Description of Organisation
The Research Council of Norway (RCN) is mandated by the Ministry of Education and Research to participate in the MarinERA project.
The Research Council plays a vital role in developing and implementing the country's national research strategy, acting as a:
- Government adviser, identifying present and future needs for knowledge and research;
- Funding agency for independent research programmes and projects, strategic programmes at research institutes, and Norwegian participation in international research programmes;
- Co-ordinator, initiating networks and promoting co-operation between RTD institutions, ministries, business and industry, public agencies and enterprises, other sources of funding, and users of research.
The Research Council of Norway is structured around three research divisions: the Division for Science, the Division for Strategic Priorities and the Division for Innovation. In addition, there is one administrative division, the Division for Administrative Affairs.
Approximately one third of Norway's public sector research investment is channelled through the Research Council. The remainder is transferred directly from the ministries to the relevant research institutions. In 2005, the Research Council of Norway had a budget of €570 million.
The Council has identified marine research as one of its important research priorities and has been entrusted by the government of Norway with a mission to promote international collaboration within marine research. Within this mission, and the corresponding budget received from the government, the Council has designed, and implements, the programme Oceans and Coastal Areas with which it proposes to participate in the MarinERA project.
Marine RTD Funding Programme
Oceans and the Coastal Areas
Aquaculture
