On the 12 June 2009 researchers and entrepreneurs from the five Nordic countries gathered in Oslo to mark the start of the Nordic Excellence in Research Initiative (NERI). With a budget of SEK 480 million (approx. EUR 46 million), allocated by the Nordic research and education ministers for the period 2009-2013, this joint platform constitutes the most extensive ever Nordic investment in climate, energy and environmental research. The measure is expected to help sustain the region’s leading position in research and promote future investments in these areas.

Led by a programme board comprising members from all of the Nordic countries, NERI is divided into six separate sub-themes (see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, November 2008) – each with its own committee responsible for allocating funding, issuing calls for tenders, evaluating applications and reviewing programme outcomes. The first calls for tenders are expected later this year.    

Nordic Council