Blue and green growth
Nord University aims to be a driving force for the green shift through research and education within blue and green growth.
The sea and coastline are drivers in the major economies of the world, including the Norwegian economy. There is no doubt that Norway's wealth is linked to water and the ocean. Due to its geographical location in relation to the world, ports and coastal communities have traditionally been centers for new ideas and innovation.
The green shift requires more knowledge and new methods for the management, cultivation, and harvesting of natural resources. Nord University is located in a region with abundant natural resources, significant primary industries, and forward-thinking industrial sectors. Nord aims to prioritize the development of new fundamental knowledge about nature, biotechnology, value creation, and circular economic systems.
Nord University is among the leading institutions in research and education related to natural resources. These resources contribute to the sustainable development of the green shift and a robust circular economy. Cultivating and harvesting bioresources from the sea are gaining significant attention and interest.
The region has particularly great potential for further development of aquaculture and other industrial activities, which also form the basis for a strong public sector. The resource base of the sea, combined with the university's location, enables international collaboration in both research and education.
A purposeful collection and utilization of data from the region's field laboratory strengthen this competitive advantage. The expertise developed at Nord University will also be beneficial in other parts of the world.
The growth within the blue and green sectors is based on relevant research findings supported by expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to an increase in welfare and favorable conditions for upbringing, which are the foundations for good health.
Goals
Research and education in blue and green growth contribute to increased food production and food security. Nord University's scope covers 40 percent of Norway's coastline and plays a significant role in marine food production.
Additionally, the effects of climate change are more pronounced in the Arctic regions than in the rest of the world, making Nord's geographical location particularly important. To achieve national and international goals, research in blue and green growth is crucial for both increasing the availability of food resources and limiting the human footprint on climate and the environment. Nord University has a vital societal responsibility in contributing to knowledge about sustainable development in the face of the green shift.
Research projects related to blue and green growth
Goal of the project
Mapping optimal zones for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in European seas.
Project leader
Funding
Horizon Europe
Time period
January 2023 - April 2026
Goal of the project
Investigating the role of epigenetics in wild-caught fish adapting to an aquaculture environment.
Project leader
Jorge Manuel de Oliveira Fernandes
Funding
European Research Council
Time period
2016-2020
Goal of the project
ARCTAQUA's main objective is to promote the development of sustainable aquaculture in the Arctic region.
Project leader
Funding
Kolarctic CBC, EU, Russia, Norway, Sweden and Finland
Goal of the project
Development of rapid, accurate, and cost-saving methods for determining species composition in marine benthic communities.
Project leader
Funding
Interreg North Sea Region
Goal of the project
The project involves ensiling of Alaria esculenta using various methods and feeding ruminants.
Prosject leader
Funding
Regionale forskningsfond Nord-Norge
Time period
2019-2022
Goal of the project
The goal of the project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from barns by converting methane into carbon dioxide through catalytic combustion of methane produced by cattle.
Prosject leader
Funding
Norges forskningsråd
Time period
2019-2022
Goal of the project
The goal of the project is to develop biotechnology that significantly improves methods for broodstock management and enhances the reproductive selection of selected species.
Prosject leader
Funding
Horisont 2020 and Norges Forskningsråd
Time period
2020-2023
Goal of the project
Studying attitudes towards and management of mineral waste as a resource.
Project leader
Funding
Norges forskningsråd
Time period
2020-2024
Education
The study programs at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture are highly related to the focus area of blue and green growth.
Short programmes
