TOWARDS Master’s Stipend 2024

An overview of all stipend recipient’s master theses

As part of the TOWARDS Sustainability Arena’s mission to support innovative, interdisciplinary research, the 2024 TOWARDS master stipends were awarded to students whose theses address key sustainability challenges.

These projects align with the core goals of the TOWARDS initiative: green technologies, social justice and health, and lived environments. In total, nine students across seven master’s theses received the stipend in 2024.

This summary report presents an overview of each project, showcasing how these students contribute to sustainable transformation through diverse academic perspectives.

Overview of master theses featured in the report

Maren Snøve and Mona Rønning (Business School, NMBU) explored investment barriers in environmental technology in the Oslofjord, focusing on the GeoLoop Column. Their study emphasizes the need for political incentives, cross-sector collaboration, and knowledge sharing to enable sustainable marine innovation.

Ellen Peterson (Agroecology, Biovit) introduced a queer agroecological framework that centers LGBTQIA+ agricultural workers’ relationships with weeds. Her thesis proposes a “relational assessment” methodology, contributing to more inclusive and transformative weed management practices.

Felicia Godlund (LANDSAM, NMBU) investigated urban tree transplantation in Oslo and Bergen. Her research identifies key success criteria for preserving mature trees, promoting sustainability in urban development through vegetation reuse.

Alicia Jassner (LANDSAM, NMBU) examined resilience in the rural coastal community of Farol, Portugal. Using scenario planning and landscape design, she proposed adaptive strategies to address environmental and socio-economic challenges in the Ria Formosa Nature Park.

Sondre Gripne Steine (LANDSAM, NMBU) studied intercommunity collaboration in refugee-host settlements in Adjumani, Uganda. His findings highlight the role of social networks in facilitating agricultural knowledge exchange and innovation, supported by Uganda’s inclusive refugee policies.

Live Moen Johannessen and Pernille Eskeland Janssen (Landscape Architecture, NMBU) proposed a pilot project for seaweed and kelp cultivation in Våg, Gildeskål. Their thesis combines ecological restoration with local economic development, envisioning Våg as a national hub for sustainable marine industry.

Benedikte Saxrud (Public Health Science, LANDSAM, NMBU) analyzed how subjective and objective neighborhood indicators influence residents’ satisfaction and desire to stay. Her findings underscore the importance of perceived access to green spaces and infrastructure in promoting social sustainability.

Read or download the summary report here