The Research Council advises the authorities on the formulation of Norwegian research policy by identifying needs for research and proposing priorities.
The Research Council is a national research strategic and research funding body. It is the most important research policy adviser to the government, ministries and other central institutions and the environment related to research and development (R&D).
The Research Council funds research worth just over NOK 8 billion.
The Research Council shall promote strategic measures related to the development of new research fields, the development of higher quality, and the implementation of new initiatives to meet societal challenges.
The Research Council shall identify needs for research and propose priorities. Through targeted funding schemes, the Council shall contribute to the implementation of national research policy decisions.
The Research Council is divided into five divisions: Science; Society and health; Energy, resources and environment; Innovation and administration.