NORA has since the establishment in 2019 been a central meeting place for Norwegian universities, university colleges and research environments within artificial intelligence. Through coordination of research activities, competence development, conferences and events, NORA has contributed to strengthening Norwegian research environments within AI. The field of AI is developing rapidly, and the new board will start working with developing a new strategy for NORA, as the current strategy comes to an end in 2026.
– I greatly appreciate the trust and look forward to working as Chair of the Board for NORA, says Laurence Habib.
– The continued NORA-collaboration clearly shows that the efforts have yielded results. Thanks to dedicated participants in the collaboration, there has among other things been established two research schools, with the support of the Research Council of Norway, Habib continues.
– The need for coordinated collaboration across academia and the institute sector is greater than ever, and I'm glad we have NORA as a strong foundation to build on, Habib concludes.
Habib is taking over the role as Chair of the Board from Tom Ryen (UiS). NORA would like to thank the board members that are stepping down for their efforts, and the work they have put in to build the organisation and strengthen the collaboration on a national level.
The new board consists of:
- Laurence Habib, OsloMet (Chair)
- Morten Goodwin, UiA (Vice Chair)
- Anders Løland, Norwegian Computing Center (NR)
- Inge Jonassen, UiB
- Ellen-Marie Forsberg, HiØ
- Signe Riemer-Sørensen, SINTEF
- Lilja Øvrelid, UiO
- Kjersti Engan, UiS (deputy)
- Elisabeth Wetzer, UiT (deputy)
In a time characterized by a lot of attention and “hype” around AI, NORA wants to be a clear, knowledge-based voice that anchors the development in research and represents the professional environments in Norway. The new board will also contribute to strengthening the cooperation between academia, research institutes and the public and private sectors.
– This was my first general assembly as CEO of NORA, and it was particularly nice to experience the strong engagement from all the 17 partners. It is clear that there is a common will to contribute and further develop the collaboration. I am really looking forward to working closely with Laurence and the new board, which has an impressive breadth and expertise. At the same time, I would like to thank the board members that are stepping down - and particularly Tom Ryen - for their efforts and the foundation that has been laid these past few years, Michael Solvang.
– We are seeing an increasing need for coordinated efforts within artificial intelligence, both nationally and internationally. With a new strategy process, we'll have the opportunity to pinpoint our efforts, strengthen the collaboration between the partners and ensure that NORA continues to be a relevant and unifying actor in the years ahead, Solvang says.
About NORA |
NORA – Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium – is working to strengthen Norwegian research, education and innovation within artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics, as well as other relevant research that supports development and use of artificial intelligence. The NORA consortium was established on 21 November 2018. The consortium consists of the following 17 partners: the University of Agder, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Oslo Metropolitan University, University of Bergen, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Simula Research Laboratory AS, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, University of Oslo, University of Stavanger, University of South-East Norway, Kristiania University of Applied Sciences, Østfold University College, SINTEF, BI Norwegian Business School, Norsk Computing Center, University of Inland Norway and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. In addition, there are seven strategic partners: Brønnøysund Register Center, Posten, Norsk Helsenett, Ruter, Vestfold University Hospital, NAV and Tine. |