New International Research Institute for the High North

The Barents Institute opened its doors on 1 February in Kirkenes, a city far north in Norway on the Russian border. The new facility will contribute to international research and development in the northernmost corner of Europe and further strengthen the regional cooperative efforts.

The Barents Institute will have a local focus on north-western Russia and the Barents region, however it will also work in conjunction with broader international research efforts.

The Institute’s research profile specializes in two fields; regional development and resource management. A major part of the research will be devoted to regional East-West relations as well as cross-border issues such as the environment. Another aim is to develop a comprehensive network between research facilities and institutions of higher learning worldwide.

- We have a lot of confidence that the Institute can be a source of inspiration and a resource for other regions that wish to strengthen their cooperative efforts, said Svein Helge Orheim, project manager for the newly opened research facility.


Source: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs   |   Share on your network   |   print