Collaborative Project to Meet Societal and Industry-related Challenges

Food, the environment, climate and public health influence each other and have many interdependencies. We therefore see an increasing need for knowledge where they are seen in context. For this reason, we will facilitate research across these disciplines and sectors. 

Funding is available for research that addresses the links between food, the environment, climate and health in a holistic manner.  Sustainable development should be used as a basis. 

The projects are to strengthen the knowledge base that enables us to handle challenges and provide solutions for change needs, adaptations, prevention and priorities. The research should mainly focus on Norwegian conditions and be useful in society, business, administration and politics. 

Research elements can be, for example, a one health perspective, health preparedness, risk and safety, and public health. Other examples are environmental impacts, changes in biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change impacts, feed for farmed animals/aquaculture as part of the food system, food and nutrition security and food safety. Societal preparedness and cultural and social conditions are also relevant elements that can be included in projects. 

We aim to allocate funding to 9-12 projects. 

You can apply for up to NOK 12 million per project. If your application is granted and you have applied for more than the upper limit of NOK 12 million, the excess amount must be covered by own financing. In such cases, the project must still be implemented as described in the grant application. 

Requirements relating to the projects 

Projects must be interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral. They must include elements from each of these three areas and look at the relationships and interaction effects between them: 

• food (sea and/or land-based) 
• Environment and/or climate 
• public health 

The projects thus require a systems approach. The food system can form the starting point as it encompasses food, environment, climate and health aspects, but the Research Council is open to other approaches as long as the project meets the requirement to see all the areas in context. 

When we award a mark for relevance, we will consider the extent to which the project: 

• emphasises requirements for the projects as mentioned above: 
  • Research on connections between the three areas 
    • food 
    • environment and/or the climate 
    • public health 
  • is genuinely interdisciplinary 
  • is cross-sectoral 

Portfolio assessment 

In the portfolio assessment, we will take into account that the projects we fund cover the breadth of the thematic area. 

Under otherwise equal conditions, priority will be given to projects that integrate gender perspectives in research and/or promote good gender balance among project managers. 

Link to applicant webinar Food, environment, climate and public health 

Why we announce funding 

The call is based on the need for interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral research on food, the environment, climate and public health, where all areas are considered together. A holistic system approach can lay the foundation for possible measures and solutions in the long term. There is a need for better insight into relationships and mutual influences between the areas. It is important to identify need for change, provide opportunities to reduce adverse effects or strengthen positive effects. For example, climate change can affect the environment, food production and public health, and food production can affect the environment and climate at the same time as it has an impact on nutrition and health. The interaction effects can be positive or negative, but research should emphasise knowledge about challenges and possible solutions. 

Word explanations 

• Food system: A food system includes everything related to food: from primary production including plant and animal health as well as animal welfare, to processing, packaging, distribution, trade, consumption and handling of waste/residual raw materials. The term also includes health/nutrition, socioeconomic conditions, humanistic perspectives and effects of or on climate and the environment.  
• One Health: The concept of one health reflects the interdependence and complex interplay between human health, animal health, plant health and the health of the environment/ecosystems. It is an integrated approach that requires collaboration across different disciplines and sectors.  
• By interdisciplinary we mean projects with research across disciplines, between the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, medicine and health, agricultural and fisheries sciences and technology. 
• By cross-sectoral we mean that the research question must concern several areas of activity and/or society.  

Funding is available for projects that generate knowledge for holistic and sustainable management of land, ocean and coastal areas. 

For specially earmarked funds for wild reindeer and South Africa, see separate section at the end of the thematic text. 

Relevant research topics include coexistence, biodiversity, environmental impact, use and consumption of natural resources, cultural environment, greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation and mitigation to climate changeenergy transition and renewable energy, agriculture and forestry, aquaculture, fisheries, land-based transport, issues in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic), infrastructure development, societal security, and urbanisation. There is a need for knowledge about conflicts, dilemmas, opportunities and solutions. 

This thematic area covers all areas: land, freshwater, coast and ocean. 

Priority will be given to grant applications addressing research questions that cut across challenges/knowledge needs in sectors and academic communities. 

You can apply for a maximum of NOK 12 million in funding per project. 

The project must fall under at least one of the following research areas: 

• well-functioning coexistence between needs, considerations and interest in society and industry activities 
• sustainable use of natural resources 
• reduced consumption of natural resources in a circular economy 
• Societal security, emergency preparedness and prevention, security of supply 
• social and cultural dimensions of sustainable and holistic management of land, ocean and/or coastal areas 
• sustainable use and management of cultural environments in the face of land-use challenges 

The projects may combine several of the areas. 

