Meet the researchers: Catharina Christophersen

We are very happy to introduce our readers to the researchers in the FUTURED project. First out is Professor Catharina Christophersen, project initiator and leader from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

How did you get involved with the FUTURED project? 

I have always been interested in critical and educational research, in particular the way curricular and educational practices are formed and carried out in the intersection between people, academic traditions, institutional structures, and policies. From experience and from my previous research, I have also found music education practices to be somewhat on the conservative side, When my colleagues and I were encouraged to apply for external funding, we took the opportunity to construct a critical project based on the idea of educational change. The Research Council approved of our application, and the rest is history, as they say.

How would you describe what you are doing in the FUTURED project?

I am the project leader, so in general I oversee and facilitate the project progress, both academically and administratively. I am one of the researchers in the project, and the main supervisor of one of our PhD students. Right now I am co-authoring a few articles, submitting abstracts for conferences, and preparing for a local research dissemination event. There is also always the reading of relevant research and scholarly literature, as well as preparing meetings, of course.

What is your favourite aspect of your research in FUTURED?

There is so much to like about this project, for example the opportunity to immerse myself in a topic that I find so interesting and relevant. Also, being able to learn something new every day is a true privilege. Still, the highlight of the FUTURED project for me is without a doubt the FUTURED team, and the way we work together in the project.

What do you work with, in addition to FUTURED?

I teach and supervise master and PhD students at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. I am also currently involved in developing a new masters degree in Arts Education.

This interview is taking place halfway through the project. Where are you heading for the future?

I have a few projects cooking on the side, among other things the planning of a particular follow-up study. Apart from that, my immediate plans are just to make sure we finish the FUTURED project the best we can, and after that continue to teach, supervise and research. I hope that the knowledge we build in FUTURED can benefit our students, colleagues and programs.