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I am running as a representative for Group B in the University Board – temporary academic staff – because I want to contribute to a more inclusive, just, and socially engaged university.

About me

My name is Nawar Sayyad, and I am a PhD-candidate in child welfare at the University of Bergen, focusing on aftercare in the child welfare for young people with cross-cultural backgrounds. I am a trained social worker with a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Cultural Diversity, and I was awarded a university prize for my academic achievements. After ten years working in the field of child welfare, I now combine my research with knowledge-sharing work in diversity and inclusion.

Two key issues I care about

I am running because I believe that we, as temporary staff, deserve a strong voice at the table where decisions are made. We are often in precarious employment situations, and when universities implement cuts, we are the first to be affected. I want to work for more predictability, better support, and safer conditions – not only during the PhD period, but also in the transition beyond it.

My concern is not just about employment conditions, but also about how we build career pathways after the PhD. Many are left to navigate this phase alone. That is why I created a podcast in which I highlight both the challenges and opportunities for early-career researchers.

The job market is changing rapidly, and positions are now announced and recruited in entirely different ways than just a few years ago. This calls for the university to take much clearer responsibility in preparing us for this evolving landscape. More of us will need to orient ourselves towards careers beyond academia, and the university must increasingly acknowledge and support this – through advising, skill development, and relevant experience.

I want to contribute to a university that takes responsibility for the entire educational journey – also beyond the dissertation – and that offers real support for continued careers, both within and outside of academia.

I am deeply committed to UiB being a university that not only promotes social justice but also takes a clear societal responsibility – including internationally. I have been engaged in defending academic freedom and building solidarity with students and scholars in Palestine. I believe in knowledge as a force for peace and democracy – and that UiB can and should do more to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and equitable access to education globally.

A voice with lived experience

Alongside my doctoral work, I serve on the board of the GHIG research school at the Faculty of Psychology and in PsykStip, a committee working to promote the rights and well-being of PhD candidates. My strength lies at the intersection of academia, social work, and civic engagement. As a doctoral researcher with a cross-cultural background, I know the importance of having representatives who not only understand the systems, but also have lived experience within them.

I want to be a courageous voice on the board – for inclusion, justice, and knowledge in motion. 

Thank you for your trust!