New dissemination award in honour of Victor D. Norman
Victor D. Norman's Dissemination Award is a recognition of the NHH professor's outstanding contributions as an economist and communicator.
Kalle Moene receives the Victor D. Norman Dissemination Award
`It is a great honor. Victor Norman has been a role model,´ says Kalle Moene.
Economist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Oslo, Kalle Moene, was honored today for his dedication as both an economist and a communicator.
He is the first recipient of the Victor D. Norman Dissemination Award.
Awarded at NHH Conference in Oslo
Thøgersen presented the award to Moene at the Alumni conference in Oslo, which gathered around 700 former NHH students.
`Kalle Moene has a unique combination of academic depth and genuine joy in communication, ´ says NHH Rector Øystein Thøgersen.
The Award was established shortly before Professor Emeritus Norman passed away on September 20, 2024. It honors his outstanding contributions as both a researcher and a communicator. The award will be given annually to a person who contributes to the public dissemination of economic knowledge (see facts).
Victor D. Norman Communication Award
The Dissemination Award in Victor D. Norman's name is to be awarded annually to a recipient who contributes to communication and debate on issues related to the Norwegian economy and Norwegian economic policy. The prize amounts to 50,000 NOK. The initiative for the award and its funding comes from Atle Bergshaven, Herbjørn Hansson, Jens Ulltveit-Moe, as well as NHH alumni and friends of Norman. The jury consists of Aftenposten editor-in-chief Trine Eilertsen, Professor Kjetil Storesletten from the University of Oslo, and NHH Rector Professor Øystein Thøgersen.
`Something to Aspire To´
`Victor has been a role model in both academic research and public communication. He was skilled, clear, and important. That’s something to aspire to, ´ says Kalle Moene.
Thøgersen praised both the award winner and Victor D. Norman:
`Victor was an exceptional communicator. He combined deep academic understanding with the ability to make economics come alive and clear for everyone. His contributions to both public debate and academia cannot be valued highly enough, and we proudly honor his memory by giving the award to Kalle Moene, ´ says Thøgersen.
Inequality and Development
Thøgersen further highlighted how Moene continues the strong tradition of communication that Norman held in such high regard:
`Kalle is a very deserving winner of the communication award. He can explain complex economic issues in a way that engages and informs a wide audience. He possesses a unique combination of academic weight and genuine joy in communication´.
As one of Norway's leading economists and a skilled communicator, Moene has made a mark both nationally and internationally. His research has contributed new insights into topics like inequality and development, while he also has a unique ability to engage both academia and the public through opinion pieces, lectures, and media appearances.
`His Trademark´
`What significance and inspiration do you feel Norman had as a communicator of economic knowledge? ´
`Victor was unique in presenting important, research-based knowledge in a clear and easily understandable way. This was his trademark as a researcher, lecturer, speaker, and debater. He dared to express controversial viewpoints in a sharp and clear form, making it easy for those who disagreed to respond. Victor understood that disagreement and debate are essential for gaining new insights. He had a democratic and inclusive approach to academic and political confrontations, in line with the best principles of public enlightenment," says Moene, adding:
`When Victor spoke, economics became simple. Again, that’s something to aspire to. ´
Both Received the "Kverulant Prize"
The University of Oslo economist has also been an important source of insight for politicians and decision-makers at all levels.
`Kalle has been a prominent and clear voice in the economic debate for many years, always with the goal of informing and influencing society for the better, ´ says Thøgersen.
Moene has received numerous awards, including the Norwegian Research Council's Communication Prize, the Academics' Prize, and the Fridtjof Nansen Prize for Outstanding Research. He was the first economist invited to give the Aarebrot Lecture in 2023.
In 2019, Kalle Moene received the "Kverulant Prize." Two years later, the same Kåkånomics prize went to Norman.
The jury said the following about Norman in 2021:
"He is annoyingly good. But annoying for whom? For opponents? For allies who wish they could express themselves just as well? For those in power?"