The city of Bergen

The city of Bergen gateway to the fjords Norway’s continental city 250 000 Slide 2: introduction last updated: 08.11.05 by: eb references: UiB Dec ‘97, UiB fall ‘01, http://www.uib.no/info/english/visitors/, http://www,bergen-chamber.no, From new brochure (24.01.03), brochure “the Fjord Coast” pub autumn 2005, Stavanger CoC, Bergen CoC and Hordaland With its back to the mountains, Bergen has naturally turned to the sea for its links to the world. As a result, Bergen is Norway’s most continental and international city. Its international connections give it a cultural and commercial activity level beyond what one might expect of a city of 250 000 inhabitants. Bergen is unique in terms of its location, history, culture, and infrastructure. The city of Bergen has a unique setting in a natural marine harbour encircled by mountains. This location has been instrumental in determining the city's development. Surrounded by mountains that hindered movement and communication inland, Bergen was forced to look outward towards Europe and beyond. Established more than 900 years ago, Bergen was an international trading centre in the Middle Ages, part of the Hanseatic League. The historic buildings along the harbour dating from this period have been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today the city continues to be an international port, the third largest in Europe, by loaded volume. Bergen hosts a number of annual international festivals in music, arts and film. It has a number of galleries and museums, including the Leprosy Museum whose archives are on the UNESCO list, "Memory of the World". In 2000, Bergen was awarded the status of a European City of Culture. There is a long tradition of scientific investigation in the region. Bergen today is considered to be a centre for marine science innovation and many important research and education institutions are found in and around the Bergen area. Bergen is relatively small in size. It has more than 240 000 inhabitants. The encircling mountains have also ensured a small city centre. While this provides an intimate setting for student life, it has also made it possible for there to be close contact between government, commercial interests and the research and academic institutions. The resulting infrastructure provides a supportive environment for innovation, as demonstrated by the high number of tech transfer companies that are developing in the region. A variety of business opportunities / some interesting facts about Bergen Bergen plays a leading national role in energy, seafood and maritime sectors. Hordaland county produces 80% of Norwegian raw exports. Bergen handles more than one million tons of seafood annually. Bergen shipping fleet is largest in Scandinavia (dominates globally in shipping of chemicals and other liquids). Maritime sector second largest in value creation after petroleum – complex infrastructure: shipping companies, machine manufacturers, brokers, shipping technology and design, maritime equipment, construction, educational institutions. Almost 100 million Europeans rely on Norwegian gas (15% of European consumption). Of the world’s 3000 sub-sea oil wells, 500 are operated out of Bergen. Two companies with headquarters in Bergen, Statoil and Hydro, are responsible for around 50% of the oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf. Blue revolution – over the last 35 years there has been a revolution in aquaculture. Norwegian aquaculture may be a global model. Europe’s largest buyer/seller of pelagic fish is located in Bergen Cutting-edge research environment in aquaculture in Bergen. Fjord region named by National Geographic Magazine as the world’s greatest place to visit. Accessibility via roads, boats and tunnels has made travel in western Norway much easier the past few years. High Technology Centre – great location, great contacts – making cutting edge research commercially viable – newly established Bergen Techtransfer Office (commercialisation of research results), Sarsia Innovation AS (venture capital)

Brief history of the city of Bergen Founded in 1070 Norway’s capital until 1299 thriving international port research traditions Bergen International Festival 2000 European City of Culture Slide 3: brief history last updated: 08.11.05. by: eb references: UiB Dec ‘97, UiB fall ‘01, http://www.uib.no/info/english/visitors/, http://www.bergen-chamber.no The city was founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre (1050-1093). Bergen was the capital of Norway until 1299. Its natural port helped it to become a prominent member of the Hanseatic league from 1240-1630. The wooden buildings of Bryggen lining the north side of the city harbour are a reminder of this period and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Research traditions: Bergen Museum was established in 1825. The University Clinic, Haukeland Hospital, dates back to the time of Doctor Armauer Hansen, who discovered the leprosy bacillus in 1873. The old Bergen leprosy hospital includes the Leprosy Museum whose archives are on the UNESCO list, "Memory of the World". The Bergen International Festival or Festspillene has been held at the end of May every year since 1953. (50th Anniversary in 2003) This heritage of international trade and commerce brought influxes of peoples from other countries, giving Bergen the unique cultural character it has today. For example, today, street names and the surnames of a number of “old family” names in Bergen attest to the influence of the German and Dutch Hanseatic families. The University of Bergen is the most international of Norway’s universities. Its internationally recognised areas of expertise attract a high number of visitors every year. Recognition of this unique cultural nature was celebrated in 2000 when Bergen was given the status of being a European City of Culture. Western Norway is rich in history – from the time of the vikings (beginning around 800AD) and the Middle Ages. People first started to settle on the west coast 11 000 years ago, when the North Sea was still frozen!

