Professorship in Societal Security
Professorship in Societal Security
Norway is under mounting pressure to protect vital infrastructure against the threat of terrorism (ref. National Security Act of 01 January 2019). At the same time, work is underway to tackle the consequences of accidents along Norwegian roads linked to the land-based and oil and gas industries. A rational mitigation to prevent accidents, and thus the extent of any damage, is to carry out risk and vulnerability assessments. However, risk assessments require that the consequences for a given action or accident are known. To define such a set of consequences, comprehensive knowledge on the behaviour of materials and structures exposed to extreme loads exerted during an incident is first required.
It is for this reason that NTNU, with support from the JD, created a professorship in societal security linked to SFI CASA. The position contributes to the effort of becoming better equipped to face future challenges that concern structures exposed to extreme loads. The position entails responsibility for establishing international cooperation, as well as conducting teaching and research in the field.
In a letter of commitment (ref. 17/2411 MKE) dated 7th April 2017, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (JD) granted NOK 8 million over a five-year (5) period to SFI CASA at NTNU. The funds finance the establishment of a professorship in societal security with a focus on physical security. The funds add value to the support that the National Security Authority (NSM) provides to SFI CASA at NTNU. NTNU will take over all obligations for the position after the five-year period.
Vegard Aune was employed in the position on 1st December 2017.
