Norway opens Brussels liaison office for EU research cooperation
The Research Council of Norway has opened a dedicated liaison office in Brussels to strengthen Norwegian influence and participation in EU research and innovation activities. During an inauguration ceremony at the new office on 21 November, Norway's States Secretary for Education and Research, Age Rosnes, said that he was glad to see Norwegian research represented in the heart of Europe. 'The liaison office will be an important platform for Norwegian research, creating links between Norwegian researchers and their partners and making Norway's opinions heard,' continued Mr Rosnes. 'It will contribute towards creating a clearer picture of Norway's research landscape and provide an added value to the work already being done in Brussels.' Mr Rosnes added that he was glad to be representing the new Norwegian government at the inauguration, given the emphasis that the administration places on education and research, particularly international research cooperation. 'The opening of this office is in line with our ambition of being more actively involved with the EU - we support the European Research Area concept and want more committed cooperation with European countries, as this will deliver more high quality research,' he said Finally, Mr Rosnes stressed that the liaison office was being established at a crucial moment. 'The negotiations on the Seventh Framework Programme [FP7] are very important to us, and it is vital to continue open dialogue with the Commission and other actors in the process,' he said. The Commission's Richard Escritt, Director of 'Coordination of Community Actions' within DG Research, described Norway as a model for how to approach research cooperation in Europe. He attributed the country's 'astonishing' success rates so far under FP6 to a clear and organised strategy of cooperation in particular areas of strength, such as sustainable development, fisheries and marine sciences. 'This success clearly reflects the strength of networking and scientific excellence in the country, especially when you consider that, in a number of ways, Norway is on the geographical fringes of the EU,' added Mr Escritt. He also described Norway as a model for how best to contribute to the EU research policy process, through fora such as CREST. Arvid Hallén, Director General of the Research Council Norway, concluded the ceremony, saying: 'The distance between Oslo and Brussels is only two hours by plane, but occasional trips are no substitute for permanent contacts, and having a permanent representation in Brussels will strengthen relations and cooperation with the Commission and other Member States and act as a hub for scientists and other actors in Norway.'
Countries
Norway