The Indo-Norwegian research programme is driven by the Norwegian Research Council and the Department of Science and Technology, India. Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Indian Council for Medical Research have been particularly important in this collaborative programme.
With the objective of monitoring progress of the ongoing projects between both countries in the field of polar and geohazards, all the partners involved recently gathered in a research seminar organized by the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Norwegian Research Council. The projects were developed as a result of a call for proposal in 2015, co-funded by the MFA and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, India.
Ms Kaia Bilton, Minister-Counsellor, highlighted in her opening remarks, that “India was one of the priority countries for international research cooperation designated by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research. Research is also a priority area in the Norwegian government’s India strategy."
It was also stressed that as a partner, Norway has strong institutions that are willing and able, who have flexible funding schemes, a capability to respond rapidly, and a willingness to take risks. On the other hand, India’s growing economy and systematic investment in knowledge production makes it an attractive partner.
A number of calls for proposals have been announced in a range of subjects – clean energy, climate change, polar and geohazards, bioeconomy, ICT, nano technology, anti-microbial resistance and social sciences. The joint researches have resulted not only in close relationships between Norwegian and Indian institutions, but have also led to a significant number of scientific publications.