Travel Report from Denmark

Cecilie was awarded a scholarship from NORWEL. Here, we get to hear a bit about her stay in Denmark

Through the Norwel scholarship, I was given the opportunity to combine my studies with a unique cultural and academic experience in Denmark. As a PhD candidate at Oslo Metropolitan University, affiliated with the Department of Social Work and Social Policy, this stay provided a valuable opportunity to broaden my academic perspective. The autumn of 2025 became an exciting journey during which I had the opportunity to experience both Aalborg University and Roskilde University at close hand.

Stay at Aalborg University

I began my preparations by contacting Professor Lars Uggerhøj, a member of the international board of the Norwel Research School. He put me in contact with Professor Stine Thidemann Faber at the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Aalborg University. Together, they ensured that I received a warm welcome upon my arrival in Aalborg in September.

Stine proved to be an excellent academic match for both me and my research project. Her research focuses on universal parenting programmes, a topic that is also central to my PhD project. In addition to her strong academic expertise, she was an exceptionally generous and supportive colleague who willingly shared her knowledge and experience.

Picture: Together with Professor Stine Thidemann Faber at Aalborg University, who was my academic host during the research stay

Stay at Roskilde University

After an enriching period at Aalborg University, Stine recommended a PhD course relevant to my project, entitled Social Psychology of Family Life. The course was held at Roskilde University. Following a brief return to Norway and Oslo Metropolitan University, I travelled back to Denmark in December, this time to Roskilde.

It was a pleasure to return and reconnect with both new and familiar colleagues. Reuniting with a former office mate from Aalborg was particularly enjoyable. The stay in Roskilde became a valuable and inspiring conclusion to my time in Denmark

Picture: Outside the university library at Roskilde University after a course day as part of the PhD course Social Psychology of Family Life.

Concluding Reflections

The research stays in Denmark provided me with valuable academic and personal experiences that I will carry with me going forward. Exposure to new academic environments, perspectives, and inspiring colleagues offered fresh insights and renewed motivation. The stay strengthened my research and encouraged reflections that would have been difficult to achieve in more familiar settings.