Bergen’s historical figures Holberg Bull Ibsen Hansen Grieg Nansen Bjerknes Rokkan Slide 4: historical figures last updated: 04.01.06 by: eb references: UiB Dec ‘97, UiB fall ‘01, http://www.uib.no/info/english/visitors/, http://www.bergen-chamber.no, EU Young Researchers’ Contest http://www.eucontest.org, Holberge Prize http://www.holbergprisen.no/index.htm (painting is of Vilhelm Bjerknes - painted by Rolf Groven in 1983. Rolf Groven was born ing 1943. He is a Norwegina, neo-romantic painter who is renowned for his political commentaries in his paintings.) Ludvig Holberg (1684-1754) This great academic, writer, humanist and social scientist was born and spent his early years in Bergen. Holberg was instrumental in bringing the Age of Enlightenment to the Nordic lands. In 2004 the Norwegian Government established a Prize of 4.5 million NOK in his honour to be awarded for outstanding scholarly work in the arts and humanities, social science, law and theology. UiB responsible for administering Prize: winner 2005 Jürgen Habermas, 2004 Julia Kristeva Ole Bull (1810-1880) Ole Bull was a world famous violinist. His renown was comparable to that of Liszt and Paganini. Like Grieg, he was a musical ambassador for Norway, introducing audiences throughout the world to melodies based on Norwegian folk music. Visitors to Bergen can take in a tour to his island home, just south of Bergen, where concerts are offered during the summer season. Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) This father of modern prose drama, worked as a stage poet in Bergen for a number of years. During his stay in Bergen he wrote “Lady Inger of Østraat” (1855). A statue representing Ibsen stands in the gardens outside the National Theatre building in Bergen. *100 years since his death being celebrated in Norway – academic year 2005-2006 is the “year of Ibsen” Gerhard Armauer Hansen (1841-1912) In 1873, Armauer Hansen discovered that the bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae, was the cause of leprosy. This discovery revolutionised the understanding and treatment of this disease. Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) Grieg introduced Norway to the rest of the world through his music, much of which was based on traditional Norwegian folk melodies or was inspired by the Norwegian landscape. This well-known composer’s home is near Bergen. Throughout the summer, and on special occasions at other times of the year, concerts are given on the grounds of Troldhaugen, his home. Visitors there can experience not only his music, but the fjords and mountains that were often the source of his inspiration. Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930) Nansen was a great scientist and humanist. During his lifetime, he embarked on biological expeditions, served as a museum curator at the Bergen museum, was an Arctic explorer, an Ambassador and High Commissioner. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922. He said, “man want to know; and when man no longer wants to know, he will no longer be man”. The Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre has been established, in collaboration with the University of Bergen, in his honour. The Nansen Centre aims to increase understanding of the global environment and climate. Vilhelm Bjerknes (1862-1951) Using scientific principles in the study of meteorology, Bjerknes is credited with founding the Bergen School of modern meteorology. His work related particularly to how the understanding thermal processes led to greater understanding of the movements of currents of air in the atmosphere and water in the ocean. The Bjernes Centre has recently been established to undertake research in climate. Stein Rokkan (1921-1979) Rokkan played an instrumental role in the development of the study of comparative social sciences. He implemented new theories and methods, constructed databases (founding the Norwegian Social Science Data Services) and developed co-operative networks that made multi-national analyses of political structure possible. He was also instrumental in establishing the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Bergen.

A brief history of Norway Union 17th May Independence 1905-2005 Europe Slide 5: a brief history of Norway last updated: 08.11.05 by: eb references: UiB Dec ‘97, UiB fall ‘01, http://www.uib.no/info/english/visitors/, http://www.bergen-chamber.no, EU Young Researchers’ Contest http://www.eucontest.org/, (from “the Fjord Coast” pub autumn 2005, Stavanger CoC, Bergen CoC and Hordaland), http://www.kongehuset.no/default.asp?lang=eng Evidence of first settlers in Norway at Rennesøy, just north of Stavanger, from 11 000 years ago Norway = northern way Norwegian West coast was economic and cultural centre of Norway until union with Denmark (1380) – Christiania = Oslo established as capital. Norway is a monarchy – tradition for over 1000 years – began with Harald Fairhair (c.865-c.933) - Olav II Haraldsson, king from 1015 to 1030, is the country´s patron saint and brought Christianity to Norway - most recent royal family dates from Haakon VII of Norway, who began to reign in 1905. After 400 years of independence, Norway was briefly allied with Sweden at the beginning of the 1300s. Norway was then part of a union with Denmark from 1380 to 1814. At that time, because of the result of the Napoleonic wars (Denmark backed Napoleon), it was given back to Sweden. The country converted to Lutheranism in 1523. Norway established its constitution, 17th May, 1814 (when it was still part of a union with Sweden). Norway became independent from Sweden in 1905. Norway’s 100th anniversary of independence is in 2005. Norway remained neutral during World War I, although its merchant navy played an important role in the allied effort. Although officially neutral during the Second World War as well, but it was occupied by Germany from 1940-1945 due to its strategic maritime location. Although the Norwegian people have voted twice to not be a part of the European Union (1972 and 1994). Norway is a member of many European and international organisations, including, among many others the EEA (European Economic Area) and NATO. It has a reputation for playing important roles in the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It hosts the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize in December each year.

