# University of Inland Norway

> University in Innlandet, Norway

**Wikidata**: [Q27050380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27050380)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Inland_Norway)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-inland-norway

## Summary
The University of Inland Norway (INN University) is a public university in Norway established on November 8, 2024, through the merger of Hedmark University College and Lillehammer University College. It operates across multiple campuses in the Innlandet region, offering higher education and research programs as part of Norway's state-funded higher education system.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: November 8, 2024, via a government decision (source: Norwegian Government announcement).
- **Preceding Institutions**: Replaced Hedmark University College and Lillehammer University College.
- **Location**: Campuses in Oppland and Hedmark counties, Norway (coordinates: 61.13668° N, 11.368446° E).
- **Membership**: Part of the European University Association (EUA), Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (COARA), and Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions (UHR).
- **Motto**: "Sterkere sammen" ("Stronger Together").
- **Governance**: Subordinated to the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.
- **Identifiers**: ROR ID 02dx4dc92, Norwegian Organisation Number 918108467.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the University of Inland Norway established?
A: The university was founded on November 8, 2024, through the merger of two regional colleges, as announced by the Norwegian Government.

### Q: Where are the university's campuses located?
A: Campuses are situated in the Innlandet region, specifically in Oppland and Hedmark counties, with a main location in Lillehammer.

### Q: What organizations is the university affiliated with?
A: It is a member of the European University Association, COARA, and the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions, among others.

## Why It Matters
The University of Inland Norway plays a critical role in providing accessible higher education and research opportunities in the inland regions of Norway. As a merger of two established institutions, it strengthens academic offerings and resource collaboration in a geographically dispersed area. Its establishment reflects Norway's commitment to equitable access to education and regionally relevant research, addressing local and national needs in fields such as health, technology, and sustainability. As a public institution, it contributes to workforce development and innovation, particularly in rural communities.

## Notable For
- **Merger-Based Expansion**: Created through the unification of Hedmark and Lillehammer University Colleges to form a larger, more comprehensive institution.
- **Regional Focus**: Serves the Innlandet region with distributed campuses, ensuring higher education access in non-urban areas.
- **International Membership**: Recognized through affiliations with EUA, COARA, and the International Association of Universities (IAU).
- **Public Governance**: Fully accredited and funded by the Norwegian state, ensuring quality standards in education and research.

## Body
### Founding and History
- **Establishment**: Formally founded on November 8, 2024, succeeding Hedmark University College and Lillehammer University College.
- **Legal Basis**: Governed by Norwegian public university laws (legal form Q55190098).

### Organization and Structure
- **Parent Organization**: Operates under the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.
- **Campuses**: Includes multiple sites, such as the Lillehammer campus (pictured: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Høgskolen_i_Lillehammer.jpg).
- **Subdivisions**: Comprises organizational units Q98651822, Q98651104, Q98651462, Q98651632, and Q98651764.

### Academics and Research
- **Focus Areas**: Offers programs aligned with regional and national priorities, though specific disciplines are not detailed in the source material.
- **Research Collaboration**: Participates in international networks like the European University Association and COARA.

### Membership and Affiliations
- **Professional Bodies**: Member of the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions (UHR) and International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE).
- **Alliances**: Part of the Emerge Alliance and the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment.

### Identity and Outreach
- **Digital Presence**: Official website at inn.no and Instagram handle @universitetinnlandet.
- **Motto**: "Sterkere sammen" ("Stronger Together"), emphasizing collaboration and regional unity.

### Identifiers and Recognition
- **Registry IDs**: Norwegian Organisation Number 918108467, GRID ID grid.477237.2, VIAF ID 4602149068536665730003.
- **International Listings**: Recognized in the World Higher Education Database (ID IAU-007679) and Times Higher Education registry.

## References

1. [Source](https://eua.eu/about/member-directory.html)
2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20231109092552/https://coara.eu/coalition/membership/)
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20240407191925/https://www.icde.org/members-community/)
4. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20240429162301/https://www.uhr.no/om/medlemmer-og-medlemskriterier/)
5. [Source](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/i-dag-far-noreg-eit-nytt-universitet/id3073523/)