From the Bank of Finland to a PhD at NHH
Heidi Koponen has always been drawn to the field of macroeconomics and policy.
`A PhD at NHH is a fantastic opportunity´
After only six months as a PhD candidate, Lene Mortensen received an award for her research project. `Highly promising, ´ noted the committee.
AS PART OF OUR PHD SERIES INTRODUCING CANDIDATES AT NHH, MEET LENE MORTENSEN!
Name: Lene Mortensen
From: Norway
Department: Department of Accounting, Auditing and Law
Research interest: Accounting, human rights
Started: 2024
Supervisor: Associate Professor Anita Meidell
Lene Mortensen started her PhD at NHH in 2024. She focuses on how businesses, especially in the shipping industry, take responsibility for human rights and sustainability reporting.
student at NHH in 2018
Originally from Sotra, Mortensen began her bachelor’s degree at NHH in 2018. Five years later, she completed her master’s degree with a thesis on human rights in business. She also holds a CEMS degree.
`The most rewarding part of my studies at NHH was writing my master’s thesis. It was exciting to combine two of my main interests, human rights and business, ´ says Mortensen.
After finishing her master’s degree, Mortensen wasn’t quite ready to leave academia.
`I wanted to dive deeper into these topics, and a PhD seemed like an exciting challenge, ´ she explains.
The decision to apply for a PhD scholarship at NHH was easy.
`I’ve lived in Bergen for many years, and my family and friends are here, so I knew I wanted to stay in the city. NHH also has an inspiring environment for the type of research I’m interested in, especially in Human Rights Accounting. I reached out to a PhD candidate working on sustainability reporting and had a chat with my supervisor, Anita Meidell. After some good conversations, I knew this was the right path for me´.
Kajuna ’ s interest in circular business innovation brought him to NHH
Jovinary Kajuna has studied banking and finance in Dar es Salaam and completed a master's degree in Kristiansand. The 28-year-old from Tanzania is now a PhD research fellow at NHH.
Research on Human Rights in Shipping
Now, Mortensen is well underway with her project on how companies take responsibility for human rights, both in their operations and throughout the value chain.
`This often falls under ESG reporting. While there is significant work on measuring and reporting carbon emissions, social aspects—like human rights—are more abstract and complex. That’s what makes this field so interesting, ´ she says.
Mortensen’s research focuses on human rights reporting in the shipping industry, a sector with global operations that challenges traditional ways of measuring responsibility and sustainability.
`A Promising Project´
Her work has already been recognized.
At her first conference as a PhD student, the CSEAR Conference in August 2024, she received the Rob Gray Emerging Scholar Award for Promising Paper for her project, Power Dynamics in Human Rights Accounting for Just Transitions.
`It was an incredible honor and a great motivation to continue exploring this field, ´ says Mortensen.
Passion for Bergen
Mortensen has embraced Bergen as her home.
`The older I get, the more I appreciate Bergen. There’s so much happening in the city—great cultural events and restaurants, and I love attending the Bergen International Film Festival. And of course, there’s always the possibility of a hike—just turn in any direction, and you’ll find a mountain´.
Leaving the business world behind for a PhD in finance
Johan Ludvig S. Karlsen decided to pursue a PhD in finance at NHH. 'I wasn’t ready to settle for a full-time business job´.
There is plenty of hard work ahead, but Mortensen enjoys the freedom and learning opportunities that come with PhD life.
Advice for NHH students
`It doesn’t feel like work because it’s so exciting. I often sit reading articles and feel a strong drive to understand more. It’s also fantastic to discuss ideas with colleagues and gain insights from researchers with different perspectives´.
`Any advice for NHH students considering a PhD?
`If you’re passionate about something, a PhD at NHH is a fantastic opportunity. Many students focus on a business career, which is great, but it’s also worth highlighting that a PhD can be a springboard for diving deeper into the subjects you care about´.
The translator from Colombia
With a decade of translation experience, PhD Candidate Claudia E. Zapata Urrego dives into new research at NHH, exploring the future of human involvement in translation.