Norsk »The historic deal was signed on 15 November by UiS rector Ivar Langen, Anna Aabø, acting head of the International Research Institute of Stavanger (Iris), UiT rector Jarle Aarbakke and Wiktor Sørensen, head of Tromsø’s Norut research group.
“We can build strong universities through a collaboration like this,” says Mr Langen. “Exploiting our collective resources will allow us to strengthen teaching and research in both regions.
“In addition, we can jointly contribute to sustainable development in the far north while supporting business life in this part of Norway.”
Mr Aarbakke agrees that the collaboration agreement is historic and that the two universities and their research arms complement each other in a fine way.
“The combined expertise of both communities can now make itself felt regionally, nationally and internationally. We’ll be able to compete for national and international research funds.”
He adds that the process leading up to the agreement was characterised by a good chemistry between those involved.
“Both this and a kind of common culture invigorate us. The deal is proof that we don’t need extra grants to come up with creative solutions. The key is to make full use of the resources we have.”
Prime movers
Dean Arild Bøe at the UiS faculty of science and technology and Ms Aabø have been prime movers for the collaboration deal, and Mr Bøe has great faith in a commitment to the far north.
“Studies suggest that 25 per cent of the world’s remaining hydrocarbons are located in Arctic regions,” he notes. “Reserves could be particularly large in Alaska and the Barents Sea.
“New technological solutions will be needed to exploit these resources. Exploration must be pursued in deep waters and special climate conditions, while the areas involved are vulnerable to change. Worker transport also presents challenges.”
He maintains that new technological solutions must primarily involve remote control of operations which have no harmful impact on the environment.
“From that perspective, cooperation between Stavanger and Tromsø will be highly significant in a number of areas.
“In addition to developing new technology, we hope to establish a jointly-owned research company as well as institutes, centres, laboratories and new master’s degree studies.”
Development
Collaboration between the two universities will mean a lot for further development of Norwegian higher education in petroleum technology.
Mr Bøe suggests they could cooperate over various course modules. “We might create these in geology, geophysics, climate and the environment, which are particular strengths in Tromsø. We in Stavanger can contribute technological expertise.
“Our partnership will allow us to develop new technology and knowledge which could have a lasting value both for Tromsø as a region and for the UiT.”
Looking at other possible benefits, he notes that Iris currently has a branch in Bergen. “In the longer term, it might be relevant to open another in Tromsø, with shared employees doing a doctorate with us.
“We could also collaborate over joint scholarships, which foreign companies might help to finance.”
Looking forward
Ms Aabø is also looking forward to working with researchers in Tromsø, and notes that the environment and social sciences are two important areas which can be further developed in partnership.
“This willingness to cooperate will clearly have positive synergies,” she notes, while Mr Sørensen believes that collaboration with Stavanger is something northern Norway needs.
“It’ll be significant for business, public administration, research and not least the development of expertise. And our cooperation with Russia will be strengthened.”
The signing of the agreement in Tromsø was witnessed by Herman Kristoffersen, mayor of the city, and Roald Rindestu, chair of Troms county council.
Roald Bergsaker, chair of Rogaland county council, also took part via video link, along with Terje Vareberg, chair of Iris, Tora Aasland, county governor and deputy Iris chair, and others.
“This is an example of somebody taking responsibility instead of waiting for hand-outs from Oslo,” said Mr Kristoffersen after the signing.
“We’re inspired by the commercial progress made in the Stavanger region. We’ve now got to learn from each other and create lasting value for future generations.”
Iris, Norut and the universities of Stavanger and Tromsø concluded a historic collaboration agreement on the far north in November. This deal was signed in Tromsø, with key people in Stavanger participating by video link.
Text: Egil Rugland
Photo:Yngve Olsen Sæbbe
