On Wednesday, 15 October, the proposed national budget for 2026 was presented. The overall picture for research and higher education appears to be what we call a “zero-sum” budget, but with some additions.
We see a shift in priorities, with increased focus on technology and work relevance.
For MN, it is particularly gratifying that the government wants to provide rent compensation for the Life Sciences Building, which means the relocation will proceed as planned. This has been a key issue for UiO to resolve in order to start using the building and move in according to current plans.
We also note that the government continues its investment in quantum science and technology by proposing 100 new study places in the field – 50 for UiO and 50 for NTNU. We will now look into the details of this allocation.
Another positive aspect of the budget proposal is the allocation of NOK 100 million to strengthen Norway’s position in enabling technologies. This is also a fund to be equally distributed between UiO and NTNU. NOK 25 million is allocated to each in 2026, with an increase to NOK 50 million in 2027.
The budget will now be negotiated in the parliamentary blocs and processed in the Storting, so we won’t know until closer to Christmas – and in the allocation letter from the ministry in December – how it will actually affect us.