Strategic Research Programme for Centres of Excellence and Research Clusters

In a decision issued by the Science and Technology Policy Council (STPC) in December 2007, certain fields were pointed out where Icelanders have the potential of achieving a specific success internationally, and where the operation of businesses, universities, research institutions, public parties and specific society groups can be intertwined, with the result of increased benefits for the nation. Ideas for centres of excellence or research clusters in these fields are now called for.

The objective is to reinforce science and technology research, encourage successful collaboration between different parties nationally, as well as internationally, and actuate value creation and investment in research and innovation in the economy.  The research cluster or the centre of excellence should have the chance to be outstanding internationally.

The STPC sees important opportunities in:

• Reinforcing research on education with a view to developing the educational system and make it respond more swiftly to increasing demands of knowledge, efficiency, creativity, initiative and flexibility.
• Promoting innovation as a feasible alternative for investment and to encourage domestic and foreign investors to engage in the support of innovative companies including SMEs.
• Facilitating research on the national heritage, its old manuscripts, literary culture, language and contemporary culture along with the present emphasis on international efforts and image of Iceland as a dynamic forward‐looking nation.
• Boosting research into successful alternatives in preventive efforts against social epidemics as well as in health improvement, rehabilitation, novel approaches in health services, pharmaceuticals and safe food.
• Increasing research in support of a sustainable utilization of natural resources on land, offshore and in the ocean.
• Increasing multidisciplinary research with extensive private support into the probable and extensive impacts on the natural and social environment through global warming.
• Increasing research on the infrastructures of our society with emphasis on its characteristics and uniqueness.
• Increasing attention towards creative industries in which innovation, cutting edge information technology, cultural activities and entertainment merge with economic activities and investment, creating new companies and job opportunities.

The Icelandic science and technology society is offered to come forth with ideas for centres of research excellence or research clusters, which comply with the STPC’s resolution and work towards the opportunities mentioned above. Up to ten ideas receive a 1.000.000 ISK grant for further development, and will the authors of those ideas be offered to send in a completed proposal in October 2008.

As of 2009, two to four grants will be offered for research and innovation collaboration.

The maximum grant amount is 80 million ISK per year for up to seven years.

The deadline for sending in ideas will be Tuesday 13 May at 16:00.

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