Av Ole Marius Kvamme og Jens Helleland Ådnanes, UiB
"This is a unique collection, one that tells an important story of research, but also shows how research is connected to international politics and history. Meteorological research and the story of Bjerknes shows how important basic research and good research groups are for the University of Bergen," says prorector Margareth Hagen.
Carl Anton Bjerknes (1825-1903), Vilhelm Bjerknes (1862-1951) and Jacob Bjerknes (1897-1975) have all contributed to making meteorology and climatology the scientific fields they are today.
Vilhelm Bjerknes founded the Bergen School of Meteorology, which was developed by his son Jacob and other colleagues. This is vital for the modern weather forecast and also central when starting the Geophysical Institute at the UiB.
Scientific superstars
"At the Geophysical Institute we're extremely proud of the pioneers who laid down the foundation of our existence, scientific superstars in their time, and today, says Tor Eldevik, institute leader of the Geophysical Institute and researcher at the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research.
Between the tree of them, they received a number of medals and prizes for their scientific contributions – a collection donated to the University of Bergen. June 23rd, the exhibition of their gathered merits open up at the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, named after Vilhelm and Jacob Bjerknes.
"The exhibition reminds us of what we have to measure up to, and maybe the collection can be an extra inspiration to our work. What is certain is that it's an attraction for everyone who visits, for people who know the history of the Bjerknes researchers, and what they meants to the development of our disciplines, says Tore Furevik, director of the Bjerknes Centre.