The award committee describes Bjørnland as a role model for other researchers, noting that she excels in multiple dimensions and that she has contributed to increasing BI's recognition and visibility as a top-tier research institution.
The justification highlights Bjørnland's outstanding publications, her ability to attract research funding and her roles as advisor to policymakers, as well as her success as the founder of BI's flagship research center CAMP, where she has managed to combine groundbreaking research with high societal impact.
“I am very grateful for the recognition. I see the award as support for long-term, curiosity-driven research. I am also truly appreciative for my outstanding collaborators, both here at the Department of Economics, at the CAMP research center, at Norges Bank, and in international research environments,” says Bjørnland.
“Energy and engagement”
The award winner shares that she is motivated by understanding economic relationships through solid empirical modelling and thorough data work. She emphasises that it is often through the systematic work with models and data that key economic relationships become visible.
“The work also becomes more inspiring and enjoyable when you can collaborate with engaged researchers. It gives energy. Additionally, collaboration with different types of researchers from central banks and other universities brings in perspectives that help drive the research forward.”
She believes that being a researcher today involves dealing with complex questions in a world characterised by significant economic uncertainty.
“Economics is particularly important because the field provides analytical tools that can illuminate mechanisms that are crucial for both policy and business. I also feel that BI has made great strides in strengthening the research environment over the last 10-15 years, and it is important that we continue in this direction to ensure excellent research at a high international level.”
“An inspiration”
Ingunn Myrtveit, BI’s Provost for Research and Societal impact, congratulates Bjørnland with a well-deserved recognition.
“Hilde is an inspiration for our academic communities at BI and has, through a rich career, contributed to elevating BI as a leading research institution. Her work has also shown that research at a high international level has a significant societal impact, especially combined with her long-standing commitment to disseminating research-based knowledge to society at large.”
Facts about the BI Research Award:
- An award that recognizes researchers who have made significant contributions to their field and to the development of research at BI Norwegian Business School.
- This year’s committee was led by BI professor Bård Kuvaas. Other committee members included Professor Eddy Cardinaels (Tilburg University) and Professor Paul Boselie (University of Utrecht).
- Previous winners include Anders Gustafsson, Andreas Fagereng, Christian Brinch, Bård Kuvaas, Richard Priestley, and Kai Leitemo.
- The award is presented biannually and includes a cash prize of NOK 50,000.