Research and Development

Research and development activities are carried out in close cooperation with the high-tech industry in our region, as well as other leading national and international institutions. An increasing number of research and development activities are supported by EU programs, the Norwegian Research Council and directly by industry. R&D is carried out by scientists and PhD students as an integrated part of the faculty activities.

We have 6 focal areas:

Pedagogical Texts and Learning Processes

Research fields include textbooks and other teaching media, the room as intentional text and textbook history. A goal is to increase public awareness of textbooks and other teaching material used in schools.

Securitas Mare

EU and Europe have a strong focus on marine safety issues. We follow the latest technical development and train our students by optic bridge simulator for manoeuvring and operation of vessels in all oceans of the world and by an operational engine room simulator. we also use a process simulator for complete operation and troubleshooting of marine operation systems.

Health Promotion Research and Practice

Our Center for Health Promotion in Settings (CHPS) combines research, MA-education and extensive networking in an integrated effort to advance setting approaches to health promotion. Among CHPS' areas of expertise are the tailoring of continuing education, health promoting work places, empowerment and action research.

Microsystems Technology (MST)

Vestfold University College has established itself as the main academic center for microsystems technology in Norway. The Faculty of technology and Maritime Science offers both a bachelor's and master's degree in MST. Some of the areas of research are microsensors, micro-actuators, micro energy sources, biomedical microsystems, micro packaging technologies and the use of nano-technology to enable even smaller and better microsystems in the future. Vestfold University College co-ordinates industry cluster activities within “Norwegian Center of Expertise – Microsystems” on behalf of the region's many high-tech industries.

Early Childhood Education Center

The Early Childhood Education Center conducts research and development projects primarily in early childhood education institutions. The main focus is on promotion of quality by a close cooperation with the institutions and municipalities. The center is also part of the national research network “Kindergarten-life”.

Regional Innovation

Regional Innovation is a cross-disciplinary field of research and development and of education. The activities will contribute to added value and competitiveness for the industry and the public sector.

In addition to the areas of special focus, staff members carry out research in a number of other academic fields like history, sociology, economics, administration, leadership, pedagogics, information systems and technology, religion and ethics, Norwegian language and literature.