mandate includes initiating and coordinating AI activities, internal and external communication and tracking expertise. The group shares information at www.hvl.no/ki .
The AI Coordination Group, consisting of 15 participants, has created thematic working groups and introduced a new module, "Artificial Intelligence in Education," starting February 6, 2024. The online course has over 330 participants as of January 30. AI will be a key theme at the HVL conference on April 24, 2024. Furthermore, in 2023, HVL conducted a survey involving 2800 HVL students that explored themes like students using AI as sparring partners. Findings, presented in a report by the Division of Academic Development, were discussed in a January 2024 interview and published on forskning.no.
HVL's future plans involve advertising new positions related to AI, acquiring UiO's privacy-safe AI chat, and conducting a new AI survey for staff. Stay updated on AI developments at HVL through www.hvl.no/ki.
“One of the group's initial initiatives was for HVL to become a member of NORA to learn from others in the sector and share knowledge and experiences from HVL's own expertise in artificial intelligence.” - HVL.
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
The Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences is a leading institution dedicated to providing innovative education and impactful research. INN commitment to technology and education is evident in its study programs that blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The emphasis on technology goes beyond traditional boundaries, fostering an environment that encourages exploration, innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies into the educational process. For instance, in 2022, the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences started a new project to develop simulation in VR/AR as part of a comprehensive teaching program for training in various study programs (https://www.inn.no/om-hogskolen/fakultet-for-lererutdanning-og-pedagogikk/inn-bygger-kapasitet/om-prosjektet.html)
In 2023, Innland Norway University of Applied Sciences announced a new bachelor course in Artificial Intelligence – Development and Application. The course is offered by the Faculty of Audiovisual Media and Creative Technology (AMEK). Building on a technological foundation, the course is interdisciplinary and all faculties at the university college can contribute with subjects.
Read more about INN and the new Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence.
In addition, HiNN has a research program for AI AR/VR, consisting of four interdisciplinary projects that investigate AI and/or AR/VR in Audiovisual Art, Crisis Management and Preparedness, Diagnostics and Antibiotic Resistance, and finally, for use in teacher education. Stay tuned on inn.no for more information about this project.
Quote from Klas Pettersen:
“With HVL and INN joining, NORA is now comprising 13 Norwegian universities and university colleges, along with 5 of Norway’s leading research institutes. Such extensive collaboration within a single research area is unparalleled in Norway, highlighting the consortium's unique position. Collaboration is crucial in competitive fields, especially in AI, which holds special national significance. HVL and INN are warmly welcomed into the NORA consortium!”