We invest in research and innovation that builds knowledge for a sustainable future and meets major societal challenges.
Last year, the Research Council invested
Who can apply for funding from the Research Council and what topics do we support?
Public sector
The Research Council works to promote renewal and innovation in the public sector. We offer a variety of funding instruments for research-based innovation and knowledge-building.
Industry
Research Council funding works to promote value creation in Norwegian trade and industry. We offer a variety of funding instruments for research-based innovation and knowledge-building.
Research organisations
The Research Council’s key target group is research organisations. These organisations can seek funding for research activities in all relevant fields and thematic areas.
Advanced production processes
Digitalisation, automation, materials science and engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, signal processing.
Biotechnology
Microbiology, gene technology, industrial applications, marine biotechnology, food production, medical biotechnology.
Bioeconomy
Agriculture, fisheries, biomaterials, circular economy, bioenergy, renewable resources, social sciences.
Energy - Thematic area
Renewable energy, space research, oil and gas, environmental technology, hydropower and wind power, solar energy, security of supply, operations technology.
Global development - Thematic area
International relations, development research, foreign and security policy, international health, vaccination research.
Seas and oceans - Thematic area
Maritime industries, aquaculture, biodiversity, fisheries, petroleum activities, ecosystems, seafood research.
Health - Thematic area
Epigenetics, basic and clinical medicine, health services, nutrition, biotechnology, nanomedicine, genetics, diagnostics, digitalisation.
ICT - Thematic area
Digital innovation, computer technology, the Internet of Things, Big Data, artificial intelligence, robotics, signal processing, mathematical models.
Public sector renewal and innovation - Thematic area
Social sciences, health sciences, welfare, public administration, service development, engineering, transport.
Climate
Nature management, life sciences, geosciences, oceanography, meteorology, energy storage, global climate change, emissions reduction.
Culture
Humanities, languages, history, religion, values, art, ethics, media, Sámi identity, cultural diversity.
Food - Thematic area
Nutrition, agriculture, fisheries, nature management, food safety and security, livestock breeding, aquaculture, breeding.
The environment - Thematic area
Biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, energy-efficiency measures, cultural landscapes, environmental technology, cultural heritage, ecology.
Environmental technology - Thematic area
Renewable resources, sustainable development, CCS technology, biotechnology, smart grid.
New materials/nanotechnology - Thematic area
Materials science and engineering, advanced materials, production technology, metallurgy, solar energy.
Industry-oriented research - Thematic area
Innovation, competitiveness, value creation, research-based industry, industrial development, digitalisation, technological development, commercialisation of research.
Transport and mobility - Thematic area
Sustainable transport, maritime transport, passenger and commercial transport.
Education - Thematic area
School system, learning, teaching, formative conditions, management, organisation, governance in the educational sector.
Welfare and working life - Thematic area
Societal security, democracy, organisation, governance, migration, integration, demographic trends, community life, formative conditions.
Scientific quality - Thematic area
Cutting-edge research groups, recruitment, young research talents, career, infrastructure, mobility, internationalisation.