The study of migration is instrumental in providing a better knowledge base for decision-makers – and promoting a more informed population at large. A new NordForsk policy paper maps the current Nordic integration and migration landscape, and suggests measures that can improve the policy relevance of research activities.
Professor Allan Krasnik fears enormous economic and social problems for the Nordic society if the integration of refugees and migrants is not successful. “The Nordic welfare model is based on equality and solidarity, and there is an impending risk of rising inequality and conflict in society if refugees receive inferior services,” claims Professor Krasnik.
Would it be of relevance for the Nordic countries to launch research cooperation relating to migration? Yes, thinks Tuomas Martikainen of the Migration Institute of Finland. He has led the work with NordForsk's most recent policy paper, an overview of existing knowledge in the area of migration and integration.
In June 2016, NordForsk issued a call for Nordic register-based research projects. A total of 48 eligible proposals were received and were peer reviewed by international experts. The NordForsk Board has now decided to award NOK 67 million to fund seven of the projects. This was the fourth call for proposals under NordForsk’s Nordic Programme on Health and Welfare.
The thematic area for this joint call for proposals is inclusion in pre-primary and primary education with a focus on teaching and learning for children and students in need of special support. Projects are required to incorporate cooperation between researchers and research-oriented practitioners.
NordForsk’s Education for Tomorrow is announcing NOK 25 million in funding for one Nordic Centre of Excellence (NCoE). Application deadline is 13 September 2017.
The overall aim of the programme is to produce new knowledge on how to foster and advance the transition to a bio-based economy in the Nordic countries by integrating research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the private and public sectors.
NordForsk, together with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) is issuing a call for proposals within the Nordic Societal Security Programme. Application deadline is 15 March 2016.