When we award a mark for the application's relevance, we will also consider the extent to which the project 

• is about areas under pressure 
• emphasizes challenges related to climate and/or the environment 
• has cross-sectoral issues 
• is interdisciplinary 
• is relevant to Norwegian conditions 

In the portfolio assessment, we will take into account that the projects we fund cover the range of the research areas set out in the call topic. 

Why are we announcing the funds? 

Sustainable and agreed use and management of land, ocean and coastal areas is fundamental to a well-functioning society. Much of the area development in Norway is in conflict with the objectives and principles emphasized by the Storting to ensure sustainable development. The major societal challenges we face are both global and cross-sectoral, but at the same time they are locally rooted. Society must deal with dilemmas and conflicts about different interests, values and different cultures related to the use and management of areas. 

We need knowledge about how to safeguard society, the environment and the economy in the green transition. Research must be holistic and provide knowledge about alternative courses of action and opportunities to strike a balance between different societal considerations. A wide range of disciplines and sectors is necessary to ensure that the knowledge base is as complete and relevant as possible.   

Link to applicant webinar areas under pressure 

Special earmarking in the call 

NOK 4 million is earmarked for one project on CWD in wild reindeer. 

NOK 40 million is earmarked for collaborative projects between Norway and South Africa 

Projects must satisfy the requirements set out in the call topic "Areas under pressure".  

Please note that projects with Norwegian and South African participation have been exempted from the requirement to include at least two Norwegian partners that are not research organisations. Collaborative projects between Norway and South Africa must include at least one partner from Norway and at least one partner from South Africa that is not a research organisation. 

For projects involving Norwegian and South African participation, Norwegian research organisations may apply for NOK 4 million per project. Norwegian research organisations must comply with the Research Council's guidelines for funding. For South African institutions, the maximum amount per project is ZAR 3 million. For details on the participation of South African institutions and researchers, please refer to the guidelines established by the National Research Foundation (NRF). 

Grant applications for collaborative projects between Norway and South Africa must be submitted to the Research Council by an approved Norwegian research organisation. South African participants must be included as partners in the application and in the budget. Their costs must be entered as own financing, and follow the budgeting guidelines set by the National Research Foundation. In order for South African institutions to receive funding from the National Research Foundation, they must submit the necessary information about the collaborative project via the National Research Foundation's NRF Connect application portal by March 22, 2024.  

The information will, among other things, contain personal data about Norwegian participants. What information needs to be sent and how it is processed is set out in the NRF regulations and guidelines, see their Privacy Policy.  

Please note that the grant application submitted to the Research Council will be assessed in accordance with the assessment criteria for a Collaborative Project to meet societal and industry-related challenges and the relevance criteria. The relevance assessment will be carried out in collaboration with National Research Foundation.      

For NOK 40 million earmarked for collaborative projects between Norway and South Africa, the assessment of relevance will include the points of relevance to the call topic "Areas under pressure". In addition, emphasis is placed on the extent to which the projects:  

• are led jointly by a Norwegian and South African project manager 
• include partners that are not research organisations. At least one partner that is not a research organisation must be from Norway, and at least one partner that is not a research organisation must be from South Africa. 
• are relevant to South African and Norwegian conditions 
• contribute to increasing research excellence and capacity development between Norway and South Africa by including concrete plans to strengthen both individual competence and institutional capacity; by including young researchers; by working jointly on planning, execution, analysis and dissemination of data and results; by demonstrating scientific complementarity between the research teams 
• include the participation of historically disadvantaged institutions (HDI) as defined by the National Research Foundation. 

Link to applicant webinar for Norway-South Africa collaboration on Areas under pressure

Some explanations of words 

• By sustainability we mean a development that satisfies today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs. The four dimensions of environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability must be seen in context.  
• By coexistence we mean the property of things/activities that exist at the same time and in a proximity enough to influence each other, without harming or hindering each other.  
• By circular economy we mean utilising materials and products we have obtained from natural resources again and again for as long as possible to ensure that as little as possible of them are lost and to reduce the extraction of new natural resources, including societal barriers and conditions.  
• By cultural environment we mean the man-made environment with all traces of human activity and the totality these are part of.  
• By interdisciplinary we mean projects across the disciplines of natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and technology.  
• By cross-sectoral we mean that the research question must apply to several areas of activity and/or society.  
• By Arctic we mean first and foremost the polar part of the Arctic, including Svalbard, Jan Mayen, the northern Norwegian Sea, the Barents Sea, the Greenland Sea and the Arctic Ocean.   
• By Antarctica we mean the areas south of the Antarctic Convergence where the warm water masses from the north meet the cold-water masses from the Southern Ocean (the polar front).  

