Centre of Advanced Research (CAR)

CAR projects supported by SNS

The CAR concept

A CAR could be defined as a joint Nordic forest research program within a specified scope (field/area). It has a fixed duration (4-5 yr.) after which it will be evaluated. If successful SNS may approve of and fund a continuation for another program period. More specific a CAR is:

• a network, approved by SNS, with a specified core in terms of scientific subject matter and leadership, in which research is carried out in a decentralised manner as agreed on in regular planning processes by the CAR partners themselves and as funded by the participants. Each CAR must address the question of integrating existing networks of SNS in the area and a CAR should be open to other Nordic research in the area
• a CAR should be open to Baltic/Adjacent Area cooperation

Aim

The aim of a CAR is to obtain synergies and avoid overlapping R&D work while keeping the extra administrative work at a minimum, i.e. to use the total Nordic R&D resources within the subject area in the most efficient /optimal way  thus increasing the return on the R&D funds invested.

Objective

The objective of a CAR is a close co-ordination of the strategic (4-5 yr. period) and operative (annual) working plans resulting in co-operation in or distribution of tasks/activities which are clearly specified regarding objectives, target groups, personnel input, responsibilities, and financial terms.