WNRI or Vestlandsforsking, in Norwegian, is an internationally oriented research institute with regional ties.

Objectives

Through knowledge-building, WNRI seeks to contribute positively to innovation, policy-making, governance, and value creation.

The institute aims to be at the forefront of national and international research, and take part in the development of Western Norway (Vestland), the region in which Sogndal is located.

Funding

Project funding constitutes the institute's main source of income. Contributions in the form of basic subsidies are spent solely on academic development, project development, and quality control.

In order to establish the institute in 1985, a founding capital of NOK 4 million was presented by Sogn og Fjordane County Council, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, along with 62 banks, companies, municipalities, and organisations in the county of Sogn og Fjordane.

Organization

WNRI is headed by a board comprising seven members. While Vestland County Council appoints the majority of the board members, one member is appointed by the Research Council of Norway.

A managing director oversees the daily management of WNRI. The institute's two main fields of research are each headed by a research director and an administrative group leader.

WNRI works systematically to ensure equality, diversity and gender balance and here is WNRI's gender equality plan

Competence

WNRI's main competence rests within the social sciences and the humanities, as well as technology, and the majority of our research projects are inter-disciplinary.

Quality control

Quality control is secured through academic supervision and an internal quality management system.