The Academy of Young Researchers (AYF) is an independent, interdisciplinary network for collaboration and experience sharing among young researchers. They work to promote free research and contribute to knowledge-based societal development in Norway and the world.
“Being appointed to AYF among so many outstanding candidates is an honour. I research stochastic analysis, a branch of mathematics where we study complex dynamic systems and processes influenced by randomness and uncertainty. This has applications in many different fields, ranging from physics, chemistry, and biology to economics, demography, and modern data science,” says Professor Harang from BI’s Department of economics.
Professor of Mathematics at the Department of Economics at BI, Fabian Harang.
He is among 11 new members appointed to AYF for the period 2024-2028. There were a total of 72 applicants. AYF is located at the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, which decided to establish a young academy in 2013.
Motivating young people to engage in research
“For research to remain relevant and continue evolving, it is crucial to inspire and engage young talents. As an important meeting place, innovative science communicator, and research policy influencer, the Academy of Young Researchers plays a vital role in this. I am pleased to see they have finally appointed a member from BI,” says Harald Øverby, Provost for Research, Learning, and Societal Impact at BI.
Members must have an interest in and be able to actively engage in the academy’s work, and they must be no older than 40 in the year of admission.
“I want to work with science communication, especially aimed at young people. I have a special interest in communication related to mathematics, which is often presented as abstract and incomprehensible unless one has studied it for years. I believe that most people understand far more mathematics than they realise and that there are surprisingly deep mathematical problems which can be explained in simple terms, demonstrating how applicable mathematics is across many fields,” says Harang.
He himself has experienced how challenging mathematics can be.
“In fact, I failed the introductory mathematics course at BI Norwegian Business School, where I now work, three times. This resulted in a meeting with the Dean, who referred me to mathematics lecturer Robert Hansen. Robert completely changed my view of mathematics. He made me understand both the importance of maths for economics and how to approach the subject in order to succeed,” says Harang.
You can read more about Harang's research on the AYF website:
https://akademietforyngreforskere.no/medlem/fabian-nost-harang/