Category: Network

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Nine new networks will work for Nordic benefit

Nine new research networks will work towards Nordic benefits and progress in agriculture and food over the next two years, supported by NKJ. The NKJ board has now decided which networks will receive funding after the latest call for proposals.

 

 

The number of applications was high, and they were well-written with important focus areas, making the selection process challenging. The board had a demanding task in balancing the budget. In the end, nine networks were granted funding for their upcoming collaboration.

See the list below for a brief overview of what the networks will be working on!

Nordic network for food control research
The long-term aim of the network is to increase the science-based knowledge in food control, which will ultimately benefit consumer safety and fair treatment of food businesses. This will be achieved by facilitating food control research across disciplines, initiating research collaboration resulting in international research funding applications and increasing transdisciplinary collaboration between academia, food control authorities and food businesses.
Nordic Alternative Protein Knowledge and Innovation Network (NAPKIN)
The NAPKIN network wants to position Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway as key actors in protein transition, which leads to economic growth as well as increased health and well-being of the people and the planet. The aim is to establish a viable Nordic network of researchers and stakeholders, fostering the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and facilitating joint funding applications at both the Nordic and EU levels, to address knowledge/research gaps collaboratively and strengthen the region’s common capabilities.
Fimbulwinter wheat – creating a team with a plan to adapt winter wheat for difficult winters
The long-term aim of the network is to deepen understanding of important traits for increased stability of winter wheat cultivation in the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Network for Nordic Landrace Sheep Wool (NordWool)
The long-term aim of the network is to enhance sustainable use of Nordic sheep breeds, emphasizing wool quality to balance the current focus on meat production. By promoting the often-overlooked role of wool, the project contributes to a more holistic utilization of these genetic resources. T
Nordic berry research network
The long-term aim is to establish a research forum for the mutual exchange of knowledge across a wide range of issues and challenges related to both wild and cultivated berries. This approach will enable the identification and utilization of synergies between existing resources while fostering the creation of new ones.
Cultivated muscle-cell based food (CMBFood)
The network gathers a diverse group of stakeholders (including scientists working with all aspects of cultivated meat), to support a holistic exchange of ideas and knowledge, and joint applications for research in cultivated muscle-cell based food, with special focus on the end-product, in the Nordic countries.
Healthy udders through a herd health perspective
The long-term aim of the network is to enhance health, welfare and milk quality of dairy cattle as the basis for long-term sustainability of dairy farms in the Nordic countries. Furthermore, this collaborative network aims to enhance competitiveness and profitability of the Nordic dairy production and safe dairy products for the consumers.
NORDIC-BALTIC Research Network on Organic Food and Farming
The network will arrange a scientific in-person conference directed towards the Nordic-Baltic organic research, and relevant stakeholder, community. The aim of the conference is to share and discuss recent research outcomes within organic food and farming and its societal interactions – dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders are necessary for implementation of research.
Understanding plastic pollution in agrifood systems to protect agriculture and health: The AGRIFOODPLAST Network
The network will strengthen the Nordics’ role in shaping EU policies on soil protection and food safety regarding plastic and chemical additive pollution, drive innovation in Nordic and EU research agendas, coordinate Nordic research efforts and integrate plastic pollution into broader agricultural sustainability analyses.

 

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Matchmaking for researchers in agriculture and food – and a funding opportunity

NKJ has an open call for networks in agriculture and food. We want as many nordic researchers as possible to exchange knowledge, therefore we arrange a matchmaking event for you to find new colleagues, to elaborate your scientific project further and to get inspired.

 

When: December 10 2024, 13.30–16.00 CET
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be sent out in advance of the meeting
Registration: Register by filling out the form. Registration closes at December 6, 17.00 CET.

Welcome to join our online matchmaking event, to find out more about how to apply for funds from Nordic Agri Research (NKJ), hear from an ongoing network how they use their collaboration platform, and connect with other researchers who are looking for collaboration opportunities!

You will be inspired by a coordinator of an ongoing research network who will talk about what type of activities they have organised, what they have achieved so far and how they have benefitted from collaborating in the Nordic region. NKJ will also inform you about the current open call that can fund your future networking activities.

