The overall objective of Sickness Absence, Work and Health is to create conditions that promote a satisfactory working environment and good working health, as well as a high level of participation in the labour market. The programme is a long-term initiative (2007-2016), budget NOK 310 million.
Programstyret for Sykefravær, arbeid og helse har 29. mars 2012 bevilget 57 millioner kroner til åtte nye forskerprosjekter og to postdoktorprosjekter.
Norway has top-notch research groups in biology, medicine and health sciences, but they would benefit from making even better use of the national health registries and biobanks. Norwegian research related to aquaculture also has a very sound framework for activities.
The Sickness Absence Research Programme (SYKEFRAVAER) under the Research Council of Norway will be holding an international researcher conference in Oslo on 23–24 September 2013.