The University of York has joined the North Sea University Partnership, a new consortium focused on aligning research priorities between the UK and Norway.
The consortium comprises of eight partners across the UK and Norway
In the first phase of the partnership, joint projects will focus on green transition, energy and marine research, as well as cultural heritage. Research related to the Arctic and health have been identified as areas of collaboration in future years.
The consortium comprises the Universities of York, Leeds, Newcastle, Durham, Bergen, Oslo, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and The University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway.
Innovative solutions
Professor Ambrose Field, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Strategy, said: "This is an exciting partnership which aims to build on the centuries of links that the North of England has had with Norway through shipping, trade and culture.
"We will be looking at four themes over the next two years connected to priority areas outlined by UK and Norwegian governments, which will deliver new thinking and positive impacts locally for both countries, but also provide innovative solutions that could feed into global strategies on climate, health, and living more sustainably."
Strategic cooperation
The partnership builds on a joint declaration between the UK and Norway from 2022, which acknowledged the role of science and innovation in underpinning the economies of both countries. As well as outlining bilateral strategic cooperation on defence and security, the declaration covers climate and environment, research and innovation, and education and culture.
The priority areas also link into the 'Money Follows Cooperation' agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Research Council of Norway, which was launched in 2022.
