PhD and Paragliding: Courage and Careful Planning

Rune Andre Haugen

INRESCOS aims to be a home for Industrial PhDs (Nærings-ph.d.)

What is tougher: jumping off a cliff with a paraglider or diving into a PhD study?

Rune Andre Haugen has experienced both. He holds a master’s degree in System Engineering from The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), and some years ago, the idea of pursuing an Industrial PhD while working at Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace began to take shape.

“I wanted to start and find the path to get there, but it was a long journey,” he recalls. The biggest hurdle was getting the PhD project approved within the company. They had no prior experience with an industrial PhD, so it was a lengthy process requiring multiple levels of approval. “It took about a year and a half before we got the assignment approved at the top management level,” says Rune. Support from academia was easier to obtain; they were driving forces and helped him significantly along the way. “I hope I have paved the way for others, making it easier for those who come after me,” he adds.

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing an industrial PhD is the flexibility it offers. You have the freedom to work from home, the university, or the job, providing a unique balance between work and studies. “I have really enjoyed this flexibility. It has given me the opportunity to learn new things and work in a way that suits me,” Rune shares.

Another significant advantage is job security and better pay compared to other PhD students. Additionally, having existing industry contacts makes conducting research easier. Through membership in the Industrial Research School in Complex Systems (INRESCOS), Rune had the opportunity to expand and build an even more solid network by attending various conferences and engaging with other PhD candidates from UiA and NTNU. “Everything that has contributed to building a network has been positive. Having good contact with other PhD students is also beneficial. It’s an advantage to meet others in the same situation to support each other. It helps to know you’re not alone on this journey,” he explains.

Starting a PhD can be daunting, with many uncertainties and questions. Early guidance and tips from more experienced students can be invaluable. “It was helpful to lean on a student who had been at it for a couple of years, providing tips to newcomers,” Rune shares.

He appreciates the training in presentation skills and the practice of presenting research through INRESCOS. During the Annual Match Making event in 2023 he explained  in his presentation “How to eat an Elephant. Investing complex systems to detect things no one wants”.

However, he believes this should be a credit-given course to encourage more students to prioritize it. “Research dissemination is important, and this training is also useful for defending the PhD,” he emphasizes. Integrating such events into the PhD curriculum, like INRESCOS “Connecting Industry & Research” presentations or Kongsberg Agenda events, could make them more relevant and beneficial.

Transition and New Opportunities

As the PhD concludes, Rune is transitioning to a new role, potentially as a specialist with dedicated time for research. “I hope to discuss collaboration with USN in the future,” he says.

It’s important to inform the company about the benefits of the PhD, as there may be misconceptions about its value.

When we ask Rune Andre if he is ready to defend his PhD in a few months, he replies, “I am unsure which is more nerve-wracking: collapsing the paraglider 1000 meters above the ground or fumbling for answers to the opponents’ questions during a defense.”