Through research and development, Lillehammer University College (LUC) aims to be a centre of competence for the region, contribute to national research and compete internationally within various areas. The work comprises both basic and applied research. The college wants to develop a research culture where competence is developed in the understanding of social changes and academic evolution.

Strategic focal points in research and development for the years to come decided by the College Senate are in the following fields:

• Film and Television
• Educational Sciences (Media Education and Continuing Education)
• Health and Social Work (Life Conditions and Socialisation of Children and Youth)
• Planning and Public Administration
• Business Management and Destination Development.

LUC is a small institution, representing some three per cent of total higher education in the public university college sector in Norway. The university college employs about 280 persons. Somewhat less than half of the academic staff´s working time is devoted to research and development. About 55 per cent of faculty qualify for the position of associate professor. About 20 per cent of the faculty staff are full professors.

Much emphasis is put on developing the academic qualification of faculty members through participation in doctorate programs, stimulating for publications in national and international journals and books, and participation with papers in international conferences.

The university college publishes an Annual report (Norwegian with English Summary) on its research activities which gives more information on individual faculty members and their work.

A major aim is increasing the number of externally funded research projects.

Researchers at Lillehammer University College co-operate with researchers at the independent Eastern Norway Research Institute/Østlandsforskning and Norwegian Institute for Nature Research. Both institutions are located in Lillehammer.