Norway receives funding boost

Amidst many cuts, the Norwegian Government have announced an increase in funds for the Norwegian Research Council. It is proposed that the FRIPRO scheme will receive an additional 60 million NOK/7 million euros for 2011.

The money is to be used in the FRIPRO scheme, used for independent projects and basic research. Executive Director of the Research Council, Anders Hanneborg has praised the Government for recognising the importance of science and research.

“High-quality basic research in a wide array of subject fields and disciplines lays the foundation on which all new knowledge and innovation builds. Many independent basic research projects have served as a springboard for listed companies or established medical treatments, while others have generated new insights that expand our understanding of the world around us,” he states.

The FRIPRO scheme will continue to be ‘rigorous’ in its assessment of grants and only fund those ‘exhibiting the highest scientific calibre’. “Fostering favourable conditions for innovative, high-quality research is crucial if Norway is to successfully tackle the changes it is facing,” said Minister of Research and Higher Education Tora Aasland in a press release from the Ministry of Education and Research in connection with the presentation of the national budget.
For further information, please visit http://www.forskningsradet.no/en/Newsarticle/Boost_for_basic_research/1253962368403?WT.mc_id=alphagalileo

Stop the proposed UK funding cuts
The British Government are proposing to cut Britain’s science budget by at least 20%. The Science is Vital campaign lobbied against this in Parliament today. To lend your support to the campaign, please sign the petition here. The extent of the cuts will be announced on 20th October.

Published: Wednesday, 13th October 2010 by Adelle Kehoe