AGENDA
13.30 Welcome and presentations
13.50 How to apply for funds from NKJ – tips and tricks
14.10 Inspiration talk from an ongoing Nordic research network, Ievina Sturite (NIBIO), CoverCropsNordic
14.30 Networking workshop with Malin von Essen
16.00 Finish


CONTACT
If you have any questions, send an email to 

 

 

 

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OPEN CALL 2025: Funding opportunity for agricultural and food researchers

NKJ now welcomes applications from researcher networks in all aspects of food and agriculture, as part of their 60-year anniversary in 2025. By this call, NKJ wants to promote Nordic and transdisciplinary collaboration.

 
Deadline for application: 31 januari 2025
Apply by filling in the application form below and sending it to  
 
The aim of the call is to promote Nordic collaboration between researchers from agricultural and food sectors by networking activities including workshops, conferences and seminars. Transdisciplinary networks between researchers and stakeholders are encouraged. This open call welcomes applicants from all fields of research within food and agriculture.
 
NKJ will host an online matchmaking event on December 10 2024 (information and registration here), where you will be able to connect with other researchers who are looking for collaboration opportunities. This event will also include information on the open call and an opportunity to ask questions.
 
It is also possible to find information on previously funded networks on NKJ’s website.
 

To have the chance to be granted, the network should include applicants from at least three Nordic countries. Each gender must be represented by a minimum of 40% of the participants in the network, and NKJ welcomes applicants and participants of other genders. Young researchers should be included in the network. 

Network outputs should be useful for the Nordic community and should include knowledge exchange across national borders through e.g. arranging workshops, seminars/webinars, scientific meetings or open conferences. The funding can be used to bring additional value to ongoing research projects through mentioned activities.

Successful applicants may receive funds from NKJ of up to 300.000 SEK for two years of network activities from April 2025 to March 2027, covering at most 50% of the total budget for the network. The total budget for the call is 2.000.000 SEK.

This call is open for applicants from all fields of research within food and agriculture!

Call text

Application form

NKJ strategy

Gender equality guidelines

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Join the Nordic-Baltic Food Systems Conference and Policy Forum

The conference “Challenging Intersections: Securing Sustainable Food Systems in Turbulent Times” will take place in Helsinki, Finland, 26-27.5.2025. Please save the dates, registration opens February 1, 2025!

 

Food systems face multiple and by large, intertwined challenges. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution call for immediate actions across the food system, from the fields to the plates. At the same time the geopolitical turbulences have raised food security concerns to the political agendas of the European states and the European Union. The meaning of food for our wellbeing and health is unquestionable and calls for stronger appreciation across society and by the people.

Dealing with such complex problems is a challenge for both research, policy makers, and food system actors. The intertwined challenges cannot be solved by focusing on a single element of the food system, or by a specific sectoral policy or individual scientific discipline. The 1st Nordic-Baltic food systems conference and policy forum invites researchers, policy makers and food system actors to take stock on the challenges related to securing sustainability food systems, share experiences across the Nordic and Baltic countries and look for innovative solutions and future collaborations.

Please find information and more detailed programme of the conference and policy forum here.

The call for papers is open until 17th January 2025.

The scientific committee welcomes all interested researchers, policy makers and food system actors to join the transdisciplinary discussions. Please distribute the call widely in your networks!

You are also welcome to join the LinkedIn group of Nordic-Baltic Network of Transdisciplinary Food Systems Research (NFN), which we have just opened. The aim of the NFN is to foster collaboration amongst Nordic-Baltic researchers, food system actors and policy makers on transdisciplinary food systems research. The network is open to all interested.

 

On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic scientific committee,

Minna Kaljonen, chair of the scientific committee and the conference, research professor, Finnish Environment Institute

Juha Helenius, co-chair of scientific committee and food policy forum, professor, University of Helsinki

 

Contact

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NKJ network paves the way for sustainable Nordic food systems

An NKJ co-funded network has gathered experts to promote sustainable food systems both at local, national, and global levels. The result is twelve targeted intervention areas, described in a detailed white paper.

