DION visit to Totenbadet

bhanushrestha / / Events, Gjøvik

On Wedesday 13 August, DION organized a refreshing and fun-filled social outing for temporary scientific staff at NTNU in Gjøvik. Sixteen participants, including PhD candidates and Postdoctoral researchers, joined the trip to Totenbadet, a popular waterpark and swimming hall located in Raufoss.

The event provided a great opportunity for colleagues to unwind, connect, and enjoy a day of relaxation outside the academic setting. With pools, slides, and wellness facilities, Totenbadet offered something for everyone, fostering camaraderie and strengthening the sense of community among NTNU’s international research staff.

DION continues to support temporary scientific employees by organizing inclusive and enjoyable events like this, helping build lasting connections across disciplines and cultures.

Exploring Mjøsa aboard the world’s oldest paddle steamer!

bhanushrestha / / Events, Gjøvik

This Saturday, 12 temporary scientific staff from NTNU in Gjøvik, including PhDs and PostDocs, set sail on Skibladner, the legendary 1856 paddle steamer, for a memorable journey from Gjøvik to Hamar in an event organized by DION.
With Mjøsa’s calm waters, fresh summer air, and panoramic views as our backdrop, it was the perfect opportunity to connect, share experiences, and enjoy a piece of Norwegian heritage together.
For many, it was the first time aboard Skibladner – known as the “white swan of Mjøsa” – and the trip was filled with good conversations, laughter, and new friendships.
A huge thanks to everyone who joined us and made this a day to remember!

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

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!

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

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!

Exploring the Coast: Seaweed Foraging in Trondheim

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!