The Royal Order of Merit, founded by H.M. King Olav V in 1985, is awarded to foreign nationals who have performed exceptional service in the promotion of Norway and Norwegian interests abroad.
Dr Marie Wells has been awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for promoting Norwegian language and culture in the UK. In its citation, the Council of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit emphasised her work at the University of Cambridge and University College London, as well as her dedication to sharing her knowledge of Norwegian literature and art. During her career, Dr Wells has published over thirty papers and given numerous lectures and speeches on Norwegian language, literature and art.
Professor Michael Barnes has also been named as officer of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for promoting Norwegian language and culture in the UK. The Council emphasised Professor Barnes’ work to promote the Norwegian language as head of the Scandinavian Department at University College London. He also received special praised for his dedication to promoting Norwegian literature in the UK. Professor Barnes was head of the Scandinavian Department at UCL for 15 years, and throughout his career has published more than 150 papers about Scandinavian languages.