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About UiO:Democracy

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UiO:Democracy is a strategic, interdisciplinary initiative at the University of Oslo. Here, you can read more about how we work to promote knowledge and engagement related to the opportunities and challenges of democracy.

Our ambitions

  • Establish the University of Oslo as a leading European hub for interdisciplinary research on democracy
  • Help produce cutting-edge interdisciplinary knowledge that can be used to strengthen democracy
  • Communicate research, knowledge, and engagement about democracy and be a voice in societal debates
  • Collaborate with institutions and stakeholders outside academia
  • Facilitate interdisciplinary educational programmes and courses

About

  • Established in 2023, set to last until 2030
  • Funds a total of twelve research groups as of 2025
  • Organizes the annual Democracy Conference, along with several events throughout the year
  • Located at the Faculty of Humanities and will be part of the Center for Global Sustainability from January 1st, 2026
  • Annual budget framework of 20 million NOK, with most going to support research. Also receives event support from the Sparebank Foundation.
  • An independent successor of the UiO:Norden initiative

 

Research at UiO:Democracy

UiO:Democracy allocates funds to research groups that produce new and interdisciplinary knowledge on central questions for democracy. As of 2025, we fund 12 active research groups spanning across various disciplines and democracy-relevant topics. 

Other activities

Events

UiO:Democracy aims to be a driving force for engaging dissemination of research on democracy. We achieve this by organizing open, knowledge-based discussions and lectures on current democratic issues, where we combine contributions from leading researchers with input from societal debaters and relevant societal actors.

Additionally, we organize the Democracy Conference, the country's largest platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences about the state and challenges of democracy.

Man in a suit stands with clenched fists and speaks. Behind him are two banners with the UiO logo and the text UiO:Democracy. Photo.

Network and collaboration

UiO:Democracy acts as a knowledge hub for stakeholders working to strengthen democracy across civil socitety. Therefore, we provide academic input and organizational support to various actors within sectors like NGOs, volunteer work, education, and public administration. 

Among other things, we play a central role in the museum network for democracy and human rights and have active collaboration with Oslo schools, in addition to working with the Parliament, the Nordic Council of Ministers, and the European Wergeland Centre on various events.

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Contact

Key documents