– We are surrounded by countries that have nuclear energy and which plan to develop new nuclear energy to ensure the stability of energy supplies. Therefore, we need to have professional environments that are knowledgeable, able to assess and deal with incidents related to the spread of radioactive substances that may affect Norway, says Minister for Research and Higher Education Ola Borten Moe.

The closure of the experimental reactors at Kjeller and Halden also underscores the need for knowledge about the treatment, storage and final disposal of radioactive waste and the safe decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

Also read: Deduction of costs for commuting to work

Norway also has significant radiopharma activities that we must support, says Borten Moe. The use of radioactive isotopes can more accurately detect and treat diseases.

– The center will not only ensure higher quality of basic research in this field, but will also increase recruitment to the community professional nuclear medicine in Norway, both in hospitals, universities and industry, says Borten Moe.

Scientists from UiO, NMBU and IFE will cooperate with the centre

Research communities from the University of Oslo, the Norwegian University of Environment and Life Sciences (NMBU) and the Institute of Energy Engineering (IFE) will collaborate on the new national center.

– I am very happy that we can now finance this important centre. Here, three strong, complementary environments will work closely together, and the potential for synergy is huge. I have high expectations that the investment in this center will yield results of very high scientific quality as well as provide important new knowledge, says Director General of the Research Council Mari Sundli Tveit.

It also establishes new learning places in nuclear subjects

The center will strengthen Norway's nuclear knowledge readiness by conducting basic research. This will include many PhD students and fellows. At the same time, the government has strengthened teaching opportunities with funds for 40 five-year study places in nuclear faculties in this year's state budget. The new places of study are evenly distributed between the University of Oslo and the Norwegian University of Environment and Life Sciences. It also provides important expertise that Norway needs in this area.

– The Norwegian authorities specialized in the field of nuclear energy have a great need to recruit specialists with appropriate skills in the coming years. Scientific capacity is now gradually built over five years. With the new center it will be significantly strengthened professional environments, which educate candidates at both master's and doctoral levels, says Borten Moe.

Like us on Facebook and share our post with others. Thank you.

Source: regjeringen

Read and learn more: Do bompenger fees make you give up driving?