Following his studies in marine biology in Bergen, Stein was employed at the University of Oslo in 1986 where he completed his doctorate, held a position as associate professor, and eventually became a professor. From 2016 to 2023, Stein had a part-time professorship at the Institute of Marine Research, contributing to the strengthening of marine botanical research at the Flødevigen Research Station.
His field of expertise was marine plants, seaweeds, kelp, and eelgrass, and Norway has lost an important expert in marine biology. With his calm, agreeable, and sociable manner, he made many lasting friends within the professional community. His research included field studies along the entire Norwegian coast and in Svalbard, through diving and meticulous lab work. We remember long car trips with the boat in tow, and a glove compartment filled with blues CDs. Stein was particularly fond of Finnøy on the Møre coast and Vega on the Helgeland coast, where we had research projects over several years.
Stein conducted his research, teaching, and administrative duties in an exemplary manner, right up to his untimely passing. He was extremely popular among students and supervised a large number of them through to their master's and doctoral degrees. Many of them are now active in marine biological research and management. He was skilled in obtaining research funding from the Research Council and brought together many national and international researchers for studies on kelp forests and eelgrass meadows.
For us as colleagues, Stein was a person who showed up. Not least, Stein made an exceptional effort in teaching. At all levels, from introductory courses to master's and doctoral topics and through the guidance of countless master's students. Throughout his career, Stein was at the forefront in all forms of teaching activities. For him, this was completely natural. And he enjoyed communicating the subject he was passionate about. He also had a rich professional network from which the students benefited. And most importantly, he was a mentor who cared about the students beyond the academic aspect. In the senselessness of his passing too soon, it is meaningful to reflect on what Stein meant to the many young people he encountered through his work at the department.
There will be a great void among friends and colleagues, internationally as well, and our thoughts go to Wenche and their son Are, who suddenly and unexpectedly lost their life partner and father. On behalf of everyone who cherished Stein at the University of Oslo, the Institute of Marine Research, and NIVA.