Ole Alexander Opdalshei

Biography

Ole Alexander Opdalshei is Deputy Secretary General and Director of the Department for Research, Prevention and Cancer Treatment at the Norwegian Cancer Society. With a background in social sciences and extensive experience from policy, public administration and research, he has worked across all core areas of the organization—from patient support and prevention to advocacy and research funding. 

Opdalshei has played a key role in advancing precision medicine in Norway, notably through his involvement in CONNECT, a public–private partnership coordinated by Oslo Cancer Cluster. This initiative brings together hospitals, industry, authorities and patient organizations to accelerate the implementation of precision cancer care.

He has also represented the Norwegian Cancer Society in numerous national and international boards and advisory groups, including as chair of the working group in the Nordic Trial Alliance (NTA), which promotes stronger clinical trial collaboration across the Nordic countries.

Session title

Keynote speech: Equity, Innovation and Collaboration - Norway’s Vision for Cancer Control

Session synopsis

As Scotland approaches a pivotal election year, Norway too is entering a new era in cancer control with the launch of its National Cancer Strategy 2025–2035.

In this keynote, Ingrid Stenstadvold Ross, Secretary General of the Norwegian Cancer Society, will share insights from Norway’s approach to tackling cancer through a whole-of-society effort—anchored in equity, early diagnosis, and research-driven innovation.

Norway’s strategy places strong emphasis on reducing inequalities in cancer outcomes, ensuring timely access to diagnostics and treatment, and strengthening the role of patients and civil society in shaping services. With a growing cancer burden and an ageing population, the need for sustainable investment in cancer services is more urgent than ever.

The keynote will also highlight how Norway is fostering a vibrant research ecosystem—through public-private partnerships, patient involvement, and international collaboration. Drawing parallels with Scotland’s ambitions, Ingrid will reflect on how political leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term planning can help deliver better outcomes for all.

As Scotland counts down to the 2026 election, this keynote offers a timely opportunity to explore how shared challenges can be met with shared ambition—and how countries can learn from each other to ensure longer, better lives for people affected by cancer.