Celebrating young research talent at the national competition for young researchers (KUF)

The competition is organised by the Young Academy of Norway (AYF), with support from CAS, TEKNA, Forskerforbundet, and the University of Oslo. CAS joined the competition last year, establishing our own award - CAS Grunnforskningspris (CAS Basic Research Prize) - and it is gratifying to see more organisations and institutions following suit.

The finals ceremony at Scene Domus Bibliotheca was framed beautifully by a string quartet from the Barratt Due Institute of Music. Before the ceremony began, finalists had the opportunity to present their work to attendees and fellow researchers in a lively poster session. The breadth and quality of topics on display, spanning several disciplines and approaches, was encouraging to see.

This year's winner of the CAS Basic Research Prize was Eden Faiyaz. Faiyaz wrote a philosophical paper exploring whether evil can be said to exist in the world, and if so, how, drawing on thinkers and theologians from antiquity through to the present day. As part of the prize, Faiyaz has been offered a place at EUCYS, the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, to be held in Kiel this September.

The jury had this to say about the winning work:

"In this highly impressive work, the candidate aims to evaluate John Hick's 'soul-building' theodicy. The candidate's philosophical skills are extremely impressive. The language is clear and concise; the presentation of opposing views is fair; and the argumentation is both creative and thorough."

The event concluded with reception and dinner the The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

CAS is proud to support the development of young research talent in Norway, and we look forward to welcoming more young alumni of the CAS Research Prize in the years to come.

Read more about the winners and competition here (in Norwegian) >