RCN - The Research Council of Norway

The Research Council of Norway is a national strategic and funding agency for research activities, and a chief source of advice on and input into research policy for the Norwegian Government, the central government administration and the overall research community. RCN manages about one third of the total government funding for R&D on behalf of 17 ministries. It is the task of the Research Council to identify Norway’s research needs and recommend national priorities. Using targeted funding schemes, the Council helps to translate national research policy goals into action. RCN promotes a cohesive strategic approach to the establishment of new fields of research, the development of higher caliber research and the implementation of new initiatives to meet the needs of society. An important objective is to ensure that Norway adequately invests in research and development (R&D) activity. RCN provides an essential meeting place for researchers, users of research and research funders. The  Council is involved in a wide range of international programmes, as well as bilateral programmes and agreements with selected countries, and actively promotes the internationalisation of Norwegian research.