Anna Vøllo kristiansen

Age: 36 
Position: R&D Manager for Cellulose Fibrils, Borregaard 
Studies: Chemistry, University of Bergen 
From: Fredrikstad, Norway 

From student to R&D Manager: Anna’s career path at Borregaard 

Anna Vøllo Kristiansen (36) is R&D Manager for Cellulose Fibrils at Borregaard. With a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Bergen, as well as one in Organisation and Management from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), she has built a career rooted in curiosity, innovation, and a strong passion for research. 

As a student, she gained insight into the industry through three summer internships in Borregaard’s Quality Department. One visit in particular sparked something special: 
– I remember how fascinated I was the first time I saw Borregaard’s research department. I immediately thought, This must be an incredibly exciting place to work. 

After completing her Master’s in Chemistry at the University of Bergen, and gaining several relevant summer internships, it was no coincidence that Anna joined Borregaard as a researcher in 2012. 

From lab to leadership 
Today, Anna leads the research group for cellulose fibrils – tiny but powerful components that have a major impact on everything from paint to food packaging. She describes her working days as both varied and dynamic. 

– It might sound like a cliché to say that no week is the same, but for us it’s genuinely true. I’m responsible for coordinating projects, allocating resources, and contributing with my own expertise. I don’t spend as much time in the lab as I used to, but I love it when I can get hands-on. 

The transition from studies to working life was both exciting and educational: 

– It was motivating to be given responsibility early on and to realise how important teamwork is. I still remember how surprised I was the first few times experienced colleagues – including my manager –  asked for my opinion. It was such a contrast to student life. 

Among her most memorable projects is the development of a new product – from the first lab tests in a beaker to full-scale plant implementation. 

– Even though it’s over ten years ago, I still remember the ID numbers of the first batches we produced. Working closely with colleagues across many departments towards a shared goal and celebrating each milestone – that was teamwork at its best. 

Research with purpose 
What inspires Anna most in her job is just how much can be created from a single log of wood. 
– Even after decades of research, we’re still discovering new products and applications for biomass. I learn something new almost every day – and that makes the job even more rewarding, Anna says.  

As an R&D Manager in the Research Department, you need to enjoy both collaboration and a certain level of unpredictability. 
– Our research is closely linked to both production and the market. Things can change quickly, and we need to adapt fast. The best part of the job is gaining insight into the full range of what we do and working with so many skilled colleagues. 

For Anna, Borregaard has been a workplace full of opportunities for learning and growth. 
– I’ve worked across three different business areas and held roles as both Researcher and R&D Manager. I’ve also been able to complete a Master’s degree alongside my job, and I’ve participated in many internal courses and programmes. 

She describes the working environment as very positive, with a strong culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. 
– Many people stay at Borregaard for a long time, and I think a lot of that comes down to the great environment we have here. 

Her advice to students and jobseekers considering Borregaard is crystal clear: 
– If you want to work in a company that truly takes sustainability and innovation seriously, don’t hesitate to apply!