Meet our new colleague Betty Søgård. Betty will work as a Higher Executive Officer planning and coordinating events,  implementing sustainable perspectives, strengthening the involvement of youth, and incorporating equal rights as an integral part of Nordic Energy Research’s work.

Betty’s passion for the Nordic region runs deep. She enjoys working across Nordic languages, which she believes enhances communication and fosters stronger regional connections. Originally from Norway, Betty has spent the past few years studying and working in Denmark.

“After almost five years in Copenhagen, first completing my master’s thesis on border barriers for Norwegians in Denmark connected to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030, and then focusing on integrating youth into the Danish and Nordic labour market, you could say that I am a dedicated Nordist,” says Betty. 

“Moving back home, to Oslo, I appreciate the access to nature. I am also happy to be in a new Nordic organisation with some other angles and topics than before,” she continuous.  

Building a shared vision: A key challenge in the energy sector 

Betty’s interest in the energy sector and the green transition is strongly motivated by Norway’s unique position of hydropower assets and innovative approaches to combining various energy technologies. Another key factor is the Nordic region’s perspective in terms of cooperation and the links between the markets and infrastructure.    

“I presume I am not unique when saying environmental issues and climatic changes worries me. I am also aware of the crucial need for a more sustainable energy mix,” Betty says. 

However, as a newcomer to the energy sector, she has noticed that it’s a field where professionals from diverse academic backgrounds often interpret the same concepts and terminology differently. A challenge is aligning both internal and external stakeholders’ interpretation of these concepts, fostering a shared understanding, and thereby enabling a common ground on which we can build solutions in unison. A rewarding aspect for Betty is to contribute to and facilitate forums and platforms where people and ideas can connect. 

“We must take on the role of a ‘public communicator’, carefully considering the diverse needs and life situations of different people and approach these considerations with accountability. People have different starting points,” she says. 

Given her background of studying various learning strategies, combined with her experience working across different Nordic countries and cultures, Betty’s aim is to make knowledge of the energy sector more accessible, to those affected by energy issues and professionals working within the energy sector. 

“Perhaps we need to introduce new communities of practice, or new concepts or terminology to understand each other across different academic disciplines?” she asks. 

Promoting Nordic cohesion and inclusion 

Betty has a natural place at Nordic Energy Research due to her strong commitment to making the Nordic region more cohesive and functional. Since 2021, she has worked within the Nordic industry and with Nordic societal issues.  

“Over the past few years, I have gained substantial experience with the integration aspect of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030, including efforts to promote the inclusion of individuals within systems and society. Additionally, I have significant experience in incorporating cross-cutting perspectives, particularly in relation to children, youth, and people from various parts of the Nordic region,” she says. 

According to Betty, one of the key aspects of Nordic Energy Research’s role is supporting joint research initiatives and promoting mobility across the EU and the Nordic region, by sharing best practices, facilitating platforms for research development and knowledge exchange, and ensuring regional stability. 

“Through collaboration on different dimensions, the Nordic countries can enhance their ability to address common challenges, improve connectivity, and amplify their voice on the global stage, fostering a more integrated and resilient Nordic region,” says Betty. 

  • Name: Betty Søgård 
  • Nationality: Norwegian 
  • Education: Master of Arts (MA) in Learning and Innovative change at Aalborg University 
  • Leisure: Mountain climbing, music, art, travelling and her dog Cesar