We are seeking a researcher to join our academic environment in societal security and emergency preparedness. The position will focus on developing knowledge about how different actors can collaborate effectively in risk communication. The project will examine how communication can contribute to trust, safety, and the effective management of unwanted incidents.
Societal security and emergency preparedness are increasingly dependent on effective collaboration and communication between authorities, organizations, and the public. Risk communication plays a central role in building trust, ensuring safety, and enabling efficient management of unwanted incidents. The evolving role of digital platforms and social media has transformed how emergency organizations communicate risks and engage with citizens, shifting the public from passive recipients of information to active contributors in crisis response.
Crisis management adds further complexity, as structures, policies, and processes shape how risks are communicated and how organizations respond to crises. Strategies can affect public access to information and trust in institutions, making effective communication a critical factor in mitigating disaster impacts.
The doctoral candidate will investigate various theories and models of risk communication, and their application in crisis contexts, communication strategies used by authorities and organizations in emergency preparedness and response. The project will examine the role of digital channels and social media in risk and crisis communication, and collaboration between authorities, organizations, and the public. The candidate will look at different factors that influence risk and crisis communication, and collective knowledge in crisis management.
The candidate will develop and test a training and exercise concept based on their own research. This will be carried out at the Center for Crisis Management and Collaboration – Nordlab, and will utilize simulation exercises to study leadership, communication, and decision-making.
The project is planned to be co-supervised by the Norwegian Police University College.