 

The network met in person three times during the two year partnership. The picture is from the final meeting and launch of the White Paper on Nordic Food Systems in Copenhagen in June 2024.
From the left: Bjørnar Komissar, Sabina Kuraj, Guðrún Ólafsdóttir, Gunnar Vittersø, Nína María Saviolidis, Iida Alasentie, Silvia Gaiani, E lisabeth S karðhamar Olsen, Robert VanOtterdijk, Michelle Williams and Anna Sofía Veyhe.
Photo: University of Helsinki

Addressing the twelve intervention areas might contribute to achieving a green, socially sustainable, and competitive Nordic region. The white paper, containing the intervention areas, represents the vision of all those who contributed to it and builds on data and evidence collected in existing reports and projects.

The aim was neither to duplicate what has already been written on the Nordic sustainable food system nor to present a list of “easy recipes” to promote a Nordic vision. Rather, it aimed to reflect on several topics and intervention actions that should be prioritised, as they are often neglected in the current literature.

Cooperation will be the way
In NKJ, we often say that the Nordic countries are stronger together. They share sustainability commitments and similar food system challenges. By realising their potential and exploring their options and opportunities for joint action, the Nordic countries are expected to engage in discussions with other countries worldwide and be a leading example.

No ranking
All intervention areas are equally urgent and should not be addressed in isolation, due to Silvia Gaiani, part of the network that wants to implement a holistic approach that underlines structural changes to reach a common Nordic vision.

– If one intervention area is prioritized, the risk is that some others might be delayed, she says.

For policy makers – and public
The paper is meant to be read by policy makers, but also the public. It raises awareness and allows actors to reflect on and make sense of their roles in promoting action on sustainable food system solutions.

– We hope it can create a space for communication and negotiation, encouraging synergies between actors from the various sectors which are searching for and implementing sustainable food systems approaches, says Silvia Gaiani.

She has a dream about the future, where the white paper can play a role:

– Above all I would like the Nordic countries to set examples and best practices and lead the way to the establishment of sustainable, future proof food systems.

The change is necessary
On the other hand, if nothing changes, she has worries for the future. She sees increased inequalities, fragmented food systems, power imbalances in the food supply chain, loss of biodiversity, increased health risks and non communicable diseases, and unethical consumerism.

New pathway to the future
NKJ is currently sponsoring a follow-up on the previous network, entitled ”A Nordic Baltic framework for Sustainable Food Systems”. Its aim is to create a theoretical framework which will lead to the development a database for Nordic and Baltic sustainable food systems. A consortium has been organized, with eight participating Nordic institutions, and will collaborate with experts and international organizations.

– We are truly committed to support a just and green transition of the Nordic food systems. We are on a mission to create the change we want to live in, says Silvia Gaiani.

Download the white paper

Read more about the ambitions and partners of the  network “The role of Nordic research in transition to sustainable agro-marine food systems” here!

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NKJ network is working for consumer acceptance of cultured meat

Popular Science Piece from NKJ network Cultured meat – Nordic take
Nordic consumers generally have a neutral to slightly positive perception of cultivated meat, particularly among men and younger individuals. Acceptance of cultivated meat is likely to increase if policies are designed and executed in alignment with the principles of Nordic welfare societies. 

Contact: Jette Feveile Young,

 

Cultivated meat is a relatively new food concept, currently in the developmental stages in terms of both technology and consumer awareness/acceptance. While the USA, the Netherlands, and Israel are leading the way, the Nordic region features a significant food production and food & biotech industry, with a strong focus on green transition and innovation. Consequently, the Nordic countries have much to offer in developing cultivated meat from a technical perspective. Surveys conducted in Norway, Finland, and Denmark reveal that consumers in these countries have a neutral to slightly optimistic view of cultivated meat, particularly among men and younger individuals. Familiarity with cultivated meat appears to enhance acceptance, and consumers who are surrounded by positive attitudes and intentions toward cultivated meat within their social networks are more inclined to try it.

However, attitudes and engagement alone are not sufficient. Cultivated meat production in the Nordic countries must include solutions acceptable to the typical Nordic consumer, with a positive environmental footprint being a crucial factor for the endorsement. For the Nordic consumers to accept cultivated meat, sustainability aspects such as energy consumption, land use, raw material source and ethics must be addressed. Generally, cultivated meat based on non-GMO cells and locally accessible raw material for cell media and scaffolding is considered a favorable solution in Nordic countries. Cultivated meat is likely to be embraced only if policies are designed and implemented in the spirit of the Nordic welfare societies. This means ensuring that no one, including farmers or traditional industries, is left behind, while also addressing the environmental, societal, and ethical aspects of cultivated meat.

