Horizon 2020 focus on sustainability and security suits Nordic countries

Security and sustainable development—two research priorities mooted for Horizon 2020, the successor to the EU’s Framework 7—align especially well with the existing goals of the Nordic countries.

Sustainability dominates the ‘societal challenges’ outlined in the proposal for Horizon 2020 published on 30 November. Three of the six challenges prioritised for funding focus on climate, energy and environmental research. These are: secure, clean and efficient energy; smart, green and integrated transport; and climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials.