Art, Culture & Community at DION

DION once again had the pleasure of collaborating with artist Yinlin Kong for a truly special cultural experience! From the Tuanshan Flower Painting Workshop, where participants explored the beauty of traditional Chinese painting and the symbolic meanings of flowers in Chinese culture.

With Yinlin’s expert guidance, everyone created their own artwork on Xuan paper fans (Tuanshan), combining creativity, mindfulness, and artistic exploration. Traditional Chinese music accompanied the session, making it a calm and inspiring afternoon filled with art and connection.

Thank you to Yinlin Kong for sharing your talent and passion, and to all who joined us for this meaningful event.

DION Board 2026

Dear PhDs, posdocs, and other temporary scientific employees,

We are thrilled to announce the results of the DION elections for 2026! 2,300 temporary scientific employees were invited to ditt valg, with turnout rates for the new board exceeding 5%.


Here is the newly elected DION board 2026:
President: Shrabanti Kundu
Vice President: Themba Baloyi
Ordinary Board Members: Giacomo Sartori; Marcus Øhlenschlæger; Ermias Adane

The hybrid experience transfer meeting will take place on December 5th, and the new board will officially begin their work on January 1st, 2026.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the election, and congratulations to the new board members! We look forward to an exciting year ahead with your leadership and commitment.

Also, a heartfelt thank you to the DION Board 2025 for your dedication and commitment to improving the experience of temporary scientific employees at NTNU. Your efforts through advocacy, events, and support have made a meaningful impact on our community!

Warm thanks to the DIOIN Board 2025:

President: Xiaoran Gao

Vice President: Diana Giovanni Magnano

Ordinary Board Members: Themba Baloyi; Bhanu Shrestha;Bita Panahi;SHRABANTI KUNDU; Alireza Norouziasas; Olga Usachova

…and to everyone who collaborated with DION, supported our work, and participated in our activities throughout the year: Thank you for bringing your energy, engagement, and positivity. Your presence has helped create a welcoming and vibrant community for temporary scientific employees at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)!

Warm regards,

DION is NTNU’s interest organization for PhDs, post-docs, and other temporary scientific employees, which promotes interests of these groups at NTNU.

DION Trondheim Tennis Course

From November 29 to December 1, DION Trondheim hosted a three-day beginner-friendly tennis course for PhD candidates, postdocs, and other temporary scientific staff.
Participants were divided into two training groups, allowing everyone to receive focused guidance tailored to their level and pace.

Across the sessions, attendees learned core techniques, movement fundamentals, and gained confidence through guided match play.

The course provided a great opportunity to try a new sport, stay active, and connect with colleagues across different departments.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and brought such positive energy to the court!

A Taste of Brewing: DION Trondheim’s Grain to Glass Seminar

On November 28, DION Trondheim invited Mattia Manni to host a seminar: Grain to Glass seminar, a lighthearted and beginner-friendly introduction to home brewing.

During the seminar, participants were guided through the fundamentals of brewing beer, covering the interesting history, essential equipment, practical techniques, and tips for getting started.

Beyond the brewing insights, the session offered a fun and social break with pizza and soft drinks, where attendees could connect with fellow early-career researchers.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of learning, good company, and laughter.

Call for Votes – DION Board Election 2026

Dear Dear PhDs, posdocs, and other temporary scientific employees at NTNU,

As a temporary scientific staff member at NTNU, you are automatically a member of DION, and as a member, you have the right to vote in the upcoming election for the DION board members for 2026. We encourage you to participate in this important process.

Position up for election:

  1. Leadership: 1 President and 1 Vice President
  2. Ordinary Board Members: 2–6 positions

Election Voting Regulations and Voting Channel (Ditt Valg):

In accordance with the updated DION statutes 2025, the board must consist of at least four members, including the President and Vice-President.

To vote, please visit Ditt Valg: https://innsida.ntnu.no/valg/
The deadline for voting is December 4th, 23:59. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be appointed President. If the elected candidate decline the position, the role shall be offered to the candidate with the second highest number of votes, and thereafter to the third, if applicable.

Please indicate your preferred candidates in order of priority. Once the voting period has ended, the results will be shared via Innsida and on our social media channels.

Please take a moment to read their profiles and case your vote.

On behalf of the DION board for 2025, we would like to extend our sincere thanks for your continued support throughout the year.

Thank you for participating, and we look forward to your vote!

Warm regards,

DION Board 2025