The Research Council of Norway

The Research Council of Norway (RCN) is the Norwegian government’s central body for funding and coordinating research and innovation activities. Its primary role is to support high-quality research and innovation that contributes to sustainable development, economic growth, and societal well-being across Norway.

RCN serves a broad range of stakeholders, including universities, research institutes, public sector bodies, and industry, by funding research projects, providing strategic advice, and facilitating collaboration between academia, business, and government. The Council administers funding from various ministries and ensures that public research investments align with national priorities.

It plays a key role in shaping research policy in Norway and advises the government on long-term strategies for research and innovation. RCN also promotes international collaboration, with a strong focus on European cooperation—especially through active involvement in the EU Framework Programmes like Horizon Europe, where it acts as Norway’s National Contact Point (NCP) structure.

In addition, RCN is responsible for evaluating the quality and impact of Norwegian research, supporting research infrastructure, and working to enhance the societal and commercial value of research outcomes.

Key functions:

• Allocating public research funding.

• Advising on national research policy.

• Promoting collaboration across sectors and borders.

• Strengthening innovation and the use of research in society.