Funding is available for projects that generate knowledge about how to meet major societal challenges and crises in a democratic, effective and sustainable manner. 

Societal challenges and crises related to, for example, climate and environmental change, inequality, green transformation, and digitalisation are characterised by their complexity and that they transcend national borders. The responsibility is divided between actors within different sectors and at different levels. This creates interdependencies and requires new forms of cooperation and coordination. We know a lot about the challenges, but there is a great need for knowledge about solutions and the effects of measures and instruments in addressing these complex challenges. 

Grant applications must demonstrate that the project is clearly related to the Portfolio plan for Democracy, Governance and Renewal, and addresses at least one of the following areas in Chapter 4.2 Thematic priorities: 

• Civil security, emergency preparedness and resilience 
• Democracy, trust and legitimacy 
• Public sector organisation and governance 
• Projects must fall under at least one of the following areas: 
• risk assessment and management 
• civil protection and preparedness 
• the legitimacy, governing and implementation capacity of the political and administrative apparatus 
• cooperation and coordination across sectors and administrative levels 
• interaction between the public sector and the private and/or voluntary sector 
• implementation and effects of measures and policy instruments 

Priority will be given to projects of relevance to societal security. 

If the applications are relevant to the points above, priority will be given to projects that: 

• cover cross-sectoral issues 
• is interdisciplinary 
• has international research collaboration 
• has good gender balance in the project group 

When awarding marks for the application's relevance, we will consider how well the application addresses the points above. 

You can apply for up to NOK 12 million. 

Funding is also available for: 

• Researcher Project for Scientific Renewal: Societal security, democracy, governance and renewal  
• Collaborative Project to meet Societal and Industry-related Challenges: Land under pressure 

Funding is available for projects involving collaboration between the Norwegian maritime industry and research groups that contribute to accelerating the green transition and strengthening value creation and exports in the Norwegian maritime industry. Part of the funds is earmarked for the Maritim Zero 2050 initiative. 

You can apply for a maximum of NOK 12 million in funding. 

Projects must fall under at least one of the following two areas: 

• Digitalisation of the maritime industry 
• Green shipping 

The areas are described in more detail in the Portfolio plan for Oceans. 

Within Green Shipping, support will only be given to projects that contribute directly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships through energy efficiency or other measures. Grant applications must describe and quantify potential emission reductions resulting from implementation of project results. 

Within Green Shipping, part of the funds have been set aside for projects targeting the Maritime Zero 2050 initiative. This applies to projects that contribute to new, better and feasible zero-emission solutions for ships operating over longer distances. The projects are to generate new knowledge and develop new technology and solutions suitable for vessel segments and sailing distances that do not already have zero-emission solutions available. The solutions must be industrially scalable and form the basis for sustainable growth in exports. Approximately NOK 40 million has been set aside for the Maritime Zero 2050 initiative for this call and for the calls for Innovation Project for the Industrial Sector 2024. 

If the applications are relevant to the points above, priority will be given to projects that: 

• collaborate actively with Norwegian maritime companies, and these companies satisfy the requirement that at least two partners outside the research organisations must account for at least 10 per cent of the project's costs. 
• has issues that are important for larger parts of the industry, and that require many companies along the value chain and several research groups to work together 
• have doctoral degree (doctoral research fellows funded through the project) 

When awarding marks for the application's relevance, we will consider how well the application addresses the points above. 

Funding is available for projects that promote sustainable, safe and efficient transport and mobility. We are seeking projects that provide a more cost-effective approach to planning, building and maintaining infrastructure and transport services. The projects are also to promote increased research collaboration both nationally and internationally. 

You can apply for a maximum of NOK 10 million in funding per project. 

Relevant projects 

To be eligible for funding under this thematic area, the project must contribute to at least one of the following three areas: 

• Develop an innovative transport system that applies new technology, artificial intelligence and new business models. 
• Promote zero-emission transport that contributes to lower greenhouse gases and pollution of the local environment. 
• Develop a transport system for future-oriented development of cities and regions. 

The areas are described in more detail in the Portfolio plan/work programme for Transport 2025. See the work programme under Relevant plans below. 

Funding is available for projects targeting both freight and passenger transport within all four modes of transport: road, rail, sea and air. 

If you have projects related to the use of environment-friendly energy in transport, you may apply, but we cannot fund projects that concern the development of environmentally friendly energy carriers under this topic. 

We will not be able to fund applications related to offshore operations, this includes transport of goods or people to offshore installations. Neither fisheries, nor general technology development related to the maritime sector, will be eligible for funding through this topic. 

