Nina Græger continues as Head of Department

As a Norwegian researcher, what has it been like to come to Denmark and to the University of Copenhagen?

"First and foremost, I am very happy that I was given the opportunity to get such an exciting job leading a large, recognised department like this. Obviously, there are differences between Norway and Denmark in some regards. That said, I was familiar with the Department of Political Science through my own research, so not everything was completely new to me." 

You are not only Head of Department but also a professor of political science. How do you balance the two functions?

"I put a lot of time and effort into the management task, but gradually I've also managed to find time for research and international conferences. My expertise is in international politics, so it makes sense to travel abroad occasionally to meet with peers and talk to actors who are feeling the European and global upheavals. It also makes perfect sense for my role as Head of department to conduct academic research at the same time." 

A new research evaluation covering the period during which you have been Head of Department has just been published. What can we deduce from the evaluation?

"We are very proud of the research evaluation, which describes the Department of Political Science as an internationally excellent research environment. In several areas, our research is world-leading, and overall, we are one of the best European political science departments. This says something about the capabilities we have at the department, but also that we have a collegial environment and a good framework for researchers. Of course, we should not rest on our laurels in the coming years but remember to enjoy it when our work is recognised.” 

If we look towards the future, there are more changes on the way, not least regarding the master’s degree reform. What do you think the reform will mean for the department's two master’s programmes?

"There are still many uncertainties. On the positive side, the reform proposes that we will have more English-language programmes. Today, Security Risk Management is our only international master’s programme, and we would like to expand that offer." 

"However, there are still a number of concerns related to the master’s programme reform. Our programmes are not set in stone, but the reform will be challenging to implement. It also needs to make sense." 

"Our starting point is strong. We have some well-functioning degree programmes that score high on all the parameters that our politicians and the Candidate Committee should be concerned with. We have low unemployment, a low dropout rate and good study progression. Many of our students are already deeply engaged in the outside world. And our graduates get relevant jobs and fill out a number of important positions in society." 

Students have also experienced changes during your time as head of department. Why has it been necessary to change the intro programme in Political Science?

"It is very important for me that all our students thrive and feel safe, no matter where they come from and what preferences they have. That's why we have – in collaboration with the students – increased our focus on a more inclusive study environment from start to finish. Our excellent tutors and active student organisations contribute greatly to this. We have drawn up a 'Code of Conduct' for students and researchers which covers how we treat each other in everyday life. We should respect and take good care of each other – behave properly, as they used to say in the old days. 

Of all the projects awaiting the Department of Political Science in the coming years, which ones are you most looking forward to?

Of all the projects awaiting the Department of Political Science in the coming years, which ones are you most looking forward to?

"Overall, the most important project is to ensure that the best young people continue to choose our study programmes in the future and that we attract world-class researchers. In addition to this, that the large private foundations recognize the important research contributions the social sciences, and political science in particular, have to offer. Many of the major societal challenges are at the core of our discipline: The pressure on the liberal order and democracy – and the fact that we are experiencing a war in Europe. The Scandinavian welfare states are challenged by an ageing population, and the summer has shown that climate change is upon us. Our task as a department is to drive key research agendas forward, ask critical questions and communicate our knowledge widely." 

"In terms of specific projects at the Department of Political Science, artificial intelligence and technological breakthroughs will take up a lot of time in our teaching and research. There is a lot of focus on the negative aspects, such as the misuse of artificial intelligence and the influence of tech giants. But there is also unlimited potential in terms of what artificial intelligence can be used for. There is no doubt that we are facing major upheavals in the coming years." 

"Finally, we are involved in a new democracy and power study (Magtudredningen 2.0). One of our professors is a member of the research management team, and I expect more people to participate. Ultimately, political science is very much about analyzing and understanding power. It's a big and exciting project that I'm very much looking forward to following."