Research in Norway

Norway’s research landscape spans fundamental and applied domains with clear societal relevance. Official information highlights:
• Strong capabilities in ocean and marine research, energy and the green transition, climate and environment, health and life sciences, ICT/data-driven research, and social sciences.
• Thematic programmes and national initiatives that align scientific excellence with long-term societal and industrial needs.
• Participation in large research collaborations and centres that integrate universities, research institutes, hospitals and industry.

The Research Council of Norway is the primary national funder for investigator-led and mission-oriented research. Its portfolio includes:
• Competitive project funding across disciplines (researcher projects, collaborative and knowledge-building projects).
• Centres and long-term initiatives that consolidate excellence and drive innovation with partners in academia, institutes and industry.
• Infrastructure funding and instruments that support international collaboration and mobility.
A central portal provides calls, guidance, templates and evaluation criteria to support applicants at every stage.

Norway’s model emphasises collaboration between universities, research institutes, hospitals, companies and the public sector. Research Council instruments encourage co-funded projects, knowledge transfer and pathways from discovery to deployment in priority sectors such as ocean industries, health, digitalisation and sustainable energy.

National funding supports research infrastructures of strategic importance, including advanced facilities, data resources and shared services. Programmes define access, governance and long-term development, ensuring Norwegian researchers and partners can utilise cutting-edge capabilities and participate in international infrastructures.

Official channels underscore Norway’s extensive participation in European and global research frameworks and its focus on bilateral cooperation. Instruments promote researcher mobility and cross-border projects, with practical partnership information also provided via embassy pages and EURAXESS. Collaboration between Norway and India is highlighted as a priority area with dedicated contacts and programme signposts.

EURAXESS Norway provides system-level guidance for researchers moving to or working in Norway, including practical information, links to institutional services and signposts to national resources that support onboarding and everyday life in a research environment.

1. Map themes and hosts: review Research Council information to identify priorities and potential host institutions or centres aligned with the project.
   
   

2. Select the right instrument: check calls and programme pages for eligibility, evaluation criteria, timelines and documentation requirements.
   
   

3. Plan infrastructure needs: where relevant, align the project with national or international research infrastructures supported through Research Council schemes.
   
   

4. Set up collaboration pathways: use embassy and EURAXESS pages to explore bilateral opportunities and practical arrangements for international cooperation and mobility.
   
   

 • Research Council of Norway: national research funding, programmes, infrastructures — https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/
• Royal Norwegian Embassy (Research cooperation): collaboration routes and contacts — https://www.norway.no/en/india/services-info/research/
• EURAXESS Norway: national researcher information portal and practical guidance — https://www.euraxess.no/norway/research-norway