Please note that NOK 183 million is also available for Areas under pressure - research on knowledge about integrated use and management of land use in Norway in the call Collaborative Project to meet Societal and Industry-related Challenges. 

When we award a mark for relevance, we will focus on whether the projects 

• will contribute to increased mobility, safety and/or sustainable transport and mobility, and/or whether the project will contribute to more efficient use of resources in the planning, construction and maintenance of infrastructure and transport services. 
• falls under at least one of the three thematic areas. It must be clearly stated which of the area(s) the application is aimed at. 
• has international and national research collaboration. The collaboration must be described in the grant application and set out in the project's budgets. 

Priority will be given to projects of high research quality, results that are utilised and that contribute to good decision-making processes and attainment of the NTP objectives. If grant applications are of equal quality, priority will be given to projects that encompass doctoral degrees and involve relevant actors as partners. 

Funding is available for projects that fall under the area Energy transition and impacts on society, climate and nature as defined in chapter 4.1 of the Portfolio plan for Energy, transport and low emissions (see Relevant plans below). 

This includes research projects that will generate knowledge about the societal changes that must be in place to succeed with the energy transition, while at the same time safeguarding the climate and nature. Key topics include energy-related knowledge about:  

• Policy and administration 
• Economy 
• Society 
• Climate, natural impacts and resource use 

You must read chapter 4.1 for more information on these topics, clarifications and limitations. 

You can apply for a maximum of NOK 12 million in funding from the Research Council. 

This call is not open to projects that intend to develop new technology or are intended to increase competitiveness and turnover for industry actors in the long term. Instead, they must apply for the call Knowledge-building Project for Industry. Select the topic Up to NOK 180 million for research on environment-friendly energy (the page opens in a new window).  

Please note that NOK 183 million is also available for Land under pressure - research on knowledge about integrated use and management of land use in Norway in the call Collaborative Project to meet Societal and Industry-related Challenges.  

Please contact us if you have questions about which call to apply for. 

When we award a mark for the application's relevance, we will consider whether the project 

• will contribute significantly to the challenges described in Chapter 4.1 a) 
• has a major impact on the energy challenges in Norway 
• shall look at issues where the public sector and the public administration are the most important users of the results 
• is of such a nature that it is not in the interests of the business sector to provide partial funding of the research organisations' costs 
• includes doctoral education 
• has broad involvement of relevant actors as partners 

When our requirement for partners may undermine the independence and credibility of the project 

Under this call, projects must be carried out by one or more research organisations in effective collaboration with at least two relevant actors from one or more sectors of society (this is listed under "Who can participate in the project"). 

In some cases, however, the issues and any conflicting interests may make it inappropriate to include certain key actors. In such cases, lack of participation from the actors or institutions to be researched, or lack of participation from other key actors in the field, will not adversely affect the assessment of the project. Please note that you must still meet the participation requirement through participation from other partners. This could be, for example, organisations with a broader societal perspective or public actors. Why key actors are not involved must be thoroughly described in the mandatory relevance attachment. 

In other cases, it may also be that the participation of special actors may cast doubt on the project's independence and credibility. 

In such cases, you should be extra aware that the project's management is organised in such a way that scientific independence is safeguarded. 

Portfolio assessment and priorities 

The marks awarded for the four main criteria will mainly determine which projects succeed in the competition. 

In 2024, priority will be given to projects of approximately the same quality: 

• can provide rapid implementation and implementation of new regulation, new solutions and services in critical areas for the energy transition so that we reach Norway's emission reduction target in 2030, and/or 
• conducts research on controversial and/or system-critical topics with a special need for independent funding 

Funding is available for projects that generate new knowledge about how carbon turnover, carbon sequestration and emissions from soil are affected by management, measures and forms of operation in agriculture and forestry. 

Soil is our most important carbon store on land. Norway has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030. Knowledge about the carbon cycle in soil is important for how we manage agricultural land, both to avoid increased emissions from soil and to be able to sequester more carbon in soil both in the short and long term. 

More research is needed to map the amount of carbon and changes in the carbon stock in forest and agricultural soils. Knowledge is also needed about the processes that affect the storage and release of carbon in soils over time, and how this is affected by management, modes of operation and changes in climate. 

Projects must take a holistic approach to the carbon cycle in soils, and look at the carbon cycle in soil in the context of crop production in both agriculture and forestry. The projects we will fund within this team should be able to provide a knowledge base for sustainable management of cultivated land, pastureland and forest that is relevant to Norwegian conditions. Projects must relate to management, measures and forms of operation in agriculture and forestry. 

