Wabakken was awarded the King’s Medal of Merit

Petter Wabakken was awarded the King’s Medal of Merit during a ceremony in Hamar on Tuesday, 21 January.

The medal was presented by County Governor Knut Storberget on behalf of His Majesty the King.

The King’s Medal of Merit is awarded as recognition for contributions of significant societal value in fields such as art, culture, science, business, social work, and humanitarian efforts.

Wabakken has worked for many years at Hedmark University College, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, and now the University of Inland Norway. He is an Associate Professor at the Evenstad campus, part of the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology.

Weathering the storm

In his speech, Storberget highlighted Wabakken’s extensive and longstanding work as a researcher in a field often fraught with controversy.

– It has often been tumultuous. You, Petter, have steered us in the right direction, added nuance, and provided many of us with an empirical foundation, both for management an policy-making. Even for the broader public. It has not been an easy journey; you have taken and endured your share of the challenges. You have stood firm academically and been a voice worth listening to. Personally, I have found you to be an accessible and pragmatic researcher who truly understands the essence of applied research, said Storberget, as quoted on the website of the County Governor of Innlandet. 

Storberget also highlighted Wabakken’s leadership in several major projects in Norway and across the Nordic countries, particularly in population monitoring.

He further recounted how, in the 1970s and early 1980s, experts believed wolves had vanished entirely from Norway. Wabakken disagreed and worked to prove otherwise. His findings were validated by international experts in 1982, prompting Norwegian authorities and research communities to take his work seriously.

Internationally recognised

Petter Wabakken has published numerous scientific articles in leading international journals and is among the most renowned figures in global predator research.

Over the years, Wabakken has faced accusations of manipulating data in his research. However, an investigative committee cleared him of what they termed 'clearly baseless' allegations.

– You have carried out particularly meritorious work and made tireless contributions to wildlife research at the highest scientific level. You have significantly impacted the management of contentious species in Scandinavia. Your efforts inspire us all, Storberget told Wabakken at the event held in Hamar kulturhus.

• Read Storberget’s full speech on the County Governor’s website (Norwegian)

Wabakken: – It came as a surprise

Petter Wabakken shared that he had no idea what awaited him when he was guided into a hall filled with family, colleagues, friends, and public figures.

He views the award as both a significant honour and motivation for himself and the academic community at Evenstad:

– This is a tribute to the team of people who have surrounded me and joined me on this journey, and to the wonderful collaborations we have had. In addition to researchers both at home and abroad, many others have contributed in various ways over the years – sheep farmers, conservationists, landowners, and other nature enthusiasts, says Wabakken.

He described how fulfilling it has been to work on collecting local knowledge that has left a mark on international research. He emphasised his commitment to bringing new and updated insights back to the public, particularly in the polarising debate over predators.

Having started teaching as far back as 1980, Wabakken has no plans to retire anytime soon.

– After this, I feel even more inspired to continue working at an amazing workplace. It has been a fantastic journey with great people, wonderful experiences in nature, and plenty of learning, says Petter Wabakken.

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