New funding scheme in 2009:
Major boost for research infrastructure
The national strategy for research infrastructure (2008-2017) entitled "Tools for research" proposes a significant increase in funding for research infrastructure. The strategy serves as the basis for the Research Council's plans to establish a new funding scheme to be launched in 2009.
The first funding announcement under the scheme will be issued in January 2009 and have an application deadline of 22 April 2009.
Ambitious objectives
(Photo: Ingvil Bjørnæs) (Photo: Ingvil Bjørnæs)
The overall objective of the funding scheme is to establish a research infrastructure that enables Norway to address its knowledge challenges in a constructive, cost-effective manner. The scheme also seeks to meet the needs of the industrial sector, address future recruitment challenges, enhance efficiency and quality in research, and increase the potential for international research cooperation.
In addition, the scheme intends to make Norwegian research groups known internationally for their ability to provide outstanding research infrastructure, and to coordinate, effectively utilise and operationalise existing infrastructure in areas where Norway has dynamic research communities.
Economic framework
In the national budget for 2009, the Norwegian Government has proposed an increase of NOK 6 billion for the Fund for Research and Innovation. Two-thirds of the yield from this fund, about NOK 190 million per year, will be allocated for research infrastructure. A lump-sum allocation of NOK 80 million in 2009 is also proposed.
The new funding scheme will run for an initial ten-year period and have an annual budget of roughly NOK 200 million. The initial funding announcement for 2009 is set at about NOK 400 million, assuming the Storting approves adequate funding.
Nationally-oriented infrastructure
Funding for research infrastructure allocated through the Research Council is targeted toward projects that are nationally oriented, i.e. infrastructure components that:
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are of widespread national interest;
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lay a foundation for cutting-edge research;
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will be available in only one or a few locations in Norway;
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will be made accessible to relevant researchers and industries on a nationwide basis.
The Research Council has designed this scheme to ensure an adequate interface between the funding of research infrastructure and other research funding and to facilitate assessment of the balance between national investment and participation in international research infrastructures.
- Published:
- 19.12.2008
- Last updated:
- 19.12.2008
