Norberg works on theoretical and conceptual perspectives of complex adaptive systems applied to both biological and social systems. He does both modelling work using trait-based ecosystem models as well as linked social ecological systems using agent based models. Recent focus in the later topic is on learning processes and emergence and dynamics of norms.
Norberg has a background in biology and geology with focus on environmental and sustainability sciences. He got his PhD in systems ecology at Stockholm University. After a Postdoc at Princeton University with Professor Simon Levin he recieved an assistant research position at natural resource management at the Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University, which later transitioned to Stockholm Resilience Centre where he became a full Professor. He has been on one sabbatical with Professor Terry Hughes at James Cook University in Australia, and will be on a one year sabbatical at EAWAG in Zürich from mid-2019 to mid-2020 with Professor Francesco Pomati.
While Norberg's work mainly focusses on conceptual theory building, he also has a strong interest in building knowledge transfer and visualisation tools. He also represents the Stockholm Resilience Centre in the section for Biological Sciences at Stockholm University, and is a subject editor for the journal Ecology and Society.
Norberg is an appreciated teacher who currently leads the adaptive management module in the SRC Master's programme as well as Stockholm University’s online Master-level course “Introduction to Sustainability Science”.
Research news | 2019-02-19
Better understanding of how organism traits in species communities change over time can prevent ecological collapse and improve ecological restoration
Research news | 2019-02-05
Better understanding of Sphagnum mosses key to understand whether carbon sequestration of northern peat bogs will slow down as the planet warms
Research news | 2017-04-25
New modeling approach can help boost learning to deal with unexpected changes in management of renewable resources
Research news | 2017-02-02
Understanding plant traits key to more complete picture of the ecology of wetland ecosystem services