Eirik Romstad named Fellow of the EAAE

The appointment is considered one of the highest honors the organization bestows. It marks both Romstad's professional contribution and his long-standing commitment to the EAAE.

– This is a well-deserved recognition of Eirik's many years of effort, both professionally and organizationally. The fact that one of our professors has been appointed Fellow of EAAE shows the international significance of his research and commitment. We are proud that he represents the NMBU Business School in such an important academic community, says Dean Casper Rasmussen.

The EAAE celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For several decades, Romstad has had several roles in the organization, including the offices of vice president (2002–2005) and president (2005–2008).

Long-term commitment

The appointment as a Fellow is a recognition of Romstad's professional contribution and his efforts for the organization. Romstad has been a member of EAAE for a number of years and contributed on many levels. He was a member of the editorial board of the journal EuroChoices from 2002 to 2018 and served on the publications awards committee from 2014 to 2022. Currently, he is a member of the organization's communications committee.

He was a driving force behind keeping EuroChoices, a professional journal that has a broader target group than traditional scientific journals. This outreach journal provides decision-makers in the private and public sectors insight into current research while at the same time the journal has gained increased scientific recognition.

– The EAAE board was initially split on continuing or discontinuing our support for the journal. I was in favor of keeping it, and fortunately we agreed to do that. It has turned out to be a wise decision, he says.

Professor of Environmental and Resource Economics

He received a doctorate in environmental and resource economics from Oregon State University in 1990, and a master's degree in natural resource management from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, then named the Agricultural University of Norway, in 1983.

He has published widely in the field of environmental economics, with a particular emphasis on economic policy related to economic modeling of pollution and economic policy instruments.

Should or should not

Romstad became a professor at NMBU Business School last year. He believes it is important to dare to take initiatives, also when it comes to career choices.

– Many are reluctant to apply for new roles or positions. I think that the worst thing from a no-answer is short term disappointment, while the upside includes recognition and new opportunities. The personal upside is then far greater than the downside. Many opportunities require that you are willing to risk making an initiative. That appointment was also a result of not being too timid. Possibly, I should have applied a bit earlier, he says with a smile.

He points out that there are many in the field who could have received such recognition, but that it requires active participation in the organization and willingness to assume responsibility.

– I was elected Vice President of EAAE because I had a wide network in Europe. People knew me. It's about being present and contributing, says Romstad.

International recognition

EAAE is a leading European organization for researchers in agricultural economics. Being named a Fellow is one of the highest honors the organization bestows. It marks a long-term and significant commitment, both professionally and organizationally.

– It's nice to be recognized. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that this is not a solo achievement, but a result of collaboration with many talented people, says Romstad.

The congress in Bonn brought together researchers from all over Europe under the theme Food System Transformation in Challenging Times. Romstad is looking forward to further cooperation in EAAE's communications committee.