Sigrun Gjerløw Aasland

Sigrun Gjerløw Aasland
Born	(1978-02-11) February 11, 1978 Grimstad, Norway
Occupation	Politician
Years active	2021–present
Known for	Minister of Research and Higher Education (since 2025)

Sigrun Gjerløw Aasland (born 11 February 1978) is a politician from Norway representing the Labour Party. Since February 2025, she has held the position of Minister of Research and Higher Education.

Career

Between 2021 and 2024, Aasland led the environmental group ZERO as chair and served as deputy head of the think tank Agenda. In 2024, she was appointed State Secretary within the Ministry of Climate and Environment.

Minister of Research and Higher Education

Following the exit of the Centre Party from the government coalition, Aasland assumed office as minister on 4 February 2025.

2025

Shortly after taking office, Aasland engaged with representatives from the research community concerning US budget reductions affecting health and climate studies. She highlighted potential threats to Norwegian collaboration and access but refrained from pledging extra governmental funds.

In March, she launched an inquiry focused on enhancing the application of artificial intelligence within higher education. The initiative aims to develop new regulatory frameworks, with findings anticipated by October 2026.

In April, Aasland issued a caution to Norwegian students about studying overseas due to worries about freedom of expression in the United States, urging them to carefully consider their choices and follow official travel advice.

With the government dedicating 1.2 billion NOK to AI research in June, she underscored its critical role in fortifying the sector for the future.

Before the 2025 parliamentary elections, Aasland announced funding for 30 psychology study positions at the University of Agder, starting in autumn 2026.

In October, she established a commission tasked with reviewing student financial support systems, including loans and grants. This move responds to long-standing demands for reform; the commission's report is expected in 2027 and has received positive feedback from the Norwegian Union of Students.

Personal life

Aasland was born on 11 February 1978 in Grimstad. She earned a degree in international economics and conflict management from Johns Hopkins University in 2003. Her studies also include time at both the University of Bergen and the University of Perpignan.

She is related to former research and higher education minister Tora Aasland, who served from 2007 until 2012 as her niece.