Morten Syverud, who began his journey at NIOM in June 1979, has witnessed profound changes throughout his career. From working with alloys under rudimentary safety conditions to becoming a key figure in quality assurance, Morten has played an instrumental role in NIOM's evolution.

“When I started, the focus was on testing and researching precious alloys. We worked without proper ventilation and handled hazardous materials like asbestos—this was before health, safety, and environmental regulations became standard,” Morten recalls.

A challenging beginning

In those early days, working in the lab came with significant risks. Materials used in alloy casting, such as quartz and asbestos, created a hazardous environment that would be inconceivable today.

“We manually knocked out the investment material from molds without realizing how dangerous it was. It wasn’t until much later that the risks became clear,” Morten explains.

Despite these challenges, Morten found fulfillment in his work, which involved testing the mechanical properties of alloys in compliance with rigorous ISO standards. This foundational research helped establish NIOM's reputation for expertise in dental materials.

New horizons and greater responsibility

“For many years, my work revolved around researching and testing alloys in line with ISO standards. These included noble alloys, cobalt-chrome, and titanium casting—though titanium never fully materialized due to the complexities of the process. Testing materials for compliance was vital, as NIOM was responsible for publishing annual lists of approved products. While important, the work sometimes became repetitive,” Morten reflects.

By the late 1990s, Morten’s work began to diversify. He and a colleague were tasked with developing a new program for dental technicians in collaboration with Oslo University College.

“It was an exciting challenge. I taught physics and materials technology for about 20 years, and I genuinely felt we were making a meaningful impact on our students,” he shares.

During this time, Morten also began interdisciplinary work with NIOM's biological research department, contributing to corrosion tests that merged materials technology and biology. By 2002, he took on responsibilities in NIOM's quality assurance system, later becoming Quality Manager in 2015.

Breaking barriers and facing societal shifts

Morten’s long career was not without its challenges. In 1982, he became one of the first male employees at NIOM to take paternity leave—a decision that drew skepticism.

“When I took six weeks of unpaid leave, it was considered highly unusual. Management even commented on how strange it was that both parents were working. It was a difficult period,” he remembers.

Balancing work and family life was not easy, especially with a young son who had asthma. Despite these difficulties, Morten fondly recalls this time and later embraced the joys of raising two more children.

Technological advances and cultural transformation

Over the decades, NIOM underwent remarkable advancements. From manual processes to the digital revolution of the late 1990s, the organization embraced change.

“When I started, we handwrote letters, which were typed by office staff. Then came the fax, followed by email. It was a revolution that made everything more efficient. I was also partly responsible for managing NIOM's IT systems,” Morten says.

Cultural changes were just as transformative. Where researchers and technicians once ate lunch separately, NIOM has since become known for fostering a more inclusive work environment.

“Society was more conservative back then. Researchers were viewed as more prestigious, often because they had doctorates. Over time, those distinctions faded,” Morten observes.

He chuckles as he adds, “Back in the day, almost everyone wore lab coats—scientists and engineers alike. Now, it’s mostly just me wearing one!”

A legacy of excellence

After more than four decades at NIOM, Morten looks back with pride.

“I’m grateful to have contributed to a workplace that combines high professionalism with strong collaboration. NIOM’s broad expertise in dental materials is unparalleled,” he says.

Although retired, Morten intends to remain connected to NIOM as a consultant.

“I’m not letting go completely. I’ll be there whenever they need me,” he concludes with a smile.