Norwegian Biotechnology Research Initiative

Challenges for society, the international focus, quality and cooperation at the national level are important considerations for the Council for Research and R & D community in planning a new initiative of biotechnology research in Norway.

Research groups are preparing for the next step in biotechnological research activities as the National Programme for Research in Functional Genomics in Norway (Fugue) reaches its end in 2011. In recent months the Research Council has sought the support of universities, institutes and industry to identify future research priorities.

Addressing the major challenges of society

"The main focus of the flight program on the technological aspects of research. In the next phase which will focus to a greater extent in how technology can meet the challenges facing society," says Seth Berg Steinar Hoc Advisory Council Research in Norway. He cites the climate and environment, health, food and nutrition, and population aging as examples of areas for research in this initiative. Mr. Seth Berg also emphasizes that the Norwegian biotechnology research, social problems from a global perspective.

Øystein RØNNINGEN, Special Adviser to the Council biofabricación Research Department, International Cooperation and Marketing, emphasized that research must fit into the current international approach. In his opinion, the EU Declaration of Lund in 2009 and the position of Biotechnology of the OECD as a major force behind the transition to an economy based on bio-economy here in 2030 to provide good guidance to further improve Norway's initiative in biotechnology.

High quality is essential for the international impact

Norway has high aspirations for participation in international research activities in biotechnology.

"The quality is critical if you want to succeed in international competition for research funding," said Ole-Jan Iversen, chairman of the board Fuge program.

Many points in the right direction: eight of the 21 Centers of Excellence • Excel Norway (SFF) research related to biotechnology, making the area around one of the strongest areas of research in terms of quality.

Biotechnology and life sciences?

If the drain followed by a program initiative that focuses more generally, what is known in international forums such as life sciences? This is a central theme in the current debate on biotechnology research in Norway.

A large number of actors of R & D agreement that this is a good direction to follow and I think that would help change the focus of the technology as the search for solutions to the challenges and reap the benefits of social resources already invested Norwegian biotechnology research. Moreover, there is a general consensus in the research community that Norway needs a special program for this type of research that have not been included in the existing thematic programs such as Food Program and of Aquaculture Program (Havbruk).

National strategy launched

Efforts to develop a national biotechnology strategy will be launched shortly under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Research. Admission Council for Research on the development of new biotechnology initiative is part of the basis of a strategy.