Early Academic Pursuits

Viktor, whose full name is Minh-Nhat Pham, embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration from the prestigious Foreign Trade University in Vietnam (2012–2016). Graduating with First Class honors, Viktor’s education laid the foundation for his multidisciplinary expertise. Following his undergraduate success, he pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Stavanger (2018–2020), specializing in Energy, Environment, and Society. His thesis, entitled “A Chain of Metrics to Evaluate Material Performances in Circular Economy,” reflected his forward-thinking approach to sustainability and economics, addressing key metrics such as material circularity, longevity, retained emissions, and labor impacts.

This early education in both business and environmental science set the stage for Viktor’s further exploration of natural resource economics and bioeconomic modeling, fields where he would later make significant academic contributions. During this time, he also showed a strong interest in global issues such as energy use, resource management, and the environment.

Professional Endeavors and Research Focus

Currently, Viktor is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, alongside being a Ph.D. candidate at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, with his research interests firmly rooted in natural resource economics, ecological economics, and health economics. His work integrates advanced bioeconomic modeling, optimal control theory, dynamic programming, and statistical modeling to address key challenges in environmental and resource economics.

Viktor’s academic curiosity has led him to work on several notable research projects. His contributions span across understanding environmental consequences of population, affluence, and technological progress, particularly focusing on European countries, which he published in the Journal of Environmental Management. Additionally, Viktor’s interdisciplinary approach is evident in his work involving Norwegian reindeer husbandry and its response to climate change, as well as his research into the complex dynamics of ecosystem services and how they impact human decision-making and resource management.

Through his collaborative efforts with notable researchers such as Prof. Dr. Claire Armstrong and Prof. Dr. Kari-Anne Bråthen, Viktor has explored various facets of ecological economics, focusing particularly on how human activity and environmental changes interact in Arctic ecosystems. His research papers, both published and under review, reflect a deep understanding of the complex relationships between species, ecosystems, and the economy.

Contributions and Research Focus

Viktor’s research output highlights his interdisciplinary focus on both theoretical and applied aspects of natural resource management. His publications are highly regarded for their insightful treatment of pressing global issues such as climate change and sustainable resource use. One of his most significant papers, Environmental Consequences of Population, Affluence, and Technological Progress for European Countries: A Malthusian View, co-authored with T.L.D. Huynh and M.A. Nasir, provides an important contribution to environmental management, highlighting the long-term effects of technological advancements and population growth on ecological systems.

Another notable area of Viktor’s research is bioeconomic modeling in Arctic ecosystems, particularly focusing on Norwegian reindeer husbandry in the face of climate change. His multi-species dynamic models, in collaboration with other leading researchers, offer a crucial perspective on how to adapt resource management to changing environmental conditions. His ongoing work explores ecosystem disservices, invasive species, and the management of natural habitats, providing valuable insights for policy makers and stakeholders in both environmental economics and resource management.

Accolades and Recognition

Viktor has garnered significant recognition for his scholarly contributions and leadership in research. In 2022, he was awarded the “Nord-Norges forskningsfond” from UNIFOR, securing a research grant of 7,000 NOK. His international academic presence was further bolstered by his successful research stay abroad in 2023, funded by the Norwegian Research Council with a generous grant of 148,000 NOK. His collaborative research during this period, particularly with esteemed researchers such as Prof. Dr. Charles Sims and Prof. Dr. Suzanne Lenhart from the University of Tennessee, has strengthened his global academic network and solidified his reputation in the field of natural resource economics.

Additionally, Viktor received a 15,000 NOK research grant from the Norwegian Bank in 2023 to support his ongoing work in economic research. His accolades highlight the value of his research contributions to both national and international communities.

Impact and Influence

Viktor’s research is not only academically rigorous but also socially impactful. His work on reindeer husbandry models in Arctic ecosystems is particularly relevant given the ongoing discussions surrounding climate change and sustainable resource management in vulnerable regions like the Arctic. His innovative approach to bioeconomic modeling, combining both ecological and economic perspectives, has influenced the way scholars and policymakers view resource management under environmental stress.

His papers have been presented at various international conferences, such as the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AERE2023) in Portland, Maine, and the World Conference of Natural Resource Modelling (WCNRM2023) in Amsterdam. These platforms have enabled Viktor to share his findings with a broader audience, further cementing his status as an influential researcher.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Viktor’s academic journey is characterized by a clear commitment to advancing knowledge in natural resource economics, particularly in the context of climate change. His forward-looking research, which incorporates both theoretical modeling and real-world applications, positions him as a key figure in the ongoing discourse surrounding sustainable resource management.

Looking ahead, Viktor is poised to continue making significant contributions to both academia and the broader public through his innovative research. His work on ecosystem services, invasive species, and resource management strategies will continue to play a crucial role in informing policy decisions and sustainable practices in a rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, Viktor’s academic journey, from his early education to his current research endeavors, reflects a deep commitment to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. His work will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the fields of natural resource and ecological economics, shaping the future of environmental management.