In December, ACA’s Norwegian member, SIU, announced a slightly modified name – the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU). The new name reflects the extension of SIU’s competences beyond the level of higher education exclusively. Indeed, based on new regulations set forth by the Ministry of Education and Research, the centre is now responsible for international cooperation at all educational levels in Norway. SIU's main focus will continue to be on higher education, but the centre will, amongst other activities, promote Norway’s positive image abroad with regard to education, and will cooperate closely with the Research Council of Norway to promote Norwegian research.

Furthermore, key action lines have been concretised by SIU for 2012. For example, SIU will implement a new Norwegian Programme for Capacity Building in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) in low and middle income countries, an initiative funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). The new programme will encompass support to in-country/regional Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, joint research projects including PhD studies, systems for improved knowledge management and information dissemination, as well as institution and systems strengthening. SIU has already outlined specific thematic priorities for this programme and a timeline for implementation in 2012. The first round of calls for proposals under the NORHED umbrella is scheduled for publication in March.

We congratulate SIU on its expanded agenda and wish our Norwegian colleagues a most successful year of new initiatives!

SIU – Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education

SIU – NORHED