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Martin Bjaadal Økter

"It is important that temporary staff have access to resources that support skills development and future career opportunities. Closer follow-up from the start can help ensure better conditions for career progression."

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PhD Fellow Martin Bjaadal Økter

Department of Engineering Sciences

Faculty of Engineering and Science

Why are you running for election?

Over the past seven years, the university has been a central part of my life, first as a student in engineering and the natural sciences, and now as a temporary employee pursuing a PhD. Over the past year, I have served as a member of the University Board. The university’s policies and organizational structure, both internally and externally, have consistently engaged my interest. Through my combined role as a doctoral researcher and lecturer, I have gained insight into multiple aspects of the university as a workplace. I would like to continue bringing this perspective into the work of the University Board.

 

My key priorities

  1. Improved working environment and reduced sick leave

Through my work on the Board over the past year, I have observed that temporary staff are in a particularly vulnerable position, with the highest levels of sick leave among all employee groups at the university. I believe this issue should be given greater attention to ensure proper support for individuals, while also working systematically to reduce absence and improve completion rates.

  1. Campus environments that promote productivity and well-being

The physical design of campus environments has a significant impact on both well-being and productivity for students and staff. Campuses that include natural meeting spaces and green areas contribute to a sense of calm and social belonging. I believe this helps prevent exclusion and encourage collaboration across disciplines.

  1. Career development from day one

It is important that temporary staff have access to resources that support skills development and future career opportunities. Closer follow-up from the start can help ensure better conditions for career progression, whether within academia or in industry.

 

What qualities and competencies do you bring?

During my time on the Board, I have worked to highlight issues and perspectives that particularly affect temporary staff, while maintaining a strong commitment to neutrality in my role as a board member. I have, among other things, emphasized the high levels of sick leave among temporary employees, the need for stronger links with industry, and the importance of a physical work environment that supports both focused work and collaboration. This experience has provided me with a solid understanding of university governance structures and board processes. I would therefore like to continue for another term, working in a more systematic and targeted way to represent and strengthen the position of temporary staff at the university.

 

A little about me:

I am currently working on the EU project RHINOCEROS, focusing on the development of autonomous battery dismantling for recycling using robotics and reinforcement learning, In my spare time, I have various electromechanical hobby projects, and have for some time been active in the local climbing club GAKK.

Education:

  • 2024 – 2028 (Current) Ph.d in Mechatronics– Department of Engineering UiA
  • 2022 – 2024 Maste degree in Mechatronics – Department of Engineering, UiA
  • 2019 – 2022 Bachelor degree in Mechatronics – Department of Engineering, UiA

Board experience

  • 2025 – 2026 Board Member of the University Board at UiA
  • 2021 – 2022 Vise Chair of Ungdiabetes Norge

 

Published May 12, 2025 - Last modified May 4, 2026