Author: Xiaoran Gao

Exploring Nature Together: DION & NIRS Mushroom Hunting Sessions

Posted on by Xiaoran Gao

Today, under the great late-summer sunshine, we wrapped up two wonderful mushroom hunting sessions in cooperation with NIRS (NTNU International Researcher Support)!

A heartfelt thank you to Kathrine Vangen and Juliana Mariana Hussein from NIRS for their great collaboration with DION this year. From last semester’s chocolate factory visit to this semester’s mushroom hunting adventures.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and hope you enjoyed a delicious dinner with the mushrooms you discovered in the forest.

Learn more about NIRS and follow their newsletter for upcoming events: https://www.ntnu.edu/nirs

Thriving in Academia: Facing Impostor Syndrome & Navigating Academic Life in Norway

Posted on by Xiaoran Gao

On 21 August, DION hosted the seminar Thriving in Academia: Facing Impostor Syndrome & Navigating Academic Life in Norway.

A warm thank you to Marius Korsnes for sharing his perspective as a researcher in academia and for leading an open and engaging discussion. He focused on how to understand and deal with the impostor phenomenon, and on how to create a more inclusive and safe academic work environment.

DION wishes all temporary scientific employees at NTNU to thrive in academia and to carry out their research with motivation and enthusiasm, without being held back by self-doubt.

DION’s Edible Plant Foraging Course – A Wonderful Afternoon in Nature!

Posted on by Xiaoran Gao

On May 22nd, DION hosted a wonderful afternoon of edible plant foraging and learning at Høyskoleparken, NTNU. Led by Patrick Bösch, a certified Wild Edible Plants Identification Expert, the event offered participants a chance to connect with nature, discover local edible plants, and practice sustainable harvesting techniques. Our members also found lots of inspiration for incorporating wild plants into their cooking.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us and made the afternoon so enjoyable! Stay tuned for more DION events, and let’s continue learning and growing together!

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Empowering Academic Staff: A Seminar on Unions and the Norwegian Model

Posted on by Xiaoran Gao

On May 7th, Tekna and DION co-hosted a seminar in Trondheim to introduce temporary scientific staff at NTNU to the Norwegian Model and the role of unions in Norway.

Thanks to Tekna representatives Alexander Iversen, Eirin Marie Skjøndal Bar, and Rune Sætre for your advice and answers to our members’ questions! That was a great help for our members in understanding their situations, rights, and the resources available to them when they need support. Also, thanks to Lisebeth Hulmann for coordinating food services for the events across all three campuses.

DION is committed to supporting temporary scientific staff by connecting them with relevant resources and fostering an informed and inclusive academic community. Thanks to everyone who joined the event and all the discussions!

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Exploring the Coast: Seaweed Foraging in Trondheim

Posted on by Xiaoran Gao

Last weekend, we had the chance to explore Trondheim’s shoreline through two hands-on seaweed foraging sessions with guide Patrick Bösch.

We learned how to identify edible seaweeds, harvest them responsibly, and got inspired to try them in the kitchen. Despite the wind and rain, the energy and curiosity everyone brought made it a great experience. This event was one of several initiatives for temporary scientific employees at NTNU, aimed at fostering community connections and encouraging engagement with sustainability through hands-on, local experiences.

Thanks to all who joined, and to Patrick for sharing his knowledge with us!

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