New Research Centres for Environment-friendly Energy
Funds up to three new interdisciplinary research centres in Norway to generate knowledge and solutions for the societal transition to renewable energy, with a focus on social sciences and humanities.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: March 18, 2026 (mandatory outline) | September 23, 2026 (main application)
Funding Amounts: Up to NOK 60–120 million per centre over 8 years; total call budget NOK 240 million; 3 centres funded.
Summary: Supports up to three new interdisciplinary centres to generate research-based knowledge and solutions for Norway’s transition to renewable energy, with a focus on societal and humanistic aspects.
Key Information: Mandatory outline submission required to be eligible for the main application.
Description
This call aims to establish up to three new Centres for Environment-friendly Energy Research (FME Society) in Norway, focused on generating research-based knowledge essential for the societal energy transition. The centres will primarily address social sciences and humanistic perspectives, but may also incorporate natural sciences and technology where relevant. The overarching goal is to provide a knowledge base and solutions that support Norway’s energy policy, climate, and nature commitments, facilitating the shift from fossil to renewable energy sources and low-emission technologies.
Centres will be expected to:
- Support strategic decision-making in public administration, business, and society.
- Promote international collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
- Disseminate research results widely to professional communities and the public.
- Address topics such as politics, economics, society, climate, nature, and resource use.
- Integrate gender perspectives and maintain adaptability to emerging challenges.
The initiative replaces previous FME Society centres and will run from 2027 to 2035.
