Transatlantic Science Week 2009:
Research is the answer
The eighth annual Transatlantic Science Week kicked off its activities at the end of September in Minneapolis with the motto "Discover, Innovate, Collaborate!".
McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Venue for the Transatlantic Science Week 2009.
The Transatlantic Science Week provides a meeting place for Norwegian and North American partners in research, innovation and higher education. With Charles Darwin’s “On the origin of species” as a backdrop, Science Week 2009 focused on transatlantic cooperation to develop sustainable solutions for the common future of mankind.
More faith in research and innovation
"The financial and climate crises have also had some positive effects," said the Research Council’s Director General Arvid Hallén in his remarks during Science Week. Heads of state are working together to improve the global economy, the climate summit in Copenhagen is seeking practical solutions to the challenges of climate change, and influential industry leaders are viewing these times of economic change as an opportunity for advancements in new, greener technologies.
"Perhaps we are on the verge of growing up," said Mr Hallén, referring to the Millennium Project’s annual "State of the Future" report which asserts that the financial crisis and climate change may help humanity to progress from an egotistical, self-centred adolescent phase to a more globally responsible adult life.
Norway's many roles
Arvid Hall�
Mr Hallén also spoke of Norway’s international role as an Arctic nation, an energy nation and a global partner.
"Norway makes an important contribution to international research, such as in our Arctic and Antarctic territories. Svalbard has become a central meeting place for climate researchers throughout the world," he stated.
He also discussed various forms of energy production. "Norway is one of the world’s cleanest producers of energy. Even though Norway’s economy remains dependent on revenues from the petroleum sector, we allocate substantial resources to developing other, greener forms of energy. Our efforts to become a ‘renewable energy nation’ are continually being enhanced," said Mr Hallén.
Stronger ties through a shared heritage
Norway has strong ties to the USA in general, and not least to the Mid-west, where so many Norwegian immigrants have settled over time. This common heritage and tradition provide a strong foundation for transatlantic research cooperation.
The main organisers of Transatlantic Science Week 2009 are the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the Royal Norwegian Honorary Consulate General in Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway, and the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education (SIU).
- Published:
- 02.10.2009
- Last updated:
- 05.10.2009
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Contact
- Terje Emblem Special Adviser 22 03 72 27 tem@forskningsradet.no
