Meet Nina Dayana Berger, the new Communications Intern at Nordic Energy Research. Nina describes herself as open-minded and outgoing as a result of her travels and studies abroad. With a particular interest in political communication, strategy, and social media, she will reinforce the communications team in their daily tasks. 

“My passion for media and politics led me to the University of Oslo where I recently earned a master’s degree in Political Communication with a Nordic Perspective.  I delved into the intricacies of the media and political systems of all the Nordic countries, gaining valuable insights into strategic communications and media influence. Although the Nordics have many things in common, I was intrigued by the nuanced differences in their media systems, particularly in terms of structure. It sparked my interest in the Nordic region,” Nina says.  

Nina believes that a comprehensive understanding of various media landscapes proves essential for effective communication within Nordic Energy Research’s research, projects, and events. She has broad experience in communication, including journalistic work for leading Norwegian news outlets, a political communications internship at the Norwegian Consulate General in New York, and social media engagement with student organisations and an NGO. 

As Communications Intern at Nordic Energy Research, Nina will primarily focus on website publications, Norwegian translations, and articles for the newsletter and posts for Linkedin. She will also contribute with her expertise in developing social media templates and assist with event planning. 

A unique opportunity to put political communication into practice 

Nina is particularly interested in the intersection of energy policy and international relations, given the ongoing conflicts centred around energy security and the pressing challenges of climate change. 

“The energy sector is an excellent field to start your career. Working in a context where research, politics, and policy meet offers invaluable insights into the complexities of political communication, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on experience,” says Nina.  

She also aspires to learn more about sustainable energy solutions, associated research, and remain up to date on the latest developments in the Nordic energy sector. Nina believes this is essential for comprehending the challenges that our society is facing.  

According to Nina, the most rewarding aspect of working at Nordic Energy Research is contributing to the green transition. Furthermore, she believes that effective communication is crucial for widespread adoption of innovative green energy solutions, both domestically and internationally. This entails translation of research and its results into a language that resonates with policymakers and business sectors. 

“A key challenge with communicative work is ensuring that the information is conveyed in a way that the target group can understand,” Nina explains. “It is essential to present complex research in a clear manner to the right audience, explaining it in its true form without becoming overly technical.”

Collaborating for a green, innovative, and inclusive region 

The Nordic region is renowned for its forward-thinking visions, robust economic resources, and deeply rooted democratic principles. Nina believes that this set of qualities positions the region as an ideal hub for efficient collaboration in the energy sector.  

“We can achieve impactful outcomes by utilising our collective strengths, addressing common energy challenges, and contributing to global solutions. Nordic Energy Research encourages this and promotes the Nordic region’s position as green, innovative, and inclusive by fostering partnerships and programmes that drive relevant research. It is also a space for stakeholders to collaborate on energy issues,” Nina concludes. 

Name: Nina Dayana Berger 

Nationality: Norwegian 

Education: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Political Communication: Nordic Perspectives at the University of Oslo 

Leisure: Spending time with family and friends, travelling, swimming and surfing, podcasts and music, and going to festivals