Julia Olsen
I am an Associate Professor in Environmental sociology. My research is dedicated to the sustainable development of the Arctic region, focusing specifically on human-nature relations in the context of shipping and tourism development, climate change and pollution. I work to promote a deeper understanding of communities’ relations with their changing natural environment, as well as how Arctic populations adapt and respond to emerging challenges. I am involved in research projects that examine sustainable cruise practices, environmental governance, pollution, and circular economy practices. I have a PhD in sociology, in which I examined impacts of increased shipping activities in the Barents region on local coastal communities and their adaptive capacity.
Study Program Responsible for Joint bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Blue Economy, SEA-EU.
Course coordinator for Nordic and Arctic Societies (NOM1001); Human Impact in the Arctic (SBE339-P3); Sustainable Coastal Tourism (SBE332-P3);
Other courses: Considering Sustainability (SAM5012) and Knowledge of Land, Seas and Environment in the Arctic (NOM 1003)
Co-lead of the research group: Arctic Research Group: Environment and Societies (ARISE) Arctic Research Group: Environment and Societies (ARISE) | Nord.no
Research Projects:
2025-2028 Thawing Arctic permafrost, emerging risks: managing critical infrastructure, cultural
heritage, and mountain slopes under climate change. Research Council of Norway. Home - thawinglyr.com
2024-2028 ArcSolution. Arctic pollution in a One Health perspective – from complex challenges to sustainable solutions. Europe Program. ArcSolution – Arctic pollution in a One Health perspective – from complex challenges to sustainable solutions
2023-2024 Building transdisciplinary bridges for sustainable Svalbard and Arctic development. Research Council of Norway.
2021- 2024 SHIFTPLASTICS. Shifting to sustainable circular value chains for handling plastics in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Research Council of Norway.
2020-2024 Face- it. The future of Arctic coastal ecosystems - Identifying transitions in fjord systems and adjacent coastal areas. EU, Horizon 2020.
2020-2024 Balancing Act. Sustainable Tourism in Svalbard. Research Council of Norway
2020-2024 Caring for Cruise. Sustainable Arctic Cruise communities: From practice to governance. Working package leader. Research Council of Norway
