Why do research at NIOM?

Every guest researcher or student, who comes to NIOM, get a primary contact and advisor. Typically, the project will also involve NIOM experts in fields such as organic chemistry, optics, clinical dentistry or toxicity.

NIOMs multidisciplinary approach to research teams is one of the institutes defining features.

Jonas Lundh Berner is researching interactions between HEMA and nicotine. Svava Bjarnadottir looks at interactions between HEMA and silica particles, while Mathias Fon’s project centers on how HEMA affects the immune system.

All three students found their projects on the University of Oslo’s lists.

Every year guest researchers and students come to NIOM to do their research. They get access to our modern laboratories, an extensive instrument park and receive guidance from our experts. We asked a few of our current master students about their experience at NIOM.

– I expected a real steep learning curve, toxicology student Mathias Fon (23) says.

He was met by NIOM’s Chief Engineer Bergitte Olderbø (29) who became his main advisor. Having been a student herself not so long ago, she used her experience to ease him into lab work.

– She set a pace where I was allowed to practice, and get the basics right. Then as I got to know the lab better, we moved on to more complicated procedures, Mathias says.

– I believe it saves time overall, when you get a good foundation, Bergitte explains.

Ask anybody

Mathias’ fellow toxicology students, Svava Bjarnadottir (31) and Jonas Lundh Berner (29) shares his experience.

– I was a little worried, because I didn’t have much lab experience. The few courses at the university were always in groups, and very rushed. Here, I get to practice more, Svava says.

– I was surprised at how easy it is to get help here. You can just ask anybody, anytime, Jonas adds.

No waiting time

As toxicology majors, their research involve a lot of lab work. This means that access to the labs and other resources are important.

– NIOM has a lot of capacity in the labs. There’s almost never any waiting time. Other places, you can wait for hours, Mathias says.

– I have heard of people waiting for weeks, Svava adds.

Highlights

Asked whether they would recommend others to come to NIOM as students, or guest researchers, the group’s agreement is unison.

– Yes. The best thing about NIOM is the people who work here, as well as all the instruments available to us. I also like the space, how big and light it is. And that I have my own office to write in, Jonas says.

– I don’t miss study hall, Mathias agrees.

– And it’s really nice how welcoming everybody is. Always saying hi and including us, Svava says.

The next opportunity to apply to be guest researcher at NIOM will be advertised in May 2020. This is for visits in 2021. NIOM may fund positions for 3-6 months. Ph.D. candidates and young scientists at Nordic universities are especially invited to apply. Master students may contact NIOM prior to choosing their master program.

NIOM Newsletter October 2019

Siv Randi Palm

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Why do research at NIOM?