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"Wig has distinguished himself as a researcher at the forefront of international research and nationally as an active communicator and debater," one of the reasons for Wig's award is stated.
"Quintana's research results represent outstanding originality and scientific activity at a high international level," according to the explanation of Quintana's award.
The award consists of 75,000 kroner and a diploma each, and is presented at the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters' annual meeting on May 3.
Important in these wartimes
"Research on war, peace, and democracy has perhaps never been more important"
"It is a great honor for me to receive an award in Fridtjof Nansen's name, especially in these times with brutal wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and serious threats to democracy internationally. Nansen played a key role as a peacemaker, humanitarian, and scientist in his time. Today, he is particularly relevant. Research on war, peace, and democracy has perhaps never been more important," says Tore Wig.
In the committee's recommendation, it is stated among other things: "Through his research, Wig seeks to understand the causes of civil war and ethnic conflicts. He shows how pre-colonial political institutions play a crucial role in explaining why some countries, regions, and ethnic groups are marked by armed conflict in modern times. Through his work, he has contributed to shifting the focus of conflict research towards other types of institutions than those that usually receive attention, such as the nation-state and democracy. [...] Wig has distinguished himself as a researcher at the forefront of international research and nationally as an active communicator and debater. "
When asked why he prioritises both research and dissemination, Tore Wig responds:
"I prioritize both research and communication because I believe both are important. Dissemination should closely follow research and never be detached from the international research frontline. In my experience, you get a lot in return for communicating, both academically, as it generates exciting discussions from which you often learn something, and it also gives status and recognition. But most importantly, it has an inherent value, because I am interested in discussing the things I care about with the broad public. I believe that dissemination is not a one-way conversation where the researcher delivers their knowledge without engaging in dialogue with the rest of society, it should be an active discussion between the disseminator and the rest of the public."
Important knowledge about the brain for health and well-being
"Nansen contributed to a key foundation on which modern neuroscience is built"
"I am deeply honored to have been chosen as the recipient of this award. As someone who studies the brain, this recognition is especially significant because it is named after Fridtjof Nansen. While many know Nansen for his polar expeditions or humanitarian work, he also made early groundbreaking contributions to neuroscience. His work challenged not only the prevailing ideas of his time but also contributed to a key foundation on which modern neuroscience is built. This award is also a recognition of the hard work that our colleagues and collaborators put in, and the excellent research environment at the University of Oslo," says Daniel Quintana.
In the committee’s recommendation, it is stated among other things: "Quintana is a young medical researcher who has achieved international recognition for his research on the effects of the hormone oxytocin on health and well-being. Oxytocin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the brain and distributed throughout the body. [...] Quintana's research results represent outstanding originality and scientific activity at a high international level. Daniel Quintana is a worthy winner of the Fridtjof Nansen Award for Younger Researchers."
When asked about what motivates him; both to research and disseminate answers, Quintana says: "My work is primarily motivated by a deep curiosity about how the brain coordinates human behavior. The brain and its systems are incredibly complex, and there is still so much to discover. Research and communication go hand in hand for me. I believe that a research project should not stop when an article is submitted; our work should be communicated to other researchers and to the public. With the growing rise of misinformation online, it is more important than ever that researchers share and discuss their work with a broad audience."
Pia Lane receives the main award
The Fridtjof Nansen Award for Outstanding Research is bestowed by the Nansen Fund. The award is granted to Norwegian researchers, or researchers permanently residing in Norway, who have made scientific contributions of international significance at a very high level. The award should be given to an active researcher as a stimulus for further work.
The main award consists of 300,000 kroner, a diploma, and the Nansen Medal for Outstanding Research and this year it goes to Pia Lane, who is a professor at the Center for Multilingualism at the Faculty of Humanities. Among the reasons for granting her the main award is her effort as a central member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The award is distributed annually but alternates between the humanities & social sciences and the natural sciences & medicine. In 2024, the award is given within humanities and social sciences.
The Fridtjof Nansen Award for Younger Researchers is presented in both classes (natural sciences & medicine and humanities & social sciences). It consists of 75,000 kroner and a diploma. Otherwise, the same rules as for the main Fridtjof Nansen Award for Outstanding Research apply.