You can apply for up to NOK 15 million in funding per project. 

When we award a mark for the application's relevance, we will also place emphasis on the extent to which the project: 

• relevant international cooperation 

• relevant interdisciplinary collaboration 

Portfolio assessment and priorities 

When prioritising projects that are assessed as above the threshold value, we wish to fund at least one project on forest soil and one on agricultural soil. 

Funding is available for research on how fish welfare can be improved in the development and use of aquaculture technology. 

Norwegian fish farming has ambitions for sustainable growth and value creation. There is great potential for improving fish welfare through the use of new technology, data capture and data sharing in the development of new and existing aquaculture technologies. In technological development, however, it is crucial that knowledge about the welfare needs of fish and the biological conditions sets the premises for development in order to ensure good fish welfare. 

There is a need for more knowledge about how fish health and welfare can be followed up and safeguarded when using existing technology or when new technology is developed. Furthermore, there is a need for a better methodology and systematics in the monitoring of fish health and welfare when applying different types of aquaculture technology. 

The project is expected to demonstrate and document how fish health and welfare can be safeguarded both in technology development and in the daily use of new and existing technology. 

The project is further expected to provide knowledge about alternatives and opportunities to weigh up different considerations for fish health and welfare. 

It is expected that the methodology and systematics developed and demonstrated for documentation and follow-up of fish health and welfare are scalable to larger parts of the aquaculture industry. 

To ensure mutual knowledge transfer, it is desirable that the project has a dialogue with the relevant authorities. 

When awarding marks for the application's relevance, we will consider how well the application addresses the points above. 

Support for events and funding for research stays abroad will not be announced separately in 2024 for aquaculture projects. Funding for this type of activity can be included in the application. 

Funding limits: We expect to fund one project. You can apply for up to NOK 12 million in funding. If your application is granted and you have applied for more than the upper limit of NOK 12 million, the excess amount must be covered by own financing. In such cases, the project must still be implemented as described in the grant application. 

Funding is available for projects that promote increased value creation, profitability and sustainability throughout the agricultural value chain, from primary production through industrial processing all the way to the consumer. Sustainable food production, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, encompasses the economy, social conditions and environmental and climate considerations. It is desirable to have projects that include life cycle and sustainability analyses and methodology development where relevant. You can apply for up to NOK 15 million per project.  The research is to help Norway achieve the current agricultural policy goals. Applications should correspond to one or more of the four overarching objectives of agricultural policy, cf.  
Report to the Storting No. 11 (2016-2017). We also refer to guidelines in Proposition 121 S (2022-2023) on  increased efforts to promote food security, preparedness and self-sufficiency, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture and sustainable feed based on Norwegian resources. In addition, the boards point to a particular need for research that can contribute to increased innovation and growth in the green sector, and increased production and utilisation of Norwegian grain and protein crops.   

The research will result in applied solutions of great benefit to the industry. Grant applications must refer to existing challenges, issues and knowledge gaps, and how the project will specifically address these and help to achieve agricultural policy objectives. The boards encourage interdisciplinary collaboration where appropriate. 

Food security and emergency preparedness 

The main objectives are to ensure consumers safe food and strengthen food preparedness. 

The following areas are of particular relevance: 

• the supply capacity of the food and beverage value chain as a result of external threats and climate events 
• profitable and sustainable value chains for optimal production and utilisation of food and feed resources 
• anti-resistance strategies against plant pests in agriculture and horticulture and against pathogens in animal husbandry 
• the transfer of hazardous substances to food and fodder crops through soil, air, water or production process 
• the monitoring of plant and animal health, as well as prevention and control of new and existing diseases of animals or plants 
• product development and processing that contributes to increased utilisation of Norwegian raw materials for both food and feed, especially in the vegetable and grain sectors 
• practical and economically feasible operational solutions and production systems for increased animal welfare and good animal health 
• knowledge of measures and consequences related to soil conservation 

Agriculture throughout the country 

Agriculture throughout the country can be achieved by facilitating diverse agriculture with a varied farm structure and geographical production sharing that provides opportunities for settlement throughout the country. Measures to increase the use of soil and grazing resources and measures that ensure recruitment to the industry throughout the country can contribute to this. 

The following areas are of particular relevance: 

• prerequisites for maintaining or increasing grazing use in uncultivated areas 
• knowledge that can help strengthen education and increase recruitment to agriculture and the food industry 
• technological solutions and tools that contribute to efficient, sustainable and less vulnerable operating and production systems 
• variety development, plant breeding and cultivation methods adapted to regional conditions 

Increased value creation 

Agricultural policy shall facilitate the income opportunities and ability of farmers to invest in the farm and contribute to efficient, profitable and sustainable utilisation of the total resources on the farm. Market-based production opportunities must be exploited, and the food value chain must be cost-effective and competitive. Norway as a food nation must be further developed. 

