2026 TEDxBodø Speakers

Biret Mailèn Buljo

“What If the Future of Innovation Is Already in Our Past?”

Biret Mailèn Buljo grew up in a reindeer herding family in Sápmi, where traditional knowledge has been passed down through generations. Today, she combines this lived experience with academic studies in entrepreneurship. Through both worlds, she has discovered striking connections between Indigenous knowledge, innovation, and leadership. Biret is passionate about highlighting perspectives that are often overlooked in conversations about the future. Her work explores how traditional wisdom can contribute to solving modern challenges.

Ahad Hadian

“How Open Is Too Open?Norway, China and the Security Dilemma“

Ahad Hadian, PhD Research Fellow at the High North Center, Nord University, explores how countries navigate the delicate balance between cooperation and security.  Through his research on Norway, China, and economic interdependence, Ahad uncovers the driving forces shaping our interconnected world.

Laure Incaby

“Sharks: From Fear to Wonder“

Laure Inçaby is a marine scientist and scientific diver with experience studying sharks across the Indian Ocean and the North Atlantic. As a PhD candidate at Nord University, she uses genomics to uncover new insights into shark evolution and conservation. Through her research and public engagement, she aims to replace fear with fascination for one of the ocean’s most iconic animals.

Dagmar Dahl

“Finding your Inner Penguin: Cold-Water Swimming and Ice Bathing – When Risk Is the Beautiful Reward”

Dagmar Gerda Martha Dahl explores why people willingly step outside their comfort zones and what they gain from doing so. Through her work in adventure and outdoor education, she studies how risk, nature, and challenge shape human experience, identity, and wellbeing. Her research on cold-water swimming and personal experience as ice swimmer combines insights from physiology, psychology, sociology, and philosophy. Passionate about learning through experience, she invites us to see uncertainty not as something to avoid, but as a gateway to growth, adventure & nature experience.

Ellen M. Sæthre-McGuirk

“Educating for Our Future in New Times of Polycrisis”

Ellen Marie Sæthre-McGuirk is Professor of Art and Design in Teacher Education and Vice Rector for Education at VID Specialised University. With a Ph.D. from KU Leuven and nearly 30 years of experience across education, leadership, and innovation, she has shaped learning in both formal and non-formal settings. Her interdisciplinary background spans art and design, mass communications, philosophy, and law. Ellen has led national initiatives in arts education and student success and has worked extensively on technological and pedagogical innovation. Drawing on international collaborations and crisis-informed educational planning, she explores how futures thinking can help us reimagine teaching, learning, and society.

Nani Teig

“Stop Telling People to Be More Resilient”

Nani Teig is a professor at the University of Oslo who studies why some young people thrive despite adversity while others struggle. Her research focuses on educational opportunity, resilience, and the role of schools, families, and communities in shaping life chances. Drawing on her own journey from Indonesia to the United States and Norway, she brings together lived experience, global perspectives, and educational research. Nani challenges us to move beyond asking individuals to be more resilient and instead create conditions that help more people succeed.

Zin Mie Sharr

“Home Is a Starting Point, not a Boundary”

Zin Mar Sharr is an educator, researcher, and leadership development professional with an international career and experiences spanning Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, and Norway. As a PhD candidate at Nord University, she investigates how Global Citizenship Education can support teacher professionalism and social responsibility. Through her research, teaching, and mentoring, she is passionate about creating more inclusive, culturally responsive, and globally engaged learning communities.