Gunnar Bovim assumed the position of rector at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology on August 1, 2013, holding the office until August 21, 2019. Throughout his career, he has balanced roles as a practicing neurologist, academic administrator, and public servant within the Norwegian healthcare and education sectors, navigating the institutional shifts of his home country.
Medical Education and Early Research
Born in 1960 in Bergen, Norway, Bovim pursued his medical training at the Faculty of Medicine, earning his Candidate of Medicine degree in 1985. He continued his academic advancement at the University of Trondheim, where he completed his dr.med. degree in 1993. That same year, he attained specialist status in neurology. His early research efforts were acknowledged by the Norwegian Migraine Society, which awarded him a prize in 1993, followed by a Dr. Ragnar Forberg scholarship in 1995.
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Bovim served in various capacities at the University of Trondheim and later at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) following institutional mergers. He held the position of vice dean from 1996 to 1998, subsequently serving as dean of the Faculty of Medicine between 1999 and 2005. During this tenure, he also directed the medical technology strategic area from 2000 to 2005. His clinical leadership included a role as deputy managing director at St. Olavs Hospital starting in 2005, where he transitioned to managing director from 2006 to 2009.
Public Service and Administrative Oversight
Before his appointment as NTNU rector in 2013, Bovim served as the CEO of the Central Norway Regional Health Authority, a position he accepted in 2009. His career has also involved service as a board member for the same health authority between 2001 and 2003. He maintains membership in the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters and the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences. In 2015, he was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of St. Olav.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Bergen, Norway
- Education: Candidate of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
- Specialization: Neurology
- Rector of NTNU: 2013-2019
- Director of St. Olavs Hospital: 2006-2009
- Awards: Knight of the Order of St. Olav (2015)
- Professional memberships: Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences
Questions readers ask
What was Bovim's primary field of medical expertise?
He specialized in neurology.
Did he hold roles outside of the university setting?
Yes, he served as the managing director of St. Olavs Hospital and as CEO of the Central Norway Regional Health Authority.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of St. Olav — 2015
- Held posts at Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences and Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Fields: neurology