The following areas are of particular relevance: 

• develop knowledge and methods for increased utilisation of residual raw materials in the food and beverage value chain for the development of new and profitable products 
• identify and exploit Norwegian advantages in a changing climate and market 
• map the innovation potential in and across value chains 
• development, adaptation and use of new technology and new methods that contribute to efficiency in all parts of the value chain, such as automation, robotics, information technology and sensor technology. For projects involving primary agriculture, it is particularly important to have cost-effective technology adapted to Norwegian and regional conditions 
• further development of methods and collaborative solutions for collecting, analysing and using large amounts of data 
• increased knowledge about consumer trends, diet and the role of food in health and nutrition 

Sustainable agriculture with reduced greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain 

In the development of more sustainable food systems, holistic assessments related to economic, social, climate and environmental conditions are important. This involves striking a balance between goals related to food production, economy, health, environment, nature and climate. Research that can help identify and highlight contradictions and dilemmas and build insight that can provide a basis for knowledge-based and comprehensive solutions will be important in the future. 

The following areas are of particular relevance: 

• new knowledge and methods that contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased carbon sequestration and strengthened climate adaptation in agricultural value chains 
• links between food production, climate and the environment for more targeted use of policy instruments 
• issues relating to the relationship between climate and sustainability 
• new knowledge, methods and operational systems to ensure good soil health, including ecological farming methods and culture-specific soil health measures; 
• map and solve climate and environmental challenges resulting from greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and the food industry and impacts on ecosystems, aquatic environments and biodiversity 
• Technology and methodology development 
• Energy efficiency and emission-free energy solutions 
• Safe and sustainable packaging and packaging technology for proper shelf life and reduced food waste 

When we award a mark for the application's relevance, the following points will be included: 

• The grant application fulfils the requirements relating to the relevance criterion to the application type "Collaborative Project to meet Societal and Industry-related Challenges". 
• The application fulfils the requirements and priorities for the topic "Research on agriculture and food industry (FFL/JA). 
• The research must be adapted to Norwegian conditions. 
• Grant applications should incorporate economic and societal perspectives where relevant. 
• The results of the research must benefit the industry as quickly as possible. We will consider the inclusion of user-friendly and targeted dissemination measures positively.  
• Actors from the agricultural and food industries must be significantly involved in the project to ensure relevance to the industry and society. 
• Collaboration between actors from the aquaculture industry and agriculture may count as positive where relevant, as long as industry actors from the agriculture-based value chain are still significantly involved in the project. 

Prioritisation of grant applications 

The projects are financed by the industry itself through the payment of research duties on agricultural products and transfers through the agricultural agreement. When prioritising applications, the boards of FFL and JA will emphasise the industry's knowledge needs, the balance between the four specified target areas, ongoing research and the distribution between product groups.  

Remember to include attachments 

Grant applications addressing this topic must include a maximum of one page attachment containing the project's title and objectives and a summary in Norwegian. 

Funding is available for projects that develop knowledge about feed for land-based livestock from a holistic resource and management perspective. We are seeking projects that increase insight into the social, cultural and economic conditions that feed production and feeding practices affect and are influenced by. 

In our efforts to transform food systems to be sustainable, research and innovation will help accelerate the transition and ensure a just transition. 

The production and use of feed for domestic animals affects the use and management of resources, and has ripple effects on local communities and jobs. It has consequences for food production and food security and affects greenhouse gas emissions. What are the most sustainable feed raw materials and how do we define and classify them? In what ways is the overall sustainability of imported feed resources and input factors affected? What are the consequences of increased or decreased use of grazing resources? How do changes in feed utilisation in farm animals and increased protein content in feed affect the total need for resource use? What are the key factors to consider in the dilemma of protein production versus carbohydrate production? What knowledge do we need to make trade-offs about the use of energy, labour, technology, land and biological resources used to produce food or feed – and to determine what society is best served by? In what ways are feed production and feeding practices for livestock included in a larger system perspective? How can we see the production and use of feed for livestock as part of integrated resource management nationally and globally? 

We are seeking interdisciplinary applications that can help identify and highlight contradictions and dilemmas regarding sustainable feed for farm animals, and build insight that can provide a basis for knowledge-based and comprehensive solutions. Grant applications may use social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) methodology. 

The application can advantageously combine perspectives on feed for livestock and farmed fish, but the emphasis must be on livestock in agriculture. The application can look at Norwegian and global conditions, as long as the main emphasis is on the national aspects. 

