Norwegian researchers encouraged to participate in Global Change

Anne Lyche Solheim “There are already many Norwegian researchers involved in Global Change activities, but we know that many more would greatly benefit from stronger ties to these international communities of researchers,” says Anne Lyche Solheim, who chairs the Norwegian Global Change Committee.

The committee encourages Norwegian researchers and research groups to become more involved in the international Global Change programmes and to take part in the activities of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).

Relevant for many more

“The thematic areas and scientific activities of the Global Change programmes (Photo: Shutterstock) are aligned with Norwegian national research-policy priorities,” asserts Dr Solheim, adding that many Norwegian research programmes encompass various components of Global Change themes but are not currently involved in the Global Change networks.

The report provides an overview of objectives, areas of activity and sub-programmes within the following four programmes:

• World Climate Research Programme (WCRP)
• International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP)
• International Programme of Biodiversity Science (DIVERSITAS)
• International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP),
  and
• the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

Report is both motivational and practical

“The study will be useful when we plan activities and design measures to increase the internationalisation of Norwegian research ahead,” says Dr Solheim. “I also hope it will inspire Norwegian researchers working on topics related to Global Change programmes and the IIASA to get involved in the international networks.”

Within the next few years, all of the Global Change programmes will be incorporated together under the international Future Earth initiative.