Nye forskningssentre for miljøvennlig energi (FME Samfunn)

The Research Council of Norway is calling for applications to establish up to three new Centres for Environment-friendly Energy focused on social science research (FME Samfunn). These centres will replace two existing FME Samfunn centres established in 2019 that conclude in 2027. The centres shall deliver research-based knowledge necessary to solve challenges for the energy transition in society, primarily working with social science and relevant humanities issues, with some natural science and technology where it supports central research questions. The centres will run for eight years from 2027 to 2035, contributing to Norway's energy policy goals and climate commitments. The overarching goal is to develop research-based knowledge and solutions for the energy transition as a basis for strategic decisions in public administration, industry, and other societal actors. By energy transition is meant the comprehensive process where society moves from using fossil energy sources to renewable energy sources and low-emission technology so that Norway becomes a low-emission society. Centres must ensure broad and close cooperation between research institutions, public and private sectors, and other societal actors, with governance structures where user partners from business and public sector hold majority positions on the steering board.