Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) employs 2,465 staff and serves 22,837 students across 38 Bachelor's, 53 Master's, and 7 PhD programs, making it the third-largest university in Norway. OsloMet offers specialized programs designed to equip students with future-oriented skills in fields such as health, social services, education, public administration, media, design, the arts, technology, and business.

A distinctive feature of OsloMet’s education is the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical training. The university's research strategy emphasizes interdisciplinary and regional collaboration, aiming to influence welfare policy through research closely linked to its academic programs. By fostering partnerships across sectors, OsloMet generates insights and solutions addressing global sustainability challenges. The university is actively involved in EU research and innovation, currently participating in 21 Horizon and other EU-funded projects.

The Faculty of Education and International Studies (LUI) prepares future educators—from kindergarten to upper secondary school—through close collaboration with the practical training field. The faculty also offers programs in development studies, sign language, and interpreting. Its research emphasizes practical training in both Nordic and international contexts.

The OLHE project will be affiliated with the Department of Early Childhood Education (BLU), a leading institution in generating research-based knowledge to address societal challenges, particularly in early childhood education. All study programs are developed in close cooperation with the practical training field through research and innovation projects. Serving around 2,000 students, the department offers interdisciplinary courses in language, mathematics, natural and social sciences, physical activity, and music—with a strong focus on health, sustainability, and creativity. It also provides international courses such as Play, Movement, Nature and Outdoor Education and Culture and Identity, based on outdoor education principles. These 20- and 30-ECTS credit courses offer study opportunities for students in early childhood education, social work, teacher education, and psychology.

KEY STAFF 

Dr. Evi Petersen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education at OsloMet. Since 2015, she has taught both theoretical and practical courses in outdoor education, cultural studies, and physical and health literacy. She leads the 30-ECTS higher education course Play, Movement, Nature, and Outdoor Education. Her research interests include the internationalization of higher education, outdoor education, health promotion, human-nature relationships, nature connectedness, and emotional well-being. Evi has extensive experience with national and international research and development projects, including the Horizon Europe-funded GoGreenRoutes and the NordForsk-funded NORNAK, which focuses on building networks around outdoor kindergartens in the Nordic countries. She has held leadership roles in externally funded projects related to education and student exchange, such as HETBLU, and health-related projects like Æquilis. She also serves as a member of the high-level strategic advisory board for GoGreenNext, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative.

Henrik Neegaard is a førstelektor (Associate Professor) at the Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and International Studies at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet). With a strong focus on outdoor education (friluftsliv) and physical activity, his work explores the intersection of nature, health, sustainability, and early childhood pedagogy. He is affiliated with the research group Sustainability, Nature, Health, and Movement. Henrik has contributed extensively to the academic discourse on outdoor practices in urban kindergartens and the role of early nature experiences in children’s development. His publications include both peer-reviewed articles and edited volumes, such as Barnehagens friluftsliv (2022), which he co-edited and authored multiple chapters for. He has also explored innovative research methods, including the use of action cameras in early childhood education.