Norwegian version

NOVA – Norwegian Social Research

NOVA is a research institute at OsloMet concentrating on studies in childhood, ageing, social policy and the welfare state. The institute is involved in many international research projects.

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Young couple up close in red light
Many young people have sex for the first time to “get it over with”

For many adolescents, having “had sex” equals having had penetrative intercourse. Several say they had sex the first time mainly to avoid being the one who “hasn’t done it” — not because it felt right in the moment.

Featured projects

Research networks at NOVA

Featured research

Father shows child something on a computer
Parents teach their children differently about money. Their lessons reproduce class divisions

New research shows that Norwegian middle- and upper-class parents give their children fundamentally different attitudes toward money. This may reinforce social inequality in Norway.

Janikke Solstad Vedeler at NOVA
Research for better services for families with disabled children

A new research project led by OsloMet receives NOK 12.4 million from the Research Council of Norway. Together with municipalities and organizations, the project will investigate the child coordinator scheme.

Young woman with face mask at bus stop
Local government was key to managing the pandemic

A major Nordic study shows that local authorities played a crucial role in handling COVID-19 – and why trust and flexibility are key to surviving future crises.

smoking boy
Young people use cannabis in different ways – one group raises concern

Researchers categorize young cannabis users into four groups. For most, it's about curiosity, belonging, or exploring new youth identities. But for a few, usage is linked to loneliness and mental health challenges.

Child raising hand in class
Many children with ADHD do not thrive at school

A new study from OsloMet shows that only around half of children with ADHD thrive at school. Well-being is lowest among those who are taught outside of class for large parts of the day.

Three older women i blue jackets sitting on bench laughing
Norwegians among the least lonely in Europe

The Nordic countries stand out with a low prevalence of loneliness. The welfare state, health and culture explain a lot. This is revealed in a new book about loneliness in Europe.

Four young employees at meeting
The welfare state has strong support among young people

Are young adults entitled individuals who won’t contribute to society? Not quite. According to new research, Generation Z are happy to pay their taxes.

Young boy with a chef costume
The work values you develop as a teenager can shape the rest of your life

What teenagers value in working life can strongly influence how their adult lives turn out – from education and income to family and housing.

Airport sign: International boarding gates
She thought they were going on holiday – then her husband confiscated her and the children’s passports

Violence in close relationships does not stop at national borders. Perpetrators may exploit the family’s ties to another country to threaten and pressure family members.

Girls playing volleyball
Is it just a myth that sport is inclusive?

“Our findings suggest that sport does not automatically foster social inclusion among children and young people. Those who participate are typically the ones who already feel secure and are part of a social community,” says Marlene Persson.

Adult daughter giving comfort to older mother in kitchen
What determines whether older parents receive help from their adult children?

Attitudes alone do not determine who will provide help when the need arises.

Child hiding face. Sitting in sofa with woman.
A holistic approach to supporting victimized children

Barnahus is an innovative model of caring for and supporting children who have been the victim of violence and sexual abuse. It provides a safe and supportive environment to meet their legal, medical, and psychological needs.

The centre of Oslo seen from the Ekeberg hillside with Bjørvika and Barcode in the foreground.
Oslo, the divided city

A deep socioeconomic divide splits Oslo from east to west. It will continue to deepen unless it is more widely acknowledged and addressed.

More featured research from OsloMet
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