Research

Iceland has a long history of European collaboration in the field of research and technological development. This encompasses collaboration with agencies like COST, EUREKA, CERN, EMBO/EMBL and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Currently, the total R&D expenditure in Iceland is close to 3% of GDP, with public expenditure more than 1% of GDP.

In 1984, the European Union began to operate framework programmes in the area of Research and Technological Development. The objective is to build a common internal market and increase the competitiveness of European industry and business. The EEA Agreement from 1994 provides for extensive cooperation outside the four freedoms, of which the cooperation in the field of Research and Development (R&D) is by far the largest in financial terms. The Agreement provides the possibility to participate in EU’s Framework Programme for Scientific and Technological Development, excluding the nuclear research programme, which is legally based on the Euratom Treaty. Iceland’s participation in the Framework Programme started as early as the 3rd Framework Programme on a project-to-project basis. Since January of 1994, Iceland has fully participated in the Framework Programmes.

Icelandic scientists and technicians have played an active role in European collaborative projects within the Framework Programmes, although participation has varied between programmes. The participation of Icelandic scientists in European projects has been successful, with a success rate up to 37% in the 5th Framework Programme and relatively high participation of SMEs.

The Ministry of Culture, Education and Research in Iceland is responsible for Iceland’s participation in the Framework Programme but The Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS) is the agency responsible for everyday operation of the programme in Iceland. Iceland is represented in Framework’s programme committees and in Brussels, a Science Counsellor is part of the Icelandic Mission to EU. Iceland is also represented in CREST, the Council’s scientific advisory committee.

The Science Counsellor is:

Stefán Baldursson

Tel: +32 (0)2 238 5013

Fax. +32 (0)2 230 69 38

Other Informatio

• The contact person at the Icelandic Centre for Research is: Hjördís Hendriksdóttir.