NUPI – the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs – was etablished by the Norwegian Parliament in 1959 and began its activities shortly afterward. In the course of the years, many prominent figures have served as directors or researchers of the institute – among them, John Sanness, Johan Jørgen Holst, Martin Sæter and Erik Nord.

The aim of NUPI is to contribute to greater awareness and insight concerning international issues, through research and the dissemination of information.

The Board is the highest authority of the institute, and is vested with responsibility for its various activities. Daily administration is headed by the director of NUPI. Research activities are organised into five departments and a number of programmes, backed up and supplemented by the information department and the administration department.

Some key figures for 2006:

• a total of 63.2 person-years, of which 32.7 from researchers and 9 from student research scholars
• approximately 70 staff members and student research scholars
• turnover: NOK 54 mill.
• 24 internal publications (as books and various NUPI series)
• 122 external publications
• approximately 70 seminars and conferences arranged per year