The city of Bergen: culture and commerce the sea international education unique infrastructure Slide 6: culture and commerce last updated: 04.01.06 by: eb references: UiB Dec ‘97, UiB fall ‘01, http://www.uib.no/info/english/visitors/, http://www.bergen-chamber.no, brochure “the Fjord Coast” pub autumn 2005, Stavanger CoC, Bergen CoC and Hordaland There are three main driving forces to life in Bergen: the sea, international connections, and education The major commercial sectors in Bergen relate to the sea: The traditionally strong fishery industry has been augmented by the development of a large aquaculture industry. The Maritime transport industry continues to be a driving force in the region. Oil and gas exploitation in the North Sea have resulted in tremendous economic development in Bergen and all along the western coast of Norway. Tourism is another major industry. Bergen is aptly described as being the gateway to the fjords. The marine industries mentioned above have natural international connections. This international dimension is also reflected in the cultural life of the city. Although activities of international caliber occur throughout the year, one of the most renowned is the International Music and Culture Festival held every spring. Learning and the dissemination of knowledge is another important sector of life in Bergen. Fully ten percent of the city’s population (240 000) is made up of students enrolled at post-secondary school academic institutions and research centres. Bergen’s small size makes a unique close relationship possible between commercial, political, research and education interests. The resulting unique infrastructure supports creativity and innovation in the region, as evidenced by the growing numbers of tech transfer and biotechnology companies in the region. (copied from slide 2) A variety of business opportunities / some interesting facts about Bergen Bergen plays a leading national role in energy, seafood and maritime sectors. Hordaland county produces 80% of Norwegian raw exports. Bergen handles more than one million tons of seafood annually. Bergen shipping fleet is largest in Scandinavia (dominates globally in shipping of chemicals and other liquids). Maritime sector second largest in value creation after petroleum – complex infrastructure: shipping companies, machine manufacturers, brokers, shipping technology and design, maritime equipment, construction, educational institutions. Almost 100 million Europeans rely on Norwegian gas (15% of European consumption). Of the world’s 3000 sub-sea oil wells, 500 are operated out of Bergen. Two companies with headquarters in Bergen, Statoil and Hydro, are responsible for around 50% of the oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf. Blue revolution – over the last 35 years there has been a revolution in aquaculture. Norwegian aquaculture may be a global model. Europe’s largest buyer/seller of pelagic fish is located in Bergen Cutting-edge research environment in aquaculture in Bergen. Fjord region named by National Geographic Magazine as the world’s greatest place to visit. Accessibility via roads, boats and tunnels has made travel in western Norway much easier the past few years. High Technology Centre – great location, great contacts – making cutting edge research commercially viable – newly established Bergen Techtransfer Office (commercialisation of research results), Sarsia Innovation AS (venture capital)

The city of Bergen: education and research 3 university level institutions 20+ research centres 25 000 students 5 000 employees Slide 7: education and research in Bergen last updated: 04.01.06 by: eb references: UiB Dec ‘97, UiB fall ‘01, http://www.uib.no/info/english/visitors/, http://www,bergen-chamber.no, new UiB brochure (24.01.03), 2005-2010 Strategic document There are three University level institutions in Bergen and more than 20 research centres. These involve 25 000 students (10% of the city population) and 5 000 employees. Such a high concentration of education and research institutions provides a dynamic, collaborative, stimulating environment to train skilled leaders for the future. State-of-the-art research facilities, ICT support, access to international networks and opportunities (more information about education and research at UiB in part 2)

The city of Bergen: major institutions: the University of Bergen the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration Bergen University College the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research Haukeland University Hospital the Christian Michelsens Research and many more ... Slide 8: major research and education institutions last updated: 04.01.06 by: eb references: UiB Dec ‘97, UiB fall ‘01, http://www.uib.no/info/english/visitors/, http://www,bergen-chamber.no There are many important research and education institutions in and around the Bergen area. Some examples include: the University of Bergen the Norwegian School for Economics and Business Administration Bergen University College (Høgskolen i Bergen) the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (Havforsknings Institutt) Haukeland University Hospital the Christian Michelsens Institute for Science and Intellectual Freedom and many more, including: the Norsk Hydro Centre for Petroleum Research, the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre,