Purpose and Allocations
The HS Orka Research Fund provides grants for clearly defined research projects that relate to the company's operations and/or HS Orka's sustainability priorities. The fund's objective is to increase the company's knowledge base and contribute to progress and innovation in its activities.
The next allocation will take place in March 2025. Applications are open from January 15th to February 15th, 2025.
Allocation Criteria
Projects supported by the Research Fund can be at higher levels of university studies, i.e., master's or doctoral level, collaborative projects with knowledge institutions (e.g., universities, university centers, natural science institutes, and other institutions) or other parties, including individuals, groups, small enterprises, non-profits, or other associations. Projects can either be initiated by HS Orka or external entities.
In general, projects at the master's level funded by the Research Fund must be completed within two years of the grant allocation, and projects at the doctoral level must be completed within three years. The timeframe for other projects is determined according to the nature of the projects and is defined prior to the grant being awarded.
The Research Fund considers domestic applications and applications from abroad. Projects may specifically address Icelandic matters and circumstances, relate to HS Orka's local activities, or have scientific value regardless of geographic region. When selecting projects, consideration is also given to the UN Sustainable Development Goals chosen by HS Orka.
Possible subject areas include geosciences, engineering, technology, mechanics, electrical trades, metal trades, renewable energy production, natural sciences and biodiversity, sustainability and environmental issues (e.g., climate change), equality and societal issues, mapping and cartography. This list is not exhaustive.
Applications Generally Not Considered:
- The fund does not provide grants for marketing activities.
- The fund generally does not provide grants for tuition fees, operating costs, or travel grants. However, operating or travel expenses may, under certain circumstances, be part of the project execution supported by the fund.
- The fund does not provide grants for projects that are better suited to the HS Orka Community Fund’s allocation criteria (see here).
General inquiries can be sent to rannsoknarsjodur[at]hsorka.is.