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Research Groups

SUM's research activities are organised into research groups and research projects.

Illustrative photo Norwegian nature culture

We explore philosophical and ethical dimensions of the nexus nature-culture-ideology, and the role of nature as a determinant of human well-being.

Sheep lying under a tree in a grassy field.

We study the politics, practice and culture of food.

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The Global Health Politics research group brings together anthropologists, historians and international relations scholars interested in the political dynamics and power structures that shape health policy and practice at global, national and local levels.

Photo of flags outside United Nations Headquarters

The importance of governance has been increasingly recognised in efforts to achieve poverty reduction and sustainable development. This research group focuses on the way power is exercised in policy processes and negotiations between states, multilateral organisations, private companies and other non-state actors.

Image may contain: Plant, Mountain, Plant community, Ecoregion, People in nature.

The world faces a double challenge: to eradicate hunger and poverty and to stabilize the global climate before it is too late. Our focus is on undertaking critical, independent and high quality interdisciplinary and policy-related research on the challenges and dilemmas posed by poverty, climate disruption and sustainable development. We aim to better understand vulnerability to poverty, hunger and famine in low and middle-income countries and potential policy solutions.

Image may contain: Plant, Plant community, Ecoregion, Sky, Nature.

In the 21st century, the rural is increasingly decoupled from the agrarian. This warrants critical rethinking of rural transformations.

Hands with soil and sprout.

Landscapes traverse scales and temporalities - from microbial soil health to land-use and food production at large. We focus on the political, ecological, cultural and heritage values herein.  

Illustrative photo

We explore the social and political challenges associated with sustainable patterns of consumption and equitable solutions for energy provision and consumption.