We are interested in contributing with social science expertise (human geography, political science and anthropology) into projects that will co-create actionable knowledge and innovative agroecological solutions. We are interested in developing case study based projects that will investigate barriers and opportunities for agroecological farming practices that enhance resilience to climate change, supports bio diversity and enhance ability to utilize marginal agricultural lands for food production. We have long standing collaboration with farming communities in Western and Northern Norway, agricultural extension services, farmers NGOs and agricultural governance institutions which can be leveraged to develop case studies. We seek collaboration with partners that held expertice in agronomy, applied ecology, soil science as well as agricultural practices and policies.

WNRI or Vestlandsforsking, in Norwegian, is an internationally oriented research institute with regional ties. We conduct inter-disciplinary research at the regional, national, and international level. The institute employs some 37 people and has a turnover of approximately NOK 40 million.

The institute carries out research in three main areas:

Climate and environment research group: This is the group which is interested in the call. We are social science based research group with expertise in sustainability transformation research, employing participatory approaches for co-creation of knowledge and solutions.

Tourism research group: adventure tourism; digitalisation; sustainable tourism

Technology and society research group: big data and emerging technologies; regional development; digitalisation; and gender, diversity, and technology. This group can contribute with expertize on machine learning methods for optimized harvesting.