Nordic Top-level Research Initiative
The Nordic initiative in the fields of climate, energy and environment (Top-level Research Initiative, TRI, http://www.norden.org/en/top-level-research-initiative) was launched in 2009 as a result of a declaration by the Nordic Council of Ministers.The Top-level Research Initiative is a jointly led programme, supported by national institutions and agencies, in particular those funding research and innovation. The Top-level Research Initiative will support research and innovation of the highest level, and great importance is placed to a close partnership with business and industry to ensure the application and utilisation of research results.
The total budget of the Top-level Research Initiative comes to DKK 400 million over five years. The first calls are carried out in 2009.
The initiative comprises six sub-programmes each of which will launch thematic calls using appropriate funding instruments. Types of calls to be used include Centres of Excellences in research and networks of national Centres of Excellence. The six sub-programmes are:
A Management Board of 15 representatives from different Nordic organisations, including the Academy of Finland, Tekes and Fortum. The Board appoints programme committees, each of which has two members from each Nordic country – the programme committees have two representatives from the Academy. Three Nordic institutions, NordForsk, the Nordic Innovation Centre and the Nordic Energy Research, act as the Secretariat for the initiative.
Press release November 22, 2010: Nordic research collaboration expected to provide solutions to climate and energy issues