Environment and Natural Values Related to Possible Future Mineral ...

Enriched Nordic · Found: 2026-03-11 08:06

Environment and Natural Values Related to Possible Future Mineral Activities on the Norwegian Shelf · This call for proposals is part of a larger ...

Source: https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/call-for-proposals/2026/environment-and-natural-values-related-to-possible-future-mineral-activities-on-the-norwegian-shelf/

Funding Details

Funder

The Research Council of Norway

Funding Goal

Increase knowledge about the biodiversity of the seabed where minerals are located, the mineral resources and geological processes, the consequences that mineral extraction may have for the marine environment, and sustainable extraction methods and technological solutions for mineral activities on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Funding Amount

NOK 8-16 million per project (approx. EUR 680,000-1,360,000 at ~0.085 EUR/NOK) (800.000 € – 1.600.000 €)

Deadline

2026-08-27 (Fixed)

How to Apply

Applications must be created and submitted via the Research Council of Norway's new application system (My Page). Applications can only be submitted once. Must include project description, budget breakdown by cost type (payroll/indirect expenses, other project expenses, equipment), steering committee structure, and support from all collaborating partners. Portfolio Board will decide on funded projects in December 2026.

Target Region

Norway (Norwegian continental shelf)

Contact

The Research Council of Norway, Drammensveien 288, 0283 Oslo. Phone: +47 22 03 70 00. Answer service: https://tjenester.forskningsradet.no/kontakt

Last Checked

2026-05-07 05:22

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Project Owner must be an approved Norwegian research organisation
• At least two Norwegian non-research collaborating partners (user partners) required

Project Scope

• Project must focus on the Norwegian continental shelf
• All projects must represent environmental perspectives

Required Documents

• Application must be written in English and submitted via Research Council's new application system
• Data management plan required for all projects handling data

Constraints

• User partners must contribute costs of at least 10% of requested grant amount
• Only basic research or industrial/applied research funded — no experimental development or commercialisation
• Full and immediate open access required for all scientific publications (Plan S)

Summary

This call from The Research Council of Norway funds research projects and pre-studies focused on the environmental dimensions of potential future mineral extraction activities on the Norwegian continental shelf. The programme is part of Norway's broader effort to build knowledge before opening areas of the continental shelf to mineral activities. Thematic scope and priority areas include: (1) Knowledge of the deep-sea environment and ecosystem in connection with mineral deposits; (2) Knowledge and geological understanding of mineral-forming processes on the Norwegian shelf; (3) Knowledge about the effects of possible mineral activities on the seabed; and (4) Sustainable extraction methods and technological solutions for seabed mineral operations. All projects must incorporate environmental perspectives. Applications are prioritised if they have well-defined research questions, open data sharing approaches, high relevance for decision-makers, thorough environmental analysis, and partners from the Norwegian business sector. Eligible activities include basic research and industrial/applied research (but not experimental development, operational activities, or commercialisation). Funding covers payroll and indirect expenses at research organisations, other project costs (field studies, travel, equipment), and depreciation on scientific equipment. Doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships may be included. International research stays may also be covered. Geographic scope is limited to the Norwegian continental shelf. The Project Owner must be a Norwegian-approved research organisation. At least two Norwegian non-research user partners (industry or public sector) are required with a minimum 10% cost contribution. Eligible applicants are Norwegian research organisations (universities, university colleges, research institutes, health trusts in research capacity). Foreign research organisations similar in nature to Norwegian ones may also receive funding. Other foreign organisations may participate but do not receive funding. Budget range is NOK 8-16 million per project. No co-funding requirement for research organisations; user partner contribution of at least 10% of requested amount is required. Full and immediate open access for publications is mandatory (Plan S). The Portfolio Board decides on allocations in December 2026.

Historical Context

This is part of a 2026 programme also including a related call for a large collaborative project in seabed minerals. The call references the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER XX/2026/R&D&I) and has been notified to the EFTA Surveillance Authority. The Portfolio Board decides on funded projects in December 2026.

Sources

• https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/call-for-proposals/2026/environment-and-natural-values-related-to-possible-future-mineral-activities-on-the-norwegian-shelf/

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