Research for a Safer Society
This year’s theme for Forskningsdagene, organised by the Research Council of Norway, is safety — a highly relevant topic for NGI. We are marking the Research Days by highlighting research that directly or indirectly contributes to a safer society.
Forskningsdagene is a national research festival held annually by Norges forskningsråd (the Research Council of Norway). Its goal is to make science accessible and engaging for the general public. NGI has contributed with a series of short Instagram films showcasing how our researchers work with safety, from natural hazards and earthquakes to sustainable construction and the reuse of materials.
Graham Gilbert works with natural hazards such as landslides, avalanches, and floods. His research contributes to better warning systems and risk assessments, helping municipalities and emergency services respond faster and more effectively when nature poses a threat.
TaeHeon Kim is developing new methods to strengthen the ground without using cement. By using enzymes, urea, and calcium from natural sources, CO₂ emissions are significantly reduced. The goal is to build safe infrastructure with a lower climate footprint.
Valentina Magni focuses on tsunami modeling and hazard assessment. By studying how earthquakes and landslides can trigger tsunamis—for example in Norway’s fjords—she helps improve emergency preparedness and evacuation planning.
Brian Carlton studies earthquakes and their impact on infrastructure. Even though seismic events are rare in Norway, they can still pose a risk to critical structures. Brian’s research helps assess where ground shaking might occur—and how it could trigger quick clay landslides.
Jörgen Johansson works to make blasting operations safer. Vibrations from rock blasting can trigger landslides, and Jörgen has helped develop methods and threshold values for vibrations—so construction can be carried out safely, even in challenging terrain.
Thea Sveva Faleide and Asgeir Olaf Kydland Lysdahl use X-ray and CT imaging to analyze soil samples before advanced testing. By identifying cracks, grain structures, and old landslide layers, they support safer ground stabilization—like jet grouting in quick clay—and ensure solid foundations for roads, tunnels, buildings, and offshore wind.
Gudny Okkenhaug from earthresQue (SFI) researches how surplus materials like sand, gravel, soil, and concrete from construction projects can be safely reused—even when they contain environmental contaminants. Her work supports circular economy principles with safe resource use.