Merger unlikely to limit research time initially

A merger between four Norwegian institutions is unlikely to alter the number of hours that staff have to conduct research and teaching in the first instance, it has been reported.

The merger between the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sør-Trøndehag University College, the Gjøvik University College and Aalesund University College was announced on 28 January. Researchers from NTNU have expressed concern that the merger will change the present system, in which its researchers spend 50 per cent of their time doing research and 50 per cent of their time teaching, because other institutions have a different allocation of time. 

Deputy rector of NTNU, Kari Melby, told the research news website Forskerforum that employees will initially be able to keep their 50-50 time allocation—a decision that will be welcomed by NTNU’s researchers.