Nordic consumers’ beliefs about the necessity of cultivated meat and its impacts on the global economy are significant predictors of their intentions to buy and consume it. Additionally, positive first impressions of cultivated meat drive intentions and dietary substitution, even though familiarity and knowledge associated with cultivated meat are somewhat limited.

Jette Feveile Young at the 2nd International Cellular Agriculture Conference 11-12.06.2024.

The network Cultivated Meat – Nordic take has focused, from start to finish, on information, awareness and societal debates as crucial factors for engaging stakeholders and gaining consumer acceptance. Information about the novel concept of cultivated meat has been communicated through podcasts, popular media, scientific media, festivals, radio and television. These network activities have been interwoven, leading to common international and collaborative applications and conference organization. Both Norway and Denmark have successfully attracted large grants covering technical topics as well as ethics and social sciences. These projects, with their broad scopes and activities, are well-suited for vital interdisciplinary collaborations and serve as essential vital platforms from which to communicate scientific breakthroughs and engage with the public in the Nordic countries.

THE NETWORK: Cultured meat – Nordic take:
The technology of cultured meat is still at the early stages and many concepts have yet to be investigated. The network has contributed to increase the awareness of this topic among stakeholders (academia, companies, investors, and different types of organization) and its emerging activities in the Nordic countries. Following the first stakeholder seminar in 2022 (online due to Covid-19) some stakeholders made contact of which a few led to collaborations and also direct funding.


Cultured meat – Nordic take IN MEDIA:

Nordisk produceret laboratorieskabt kød undervejs

 

 

 


Publications from the network:

Köckner, C.A., Engel, L., Moritz, J., Burton, R.J., Young, J.F., Kidmose, U., Ryynänen, T. 2022. Milk, Meat, and Fish from the petri dish – Which attributes would make cultured proteins (un)attractive and for whom? Results from a Nordic survey. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 6, 17 s., 847931 DOI: 0.3389/fsufs.2022.847931

Engel, L., Vilhelmsen, K., Richter, I., Moritz, J., Ryynänen, T., Young, J.F., Burton, R.J.F., Kidmose U., Klöckner, C.A. (2024). Psychological factors influencing consumer intentions to consume cultured meat, fish and dairy. Appetite. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107501

Rasmussen, M.K., Gold, J., Kaiser, M.W., Moritz, J., Räty, N., Rönning, S.B., Ryynänen, T., Skrivergaard, S., Ström, A., Therkildsen, M., Tuomisto, H.L., Young, J.F. (2024). Critical review of cultivated meat from a Nordic perspective. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 144: 104336. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104336

Wali, M.E., Karinen, H., Rønning, S.B., Dorca-Preda, T., Skrivergaard, S., Rasmussen, M.K., Young, J.F., Therkildsen, M., Mogensen, L., Ryynänen, T., Tuomisto, H.L. (2024). Life cycle assessment of culture media with alternative compositions for cultured meat production. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. Published online 1 Aug 2024. DOI: 10.1007/s11367-024-02350-6

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Join the webinar on cooperation in field trial experiments

WEBINAR May 27, 13:00-15:00 CET:

“Value Creation of Cross Border Cooperation for Field Trial Experiments”

 
This webinar aims to explore how cross-border cooperation can overcome challenges faced by smaller research projects, which might otherwise be overlooked, and how it can facilitate broader variety testing and screening. By working together, we can increase the size and diversity of our datasets, including a wider range of climatic conditions and soil types across the Nordic region.
 