The thematic areas are described in more detail in the Portfolio plan for land-based food, the environment and bioresources. 

You can apply for a maximum of NOK 10 million in funding per project. We plan to allocate funding to 3 – 4 projects.  

Priority will be given to applications that have 

• active collaboration with at least one other national research institution 
• Plans to disseminate results widely 
• concrete plans for international cooperation, such as co-publication or mobility 
• interdisciplinarity or multidisciplinarity 

When we award a mark for the application's relevance, we will consider whether the project 

• Emphasises overall assessments and system perspectives 
• Provides increased understanding of sustainable feed for farm animals in a system perspective 

For applications for land use, see the topic "Areas under pressure"  

For applications for food, environment, the climate and public health relations, see the thematic area Cross-cutting topics (under the heading "Up to NOK 112 million for research on links between food, the environment, climate and public health").  

For applications incorporating perspectives from the social sciences, law and/or the humanities, see the call Researcher Project for Scientific Renewal, thematic area Food and bioresources (under the heading "Up to NOK 20 million for aquaculture-relevant research in society, management and markets").   

Portfolio assessment 

We will strive for a balanced project portfolio that covers the breadth of the areas described above 

Funding is available for projects carried out by research organisations that develop knowledge and methodology in the field of industrial biotechnology.  The aim is that the financed projects will collectively provide a balanced portfolio of projects. 

You can apply for up to NOK 12 million in funding per project. If your application is granted and you have applied for more than the upper limit of NOK 12 million, the excess amount must be covered by own financing. In such cases, the project must still be implemented as described in the grant application. 

Why this topic? 

The climate and environmental crisis is linked to modern industrial production. There is a need to develop more sustainable industrial processes based on lower energy consumption and reuse of scarce resources in circular cycles. This is in line with the Government's ambitions for green industry development and sustainable industrial processes. Industrial biotechnology can help achieve these ambitions. There is great potential for value creation from industrial biotechnology linked to the emerging bioeconomy, which includes the processing and processing of renewable biological resources. 

In this thematic area, we support projects that use biotechnological methods, enzymes, microorganisms and other cellular systems to produce various products, such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, feed, textiles and energy. 

Cooperation with industry 

We want the technologies developed through the projects to have high relevance for the industry. We would therefore like you to include industry collaboration. Industry partners should contribute actively in research and development activities (industrial research) and lead work packages in the project, and therefore also have a higher share of the costs.  

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the effects of technology development and innovation. In addition to solving societal challenges, using new technology can also play a part in creating or reinforcing them. In the application, you must describe how the project participants will discuss and handle intentional and unintentional applications and impacts of the solutions you are developing. You must facilitate actual co-production by the actors in the project working together to develop good solutions. 

Research on ethical, societal and political dimensions of technological development may be included in the projects, but this is not required. 

The grant application must clearly demonstrate how the project will lead to new insights and potentially new solutions in meeting the global sustainability goals. 

Priority will be given to grant applications that include: 

• industrial collaboration, and where the industry has at least 20% of the project costs 
• Industry-led work package(s) 

When awarding marks for the application's relevance, we will consider how well the application addresses the points above. 

Funding is available for projects that promote radical new technologies through the fusion of scientific disciplines within the enabling technologies. Under this call, we wish to see projects that combine enabling technologies in a new way to develop solutions that can be applied and contribute to more sustainable societal development. In the application, you must describe why the combination of several technologies is necessary to solve the project's challenge. 

Biotechnology, ICT and nanotechnology are typical examples of enabling technologies. Enabling technologies are key drivers of change and transformation, and technology convergence can bring forth ground-breaking technology and radical innovations that can help solve major societal challenges. Technology convergence benefits the most through interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, industry, the public sector and society to ensure responsible development and relevant and effective use of new technologies. 

Support limits: NOK 12–15 million in funding per project.  

A technology convergence project may well have a high risk of not succeeding fully with its radical objectives, as long as the degree of novelty is high and the technology to be developed has great potential. In the application, you must describe how you will handle various risk elements associated with the implementation of the project. 

The research methods, technology development and solutions in the grant applications must implement Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). In your application, describe the activities, processes and management structure for this. We expect you to include relevant measures and involve community actors in the discussions. For inspiration on how a good project with RRI methodology can be planned, read about RRI on our website – Responsible Research and Innovation at the Research Council of Norway. Several of the elements of responsible research and innovation are also assessed in the subsections of the assessment criteria.  

