Today, DION hosted a festive Christmas Movie Night with two holiday films, sweet treats, and lots of good vibes!

It was wonderful to see all of you and spend a relaxing evening together.

On behalf of DION, we’d like to wish all temporary scientific staff at NTNU a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance!

What is it really like to be an early-career researcher in Norway today?

The Young Academy of Norway (Akademiet for yngre forskere ) and the Norwegian Association of Researchers (Forskerforbundet) are now conducting a national survey to examine career prospects, working conditions, publication pressure, and psychosocial health among researchers under the age of 45.

The aim is to generate new knowledge that can strengthen institutional support, inform policymaking, and contribute to interest advocacy on behalf of early-career researchers. Data collection will take place until 15 January 2026.

The survey takes 15–20 minutes to complete, and all responses are completely anonymous – no individuals or institutions can be identified.

More information here:

https://www.forskerforbundet.no/en/working-conditions/survey-on-early-career-researchers

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.

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)!

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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.

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!