Centres and focus areas

The MN Faculty hosts four Norwegian Centres of Excellence (SFF) of which one is split between the Universities of Oslo and Tromsø. The MN Faculty also plays an active part in five SFF hosted by other faculties at University of Oslo or other institutions. The SFF title is obtained in strong competition and is assigned for a period of up to ten years, with a minimum of five years.

The MN Faculty hosts one Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI) and plays an active part in three Centres hosted by other institutions. The SFI title is assigned for a period of eight years.

The MN Faculty plays an active part in three Centres for Environment-friendly Energy Research (FME). The FME title is assigned for a period of eight years.

The MN Faculty hosts two Nordic Centres of Excellence (NCoE) and plays an active part in two Centres hosted by other institutions in the Nordic countries. Each NCoE is assigned for a period of five years and is financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The Faculty has in collaboration with the Departments appointed a number of research groups for Strategic focus groups. Each focus group has a vision and a research plan for a topic that represents central and important problems up for discussion in the research strategies of the Departments and the Faculty. The focus groups were appointed in 2007 for a period of five years. A few of the groups have been appointed at a later date.

The MN Faculty has defined four overlying topics as the Faculty’s Thematic  focus areas. Much of the research activity at the Faculty can be placed under these areas. Academically speaking, there is no significant gap between the topics, and many of the research activities enter into several of the focus areas at hand.