Associate Professor at BI Eileen Fugelsnes Appointed Minister of Research and Higher Education
11 September 2026As minister, Fugelsnes will be responsible for the framework conditions governing Norwegian research and higher education institutions at a time when transformation, digitalisation and the quality of education are high on the agenda.
“On behalf of BI, I would like to congratulate Eileen on this important new role. Having one of our own academics entrusted with responsibility for the education and research sector is a great recognition of her professional expertise and political skills. We are facing major societal changes in which knowledge, transformation and educating the workforce of the future will be crucial. I am confident that she will be a listening, yet clear and forward-looking minister for Norway’s entire knowledge sector,” says BI President Egil Matsen. 
Eileen Fugelsnes, photo courtesy of regjeringen.no
Fugelsnes has been an associate professor at BI’s Department of Law and Governance. She completed her PhD at BI in 2017 with a dissertation on the Norwegian pension reform and has for many years taught and conducted research in fields such as political economy and economic history. Since 2025, she has served as State Secretary to outgoing Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland.
“Our sector has gained a minister who understands the complexity of the challenges we face, whether it concerns the need for lifelong learning, research and innovation, or the emergence of AI. Eileen knows the research and higher education sector from the inside. We are proud of her and wish her all the best in this important work. I am convinced that her understanding of everyday life in research and higher education will have a positive influence on policy,” says BI Provost for Academic Resources, Thomas Hoholm.
Read more on the government’s website: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/endringar-i-regjeringa/id3172378/