Åpningen av NorFab

In 2011 two anniversaries with great significance for Norway coincide. It is 150 years since the birth of Fridtjof Nansen and 100 years since Roald Amundsen arrived as the first at the South Pole.

As a unifying framework for these anniversaries, the Norwegian Government decided to establish the Nansen–Amundsen Year 2011. The objective of the celebration is to spread knowledge and arouse enthusiasm about the lives and work of Nansen and Amundsen. Nansen and Amundsen were among the internationally most famous Norwegians of their time – and I would dare to say of all times. Around a hundred years after they lived and worked, they continue to influence and inspire explorers and scientists, and a broader public. And I trust that contemporary researchers look to Nansen for inspiration on how to combine theory and practical experience when setting out into the field. 

Our need for more knowledge is only growing stronger and stronger. And the questions we face are indeed complex. In this regard, I find it appropriate to listen to the words of Nansen: “The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer.”

Today we are here to open the Norwegian Micro- and Nanofabrication Facility, NorFab. Research and research methods in micro- and nanotechnology is very different from the research by Fridtjof Nansen.  The potential for future consequences and technological breakthroughs of the establishment of NorFab is however immense.  

It is important that we in Norway can be in a position where we are internationally influential within these new technologies, and use them to contribute to the creation of a sustainable future. It is encouraging that we open this interdisciplinary research facility in the year of these anniversaries, and it is encouraging that this laboratory can contribute to results within the whole value chain, from basic research to new and innovative products. This is in accordance with different political strategies for our government:

• The strategy Science for the Future
• The strategy for entrepreneurship in education and training
• The SAK-strategy

The Governments SAK-strategy implies cooperation, dividing of academic fields, and concentration. To develop a quality culture, we need to work together across institutions, regions and nations. Each and every one cannot be in the front lead in the same academic field. You have understood this, and I believe that is one of the reasons for success.  NorFab is a good example! 

This year we also celebrate the establishment of a university in Norway - University of Oslo's 200th anniversary! This means that it is 200 years since science was institutionalized in Norway. As head of research and on behalf of the government I decided to use 2011 to ask the big questions, and established the “Year of Science”. Through a series of events, we seek a broad and critical public debate on the role of science and higher education. If science is to have an important role in society, it is important that researchers share their results, also to a broader public. Nansen was a well-known mediator of science. I strongly encourage representatives of Micro-Nano Technology research present here today to be inspired by the Year of Science, to demonstrate the great importance of your work!

For many young people, their choice of education is based on emotion and the identity they want to build, rather than rational, logical choice. They want to realize themselves and many of them want to “do something related to sustainability/environment”. For our challenges to obtain sustainable solutions, knowledge in science and technology is important, and education programs within these areas must attract young people. Micro –and nanotechnology has already proven to attract young people, and I am sure their use of the NorFab facilities and the close connection between research and education meet these young people’s expectations, show them that they can realize themselves through technological education, that they can contribute to a sustainable future and that their interest is maintained.

The general introduction of NorFab pointed out interdisciplinarity as an important quality of the NorFab facility. NorFab allows a multidisciplinary approach realized across the country by providing common infrastructure, and a meeting place. Interdisciplinarity is a competitive advantage in Norway. I see interdisciplinary research and work as a necessary, challenging and inspiring way to meet our future challenges.

The community- and knowledgepolitical aspects of the infrastructure is important.  NorFab contribute to Norway as a knowledge nation: Graduation of high-qualified candidates who are employed and raises the level of knowledge in the industry, Norwegian world-class researchers in selected areas and innovative ideas that contribute to value creation through start-up companies 

We thus see the role of NorFab as:

• an important infrastructure for research and education
• a productive ground for new businesses and thus jobs
• an interesting production space for small scale production

 

It is obvious that it is important that we in Norway have expertise in top-notch in this area.

As Minister of Research and Higher Education I would like to emphasize the crucial role that research plays in understanding and in finding answers to pressing global challenges such as climate change and its effects, both on nature and on societies. Through research, development and demonstration activities we can find new and more sustainable solutions.  

This is only possible through international cooperation with other leading countries. International research cooperation is of vital importance to ensure renewal and high quality of national research. Contributions from the international scientific community are essential in order to secure an advanced knowledge base.

Research infrastructure is an increasingly important part of international research cooperation. Like large scale programmes, cooperation on research infrastructure allows us to share risks and costs and to conduct more comprehensive projects.

Congratulations, with the opening of the Norwegian Micro- and Nanofabrication Facility, NorFab. NorFab is an excellent example on all the different strategies I have pointed out. I hope this will be an important addition both to academic staff and students, innovation and industry in the field of Micro and Nano Technology.

Special congratulations to all the partners; University of Oslo, Vestfold University College, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sintef, and the Research Counsil as a strategic funder of this infrastructure, which is one of the biggest infrastructures sponsored by the research council. Related to Micro- and Nanotechnology we recognize you as one – NorFab.

Thank you for your attention.