I am the head of health and welfare at SINTEF, a Norwegian research organisation, and professor in physiology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). I am also a member of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters. I hold an MSc in Biology and a PhD from the University of Oslo and NTNU. Ecophysiology was for many years my main research area, including field and laboratory studies on how animals adapt to cold and harsh environments. This was followed by studies on how environmental conditions like high pressure, temperature and humidity affect human physiological mechanisms, and thus also health, safety, and physical and cognitive performance. I have published 90 scientific papers, 80 international conference papers and two books. My work on hypothermia in birds is cited in several international textbooks.

My board memberships include the Norwegian Institute of Global Health Research, Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters, National Ethics Committee for Medical and Health Research, National Biotechnology Commission, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, WWF (Norway), WWF Scientific Council (chair), International Committee of Environmental Ergonomics, and National Committee for Norwegian Polar Research (Research Council of Norway). I have also been the chair of the interdisciplinary Programme for Polar Research, a cooperative effort between SINTEF, NTNU and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA).

I have been a member of the board of GRID-Arendal for many years. I am impressed by the quality of their work and the enthusiasm of their staff, and I find inspiration through my work with the organisation.