About NordForsk
NordForsk works to enhance added value to existing research activities in the Nordic countries, and thereby strengthen the position and influence of Nordic research, both in Europe and globally. With the purpose to promote excellence in research, the organisation launches strategic initiatives which bring together national research groups in large-scale Nordic programmes based on common pot.
NordForsk also initiates debate on research policy issues and provides the Nordic Council of Ministers with the best possible policy advice as a basis for joint Nordic research strategies and priorities.
Read more about the NordForsk Strategy 2011-2014
Analyses and advisory services
NordForsk conducts analyses and studies of Nordic research and research policy in its role as strategic research adviser. These analyses provide a sound basis for decision-making regarding joint Nordic initiatives. The publication series Policy Papers is an important tool in this context.
NordForsk also identifies key research priorities that are suitable for Nordic cooperation and supports efforts to put together joint Nordic calls for proposals.
Research funding
NordForsk provides funding for cooperation within all fields of research. Normally projects involve cooperation between at least three Nordic countries or autonomous areas. Grants are awarded on the basis of open calls for proposals and peer review procedures.
NordForsk receives basic funding (NOK 117 million for 2011) as well as funding for specific assignments from the Nordic Council of Ministers. In addition, there is funding from research financing agencies in the Nordic countries and from other sources.
History
Research and innovation cooperation among the Nordic countries is divided between two different but cooperating strands: one for research and one for innovation. Two organisations – NordForsk and the Nordic Innovation Centre (NICe) – were established to cover the entire sphere of research and innovation at the Nordic level. This structure emerged as a response to the findings of two reports from 2004:
- NORIA – White Paper on Nordic Research and Innovation
- Proposal for Nordic Cooperation on Innovation Policy 2005-2010
NordForsk was established by the Nordic Council of Ministers on 1 January 2005 as a joint Nordic body under the Nordic Council of Ministers for Education and Research (MR-U).
The objective of NordForsk is to facilitate effective cooperation between the Nordic countries within the sphere of research and research driven innovation, promote excellence in research and contribute to the implementation of the Nordic Research and Innovation Area (NORIA). Read more about NORIA
The activities of the former Nordic Research Policy Council and the Nordic Academy for Advanced Studies (NorFA) were incorporated into NordForsk when it was launched.
NordForsk is part of a Nordic family of organisations and institutions. Read more on norden.org
