Heidi Bergsli

Heidi Bergsli holds a PhD in human geography from the University of Oslo. She joined NIKU as a researcher in autumn 2026, bringing experience from both applied social sciences and municipal planning. 

Her research has focused primarily on urban and rural development, public health, and social sustainability from the perspectives of governance, planning, and rights. Her methodological approach is qualitative and includes experience in the co-production of knowledge, for example through the development of the knowledge base for the regional plan of Vestland County Council. 

Bergsli is particularly interested in understanding which forms of knowledge, interests, and needs are represented in spatial and community planning, and how participatory frameworks can contribute to value creation and the development of good and resilient communities. She has explored these issues in both small municipalities and major cities across Norway and Europe, such as in a project on sustainable demographic development and green rural transition. 

As planner in Lofoten and Tromsø, Bergsli has been committed to multi-sectorial collaboration and the inclusion of diverse stakeholder groups in planning. She has both researched and practiced integrated planning approaches, in which different societal considerations are coordinated to promote the sustainable development of places, cities, and regions. 

At NIKU, Heidi will contribute to the production of knowledge on the cultural and social conditions necessary for sustainable land-use and resource management, and on how cultural heritage, place attachment, and quality of life can be incorporated into climate and environmental research and governance. This involves a strong commitment to collaboration with public authorities, civil society organisations, and other academic and professional communities throughout the production of knowledge.