Winner of the ICDE Prize of Excellence 2025 for Institutions: The University of Inland Norway

The ICDE Prize of Excellence Institutional Prize is awarded to an institution, an association or a network of institutions for very significant achievements or contributions to the international community of inclusive, scalable and sustainable education during the past five years.

A distinguished member of ICDE since the 1990s, the University of Inland Norway (INN) has consistently demonstrated leadership in Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning (OFDL) through initiatives that extend beyond institutional boundaries. Since 2019, its Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL) has organized the ICDE Lillehammer Lifelong Learning Conference, establishing an important global platform for hundreds of delegates from more than 80 countries.

INN’s commitment to excellence is evident in its international collaborations and active participation in the governance of ICDE and other organisations within the field. As a founding partner in the EMERGE European University Alliance since 2019, INN has led innovative projects addressing educational equity and social inclusion. The institution directs WP5: Flexible Lifelong Learning for Adults, developing new pathways to support marginalized groups. In the past decade, CLL has participated in five EU projects focused on enhancing social inclusion and employability for vulnerable populations, including refugees and individuals experiencing poverty.

Recently, CLL secured funding to lead the Erasmus+ project “Learning to Learn Through Micro-Credentials in a Regional Setting” (L2L MicroCred), tackling implementation challenges to ensure micro-credentials are accessible to those most in need.

Through sustained dedication, strategic leadership, and substantive contributions, INN exemplifies excellence in promoting the development of OFDL globally, fostering spaces for collaboration while advancing impactful initiatives that benefit the community worldwide.