How CAS operates

The Centre for Advanced Study is organised as an independent foundation. The Board of Directors is appointed by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions. In addition, the Research Council of Norway appoints one member of the Board, representing the Norwegian State.

In contrast to many other Centres for Advanced Study, the CAS does not invite individual scholars. All its fellows are members of project groups, and the Centre hosts three parallel groups each year: one in mathematics and natural sciences, one in social science and law, and one in the humanities and theology. The groups stay for one academic year, but the duration of individual fellows' stays varies considerably. Core members typically spend a full year at the Centre, while others may participate for a few weeks or months. In addition to senior scientists, the groups are expected to include one or two post-doctoral candidates.

Agreements between the Centre and participating Norwegian institutions ensure that Norwegian scholars qualify for an extra sabbatical while doing research at the Centre. Such agreements are an important part of the Centre's economy.

The Centre operates on the 'no loss-no gain' principle with regard to the fellows. Accommodation and travel expenses (as well as fees for school or kindergarten, as required) are covered by the Centre. Visiting scholars also receive a stipend to cover additional expenses incurred during their visit. The Centre may also cover the cost of substitutes for foreign scholars who are unable to take an ordinary sabbatical from their own university.

The Centre rents a number of small and a few larger, fully-equipped apartments for visiting scholars (and their families, as required) near the Centre. The administration helps with all practical matters, including helping scholars find appropriate schools for their children.

(Summary of an article by Professor Ole-Jørgen Skog, University of Oslo, in CAS' anniversary booklet from 2002: CAS Oslo 1992-2002 . Advanced Study in a Norwegian Context)