Projects eligible for funding must fulfil the following requirements: 

• The project must involve radical innovation and the development of new technology that contributes to sustainable societal development. 
• The project must involve real convergence between at least two different enabling technologies. It is not sufficient for one of two technologies to be used as supporting technologies for progress in one technology area. 
• The project must also involve interdisciplinary collaboration between several disciplines, including at least one subject area from the social sciences or humanities, in order to take into account ethical, environmental, sustainability and social aspects of the project. 

The requirements are anchored in the Portfolio plan for Enabling technologies. How the project fulfils these requirements must be clearly described in the grant application. 

For projects that meet the requirements, we will also consider the following: 

• The extent to which the project involves convergence between several enabling technologies. 
• The extent to which the project involves interdisciplinary collaboration, not just multidisciplinary collaboration. 
• The extent to which the project entails active international cooperation. 

When awarding marks for the application's relevance, we will consider how well the application addresses the points above. 

We expect projects that receive funding from us to participate in networks and learning arenas across projects. We set aside our own funds for this. 

Projects led by women project managers will be given priority when the grant applications are otherwise considered to be on a par. 

We reserve the reservation that changes may be made to the call text prior to the application deadline, including requirements relating to the projects. 

Funding is available for projects that develop new technology within nanotechnology, microtechnology and advanced materials. Projects must not be based on naturally occurring nanoscale processes or structures. 

Nanotechnology, microtechnology and advanced materials fall under the Research Council of Norway's Portfolio plan for Enabling Technologies. 

At least half of the announced funding will go to projects involving at least one partner from the industry sector. 

Assessment of relevance 

When we award a mark for the application's relevance to this call, we will consider both how well the application falls under the topics nanotechnology, microtechnology and advanced materials, and how well the application addresses the points listed below. Relevance must be described in the attachment "Relevance to the topic - Collaborative and Knowledge-building Projects".  

• The research methods, technology development and solutions described in the grant applications are to implement Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). In the application, you must describe the activities, processes and management structure for this. We expect you to include relevant measures and involve community actors in the discussions. Based on the application content, RRI measures are relevant to varying degrees. For inspiration on how a good project with RRI methodology can be planned, read about RRI on our website Responsible Research and Innovation at the Research Council. 
• Expertise in the technology areas will be strengthened if you utilise established research infrastructures within nanotechnology, microtechnology and advanced materials. The Research Council has funded a number of such research infrastructures (the national ones are listed in the "Norwegian Roadmap for Research Infrastructures". Grant applications must describe a plan to use relevant research infrastructure. 

The portfolio board will prioritise projects 

• that have at least one partner from the industry sector 
• with women project managers, to distinguish between equally good applications. 

Support limits: You can apply for a maximum of NOK 12 million in funding per project. If your application is granted and you have applied for more than the upper limit of NOK 12 million, the excess amount must be covered by own financing. In such cases, the project must still be implemented as described in the grant application.  

Funding is available for projects that look at measures that can improve the quality of early childhood education and care (ECEC), school or upper secondary education. Which measures are tested is decided by the ECEC and/or school owners together with the researchers. 

The projects must involve close collaboration between researchers and local ECEC or school owners, who together will test and evaluate the effect of one or more measures. The application must clearly define what the content of the intervention is, who the target group is, what is to be measured, and how the measure is anchored and implemented before it is tested. 

Funding is available for projects that measure the effect of interventions using randomised controlled trials or quasi-experimental design. 

We are announcing these funds as a response to the Government's competence strategy called the Innovation Scheme. The scheme is part of the Government's model for competence development in ECEC and primary schools. The innovation scheme was described in Meld. St. 21 (2016–2017) – The desire to learn – early intervention and quality in school.   

Projects must fall under at least one of the following four areas: 

• The importance of education for the individual and for society and working life 
• Teaching and learning 
• Professional education and competence development 
• Governance, management and organisation 

The areas are described in more detail in the Portfolio plan for Education and competence in chapter 4.2 (see link below). 

Projects must: 

• provide knowledge through an implementation and process evaluation that explains why, or why not, an intervention has an effect 
• provide knowledge of how the measure(s) are to be anchored and implemented in practice 
• describe the cost-effectiveness of the measure(s) 

When awarding marks for the application's relevance, we will consider how well the following points are met: 

• the project includes several ECEC institutions/schools 
• you are collaborating with at least one other Norwegian research organisation 
• the project incorporates international cooperation 
• the project includes recruitment positions 

We encourage you to collaborate with relevant doctoral research fellows with funding from the Public Sector Ph.D. scheme.  

The Research Council may cover the costs associated with the implementation of the intervention and the evaluation. There must be consistency between the project's scope, duration and the amount you are applying for. You can apply for up to NOK 20 million.