Nora Sørensen Vaage
I am professor in art and media studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences, and work primarily on art and new technologies, focusing on ethics, experience and connections to societal change, e.g. climate change and the bioeconomy. My interests also include representations and metaphors of new and emerging technologies, artistic research, and concept formation in art and media theory. From autumn 2023 I work 20% at Nord, and currently have my main position as professor of research philosophy and methods for the aesthetic disciplines at Oslo Metropolitan University.
Background
PhD in philosophy of science from the University of Bergen (2016).
Disciplinary connections include philosophy, art history, science and technology studies (STS), literature and media studies.
Have been on 80 % leave at Nord since August 2023, when I entered a full-time position as associate professor at the Department of Art and Media Studies, NTNU (until July 2025).
Worked fulltime as associate professor of art and media studies at Nord University in January 2021-July 2023, after being associate professor II (20%) from September 2019.
Previously worked as assistant professor in philosophy of art and culture at Maastricht University in the Netherlands (2016-2020).
Have occasionally worked as an art critic and curator, notably of the Article biennial in Stavanger in 2016, and as coordinator for Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) at Center for Digital Life Norway (2016).
I teach primarily in the media programmes of the Faculty of Social Sciences: Film and TV production, 3D/VFX and Game and Entertainment Technology, on courses in research methods and art and media theory, as well as the Master in Social Analysis.
Am available to supervise master and PhD students on topics connected to (new) media, art, science and technology studies, ethics, philosophy, climate narratives and similar.
Have formerly taught at BA, MA and PhD levels in art history, philosophy and sociology of art, media aesthetics, philosophy of science, research ethics, bioethics, ethics of images, theory of science, etc. at NTNU, Maastricht University and the University of Bergen.
My primary research topics are
1. bio- and eco art, meaning art that explores the living world around us and the interconnections between species and individuals. In this context I am currently active as lead researcher at NOBA: Norwegian Bioart Arena at Vitenparken Ås.
2. representations and narratives of climate change, particularly as this relates to art and future visions.
3. the role of metaphors in the understanding of new and emerging technologies.
4. conceptions of knowledge in artistic research.