“Do we really have to leave before the rescue helicopter is on its way?” some colleagues from Europeans universities ask, as the rotors begin to spin.
But alas: the Sea-EU Staff week group must leave the accident site outside the Rørvik Tunnel in Valnesfjord, between Bodø and Fauske. Here, the fire brigade, the police, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and Nord University have staged a dramatic multi-vehicle crash inside the tunnel. Outside, the rescue helicopter, ambulances and police are on site to provide assistance. Nearby, students from several study programmes work alongside the professionals.
A powerful experience
The Sea‑EU university alliance regularly organises staff weeks at different campuses across its nine member universities. However, this is the first time such an event has taken place during Exercise Nord.
“The initiative came from Malmö and the World Maritime University. I replied that it should certainly be possible. I thought we could organise it as a staff week, so that more people could take part,” says Tove Holm, Sea‑EU coordinator at Nord University.
Christian Wallentin at the World Maritime University believes his colleague was wise to suggest the trip.
“It was a very good idea. The visit has exceeded all expectations and has been so useful that I’m taking a lot of valuable insight back with me,” he says.
The event was fully booked. All 14 participants got full value from the experience.
“We face different challenges in southern and northern Europe, but we also have a lot in common. This has been a valuable experience,” says Luisa Quinteiro from the University of Algarve in Portugal.
We must be prepared
Agata Szymeczko from the University of Gdańsk in Poland also sees clear value in the days spent in Bodø.
“Poland has a somewhat challenging geopolitical position, located as we are between Germany and Russia. People remember history very well, and it forms part of our shared identity. We do not want to repeat history, so we must be prepared. We need to know how to handle crises,” she says.
She explains that their security unit is discussing expansion and that more people need to be aware of what to do in crisis situations.
“That is why I want to share my experiences with my colleagues when I return home,” Szymeczko adds.
The staff week, Emergency preparedness and crisis management – case Exercise Nord, lasted three days and included both academic sessions and participation in the exercise itself. The group also gained a great deal from the dedicated academic day.
“I really enjoyed the academic sessions. There was a lot I didn’t know before – especially about China. We have met different agencies and gained insight into a range of perspectives. That is very interesting,” says Szymeczko.
Moving forward
The final day concluded with a workshop focused on future cooperation. The work progressed from individual reflections to joint prioritisation of what participants considered most relevant and timely across the universities.
Four themes were selected for further development:
- Establishing a joint, multinational exercise.
- Improving cooperation through digital tools such as Google Workspace.
- Strengthening security efforts at the universities.
- Exchanging ideas to further develop emergency preparedness and crisis management for both students and staff.
“For all four themes, concrete implementation steps were outlined, and the participants identified success factors as well as potential risks and points of resistance. This means that the work will continue even after the participants have returned home. In the near future, more people will be able to get involved and contribute to the further development of these areas,” says Holm.
Exercise Nord
Exercise Nord is a full-scale emergency preparedness exercise where emergency response agencies train to handle major incidents and crises.
Nord University collaborates with many different agencies during the exercise, including the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, police, fire department, municipalities, county councils, emergency medical services, hospitals, the Home Guard, volunteer organisations, and the Coast Guard.
"You understand the need for freedom"
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Norway, Oleksiy Gavrysh, gave several lectures during Exercise Nord. He also met with participants during the Sea‑EU Staff Week.
“You understand the need for freedom. Nansen said something I truly like: ‘Nothing is impossible; the impossible just takes a little longer.’ Ukraine has proven that what once seemed impossible is now our daily task. Russia’s war against us is colonialism, but you cannot kill a people who have discovered who they are. Ukraine says yes to democracy and to Europe,” says Gavrysh.
He says he is particularly fond of the Norwegian word frihet – freedom.
“Freedom is not free. It has a value,” the ambassador adds.
Picture: Ukraine’s Ambassador to Norway, Oleksiy Gavrysh, also addressed the audience at the Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø. Photo: Lise Fagerbakk, Nord University
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"You understand the need for freedom"
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Norway, Oleksiy Gavrysh, gave several lectures during Exercise Nord. He also met with participants during the Sea‑EU Staff Week.
“You understand the need for freedom. Nansen said something I truly like: ‘Nothing is impossible; the impossible just takes a little longer.’ Ukraine has proven that what once seemed impossible is now our daily task. Russia’s war against us is colonialism, but you cannot kill a people who have discovered who they are. Ukraine says yes to democracy and to Europe,” says Gavrysh.
He says he is particularly fond of the Norwegian word frihet – freedom.
“Freedom is not free. It has a value,” the ambassador adds.
Picture: Ukraine’s Ambassador to Norway, Oleksiy Gavrysh, also addressed the audience at the Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø. Photo: Lise Fagerbakk, Nord University
