Prof Grunde Jomaas participated in the Norwegian Fire Safety Conference 2026, held in Trondheim, Norway. During the conference, Prof Jomaas delivered two presentations addressing current challenges at the intersection of fire safety, sustainability, and emerging building technologies.

The evening before the conference, Grunde enjoyed the company of four female fire safety researchers for a true Scandinavian evening just a few days after the International Women’s Day. He was happy to dine and discuss with Birgitte Messerschmidt from NFPA, Anne Steen-Hansen from NTNU and FRIC, Cecilia W. from Bengt Dahlgren, and Nina Kristine Reitan from RISE.

On 11^th March, he presented "Når bærekraft møter brannrisiko - hvorfor forskning er avgiørende for å sikre fremtidens bygg" (When sustainability meets fire risk – why research is crucial to secure the buildings of the future).  The talk highlighted the importance of high-quality scientific research in understanding fire risks associated with modern construction methods and sustainable materials. Grunde emphasized that reliable data and strong research competence are essential to ensure that the transition toward more sustainable buildings does not compromise fire safety. One of the key messages was the importance of stakeholder collaboration.

On 12^th March, Grunde delivered a second presentation titled "Fra antennelse til innovasjon: Eksperimentbaserte strategier for brannsikkerhet på tak med solceller" (From ignition to innovation: Experiment-based strategies for fire safety on roofs withPV modules). The presentation focused on experimental research related to fire risks associated with photovoltaic systems installed on roofs and explored strategies for improving fire safety through evidence-based design and testing.

Both presentations shared insights and research results developed within the FRISSBE department at ZAG, contributing to ongoing international discussions on creating a fire-safe and sustainable built environment. The conference gathered fire safety professionals, researchers, industry representatives, insurance, consultants, and emergency preparedness. The organizers, Brannfaglig Fellesorganisasjon, are acknowledged for hosting a well-organized event that facilitated valuable exchanges of knowledge and experience.

Exhibitors and sponsors play an important role in an event like this, and Grunde enjoyed a coffee break conversation with Frode Resve, who is the CEO of Flamro. 

Finally, the trip provided an opportunity to meet with an NTNU Civil Engineering student Harald Blågestad, and an editor Hallvard Aamlid. They had dinner together to discuss the possibility of future collaborations, internships and student exchanges abroad.