IFE and the University of Oslo sign framework agreement establishing new Birkeland Centre

The agreement will strengthen research and education in selected areas within energy- and environmental technology. IFE and UiO’s ambition is to develop a powerful knowledge base and high-tech platform in the Oslo region, and contribute to Norwegian industry and commerce taking a leading position in renewable energy and environmental technology internationally.

The Rector of the University of Oslo, Ole Petter Ottersen and IFE’s President Eva S. Dugstad signing the new cooperation agreement.
- This is an important strategic agreement for UiO as well as IFE, the two leaders emphasised in their speeches.

Birkeland Centre
The extended collaboration between IFE and UiO will be organised in a common, strategic centre named ”The Birkeland Centre”. The name symbolises the link between research and innovation, and the Centre aims to strengthen innovation and commercialisation.

Oslo and the Eastern Norway region is leading nationally with over 700 companies with a total turnover of NOK 100 million in so-called “green tech” industries. The Birkeland Centre aspires to become a central partner for this industry. The Manager of the new Birkeland Centre will be Kjell Bendiksen, former President at IFE.

The new agreement will strengthen the strategic link and liaison between IFE and UiO. IFE will e.g. assume responsibility for UiO students, ensuring that they at an early stage will interact with the industry through project collaboration with IFE. The cooperation aspires to build robust research communities with high international quality, thus strengthening Norway’s position vis-à-vis large research projects in Europe.

The Rector and the rest of the UiO delegation got a tour of the JEEP II reactor and IFE’s Solar Cell Laboratory.

In addition to renewable energy the collaboration will comprise nuclear technology.