Strategy for the NTNU University Museum
Strategy for the NTNU University Museum 2026–2035
The NTNU University Museum is Norway's oldest museum with origins back to the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters, founded in 1760.
Our academic communities develop and share knowledge in the fields of natural and cultural history. In addition to our activities in natural history, archaeology, and cultural history at Kalvskinnet, we manage the Ringve Botanical Garden and the National Laboratory for Age Determination at Gløshaugen. Our scientific collections form the basis for the Museum's research.
NTNU’s societal mission is to promote knowledge-based and sustainable development through applied and long-term research. NTNU has a special national responsibility to establish, operate, and maintain a museum with scientific collections and public exhibitions.
We are one of NTNU’s principal public interfaces, with a particular focus on public outreach. The University Museum also has statutory administrative responsibilities involving the exercise of public authority related to the protection of cultural heritage as part of a comprehensive environmental and resource management framework.
This strategy is developed and implemented in alignment with the strategies of the affiliated departments.
Our ambitions
We will continue to develop as an internationally recognized museum with high standards of quality
We will compare ourselves to, and be on par with, leading international cultural and natural history institutions with regard to protection, preservation, accessibility and research in cultural and natural history.
We are a research-driven museum that fosters outstanding research communities and serves as an attractive collaborative partner for world-leading researchers.
Drawing on our unique collections and highly qualified staff, we will facilitate research initiatives that achieve impact at a global level.
We will utilize our position as part of NTNU by adopting advanced technology and infrastructure in our research, and by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration for development and innovation.
We will build upon our role as a driving force for sustainable development and social dialogue by helping to convert knowledge into action
We will achieve this through collaboration and interdisciplinary research partnerships with other academic communities at NTNU, and by strengthening our dissemination activities. Quality-driven collaboration between research, scientific collections and public exhibitions is essential.
We will be a relevant venue for dissemination that contributes to knowledge, identity, and self-understanding for current and future generations.
We will shed light on current challenges related to culture, nature, and climate from a sustainability perspective, and actively engage in public debate to ensure that this knowledge is applied and has meaningful impact.
To achieve our objectives, we will prioritize allocating resources to two main areas:
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Research: We will develop world-class research communities that foster increased interdisciplinary collaboration, based on our collections.
- Public exhibitions: We will develop high-quality exhibitions based on our scientific collections, that shed light on societal challenges. An important objective is to broaden our reach, as reflected in increased visitor numbers to our exhibitions.
Prerequisites for success
Academic freedom: TAcademic freedom is a fundamental value and prerequisite for trust, credibility, quality, and professional integrity in all our research activities.
The scientific collections: The scientific collections constitute our most important research infrastructure and represent our greatest asset as a source of knowledge. These collections must be developed, preserved, and made accessible at a level of quality that enables internationally recognized research.
Sustainable finances: Sound governance and financial management are essential to ensure predictable operating conditions and sufficient resources. This will enable us to fulfil our societal mission through clear strategic priorities.
Qualified, dedicated, and development-oriented employees: Our employees are our most important resource. Strong administrative expertise, based on sound knowledge and a culture of quality, promotes stable operations, adaptability, and continuous improvement. We aim to be an attractive academic community where diversity of perspectives and experiences strengthen academic dialogue..
