University of Bergen signs North Sea university partnership

Earlier this week, senior representatives from three Norwegian, and four UK universities met in London to sign a ‘Letter of Intent’. This was the first in-person meeting hosted by the Norwegian Embassy and involved partners from:

• Durham University
• University of Leeds
• University of York
• Newcastle University
• University of Bergen
• University of Oslo
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
• The University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)

The partnership is coordinated and led by University of Bergen and Durham University, on the Norwegian and UK sides, respectively. 

Four priority areas

The North Sea University Partnership (NSUP) discussed a work plan of activities for the first year of collaboration. In its initial phase, the collaboration will focus on two thematic research areas, reflecting areas of strength for all partners:
 
•    North Sea: energy, green transition, marine research, and other relevant topics  
•    Cultural heritage  
‘The Arctic’ and ‘Health’ have been identified as topics for NSUP focus in Year 2 of the collaboration.  

Science and innovation

Links between the North of England and Norway have existed over centuries through shipping, trade, and culture. The four topics identified by the new consortium reinforce these connections, aligning with research and innovation priorities identified by governments on both sides. 

The NSUP initiative also builds on a joint declaration between Norway and the UK. This was signed in May 2022 to acknowledge the crucial role of science and innovation in underpinning the economies of both countries. As well as outlining bilateral strategic cooperation on defence and security, the declaration covers climate and environment, research and innovation, and education and culture. 

The priority areas also link into the ‘Money Follows Cooperation’ agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Research Council of Norway, which was launched in 2022. 

UiB-Rector Professor Margareth Hagen led the NSUP meeting alongside the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) of Durham University, Professor Claire O’Malley. The signing of the letter of intent was presided over by the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide. The consortium was hosted by His Excellency, Tore Hattrem, Norwegian Ambassador to the UK. 

Following the signing ceremony, university representatives were joined for a reception by external stakeholders from the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, UK Department for Education (DfE), the British Council, and the British Embassy in Oslo, Wellcome Trust, UUKi as well as UKRI.  

This article was first published on 5 December by UiB.