Participants will have the opportunity to:
  • Present ideas for cross-border projects
  • Gain inspiration for new projects
  • Identify potential collaborators across the Nordic region
  • Learn from others’ experiences in managing cross-Nordic projects
  • Discover potential funding sources to support cross-border Nordic projects
 
Discussion Points:
  • Identifying research areas and applied field trial experiments that would benefit from a wider collaboration
  • Discussing the future of field trial experiments in this context
  • Leveraging the Nordic field trial system (NFTS) as a digital hub for data collection and analysis, fostering cross-border cooperation
  • Exploring innovative ideas for implementing cross-border cooperation, sharing data, and knowledge on technology and methods
 
SIGN UP by mail:
 
Do you want to present? Mail or
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Nine new networks granted NKJ funds

Nine new networks are granted funding from NKJ from 2024. The fokus of the call was all aspects of food and agriculture.

 

The NKJ board made a decision to fund nine new networks, during their last meeting in the end of February. The number of applications was all time high, and the number of funded networks also turned out higher than usual. The applications was of high standard and the networks highly relevant, and therefore the board found it easy to grant more of them.

The total sum shared between the networks is 2 500 000 SEK, which is much higher than usual, due to the large number of granted networks.

The focus of the call this time was broad and open for networks in all aspects of food and agricultural research. The aim of the call was to facilitate collaboration between researchers in the Nordic countries, increase synergies and bridge gaps between research and practice. And in the end, nine applicants was found responding best to the requirements.

Congratulations to all granted networks, and welcome to work for a sustainable agriculture sector together with NKJ!

Next chance to apply for funding for research networks from NKJ will be in 2025. Sign upp for the NKJ newsletter to know when the next call opens!

These are the new NKJ researcher network:

2024-01 Nordic network of agricultural data scientists

2024-02 Nordic-Baltic Plant Phenotyping Network (NB-PPN)

2024-03 Sustainable meat production in the Nordic region – NordMeat

2024-04 Nordic Field Trial Network 2

2024-05 A Nordic-Baltic framework for sustainable food systems

2024-06 The Arctic ReseArch Network for Diseases in reindeer related to hUSbandry and climate change (TARANDUS 2.0)

2024-07 Nordic Food Systems Transdisciplinary Research Network

2024-08 Sustainable dairy for the future – product quality and new technologies

2024-09 Developing Integrated Pest Management in Nordic currant production

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Cooperation in equestrian sport is crucial for the horse’s health

Researchers have agreed on important points to create better horse health in equestrian sports. Collaboration is one of the corner stones.

Find the policy science piece here

The NKJ co-funded networks Swedish Centre for Animal Welfare (SCAW) and Nordic Network for Communicating Animal Welfare (NordCAW) has arranged seminars and meetings during the past year. 

The seminars and meetings have evoked discussions regarding the need for change in equestrian sports and what measures need to be taken in Sweden, the Nordic countries, and Europe as a whole.

Some key points from the activities are:
• the need for improved assessment and control of horses before and during competitions
• the need for change of focus from the horse’s head position, to how the horse carries itself
• the need for assessment of conflict behaviours during competition and warm-up
• training based on learning theories adapted to the horses’ condition and prerequisites
• need for changes on what and how equipment are being used

• To accomplish any kind of positive changes towards sustainable equestrianism it has also been stressed the importance of barriers analysis and collaboration between different actors, such as authorities, sports associations, veterinarians, academia and NGO’s. All have a different role to play, and all are needed for long-term change.

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Matchmaking day: living labs and lighthouses in agriculture and food

NKJ has an open call for networks in agriculture and food. We want as many nordic researchers as possible to exchange knowledge, therefore we arrange a matchmaking day for you to find new colleagues, to elaborate your scientific project further and to get inspired.

 

When: December 14th 2023, 13.30–16.00 CET
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be sent out in advance of the meeting
Registration: Register to the event by sending an email (name, research area and institution) to

 

The main goal of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ is to establish 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030.

On the matchmaking day we take a deep dive into how you as a researcher can utilize living labs and lighthouses. We also offer an opportunity to connect with other researchers who are looking for collaboration opportunities on research connected to living labs and/or light houses. Matchmaking with other researchers will be carried out in smaller groups to maximaze the chance for the participants to gain new contacts in their own area of interest.

The groups will mainly focus on food and agricultural research in living labs/light houses connected to:

  • Climate resilience
  • Soil health
  • Plant health

You will be inspired by speakers from light houses and living labs in the Nordic region. NKJ will also inform you about the current open call that can fund your future networking activities.

AGENDA
13.30 Welcome
13.35 Inspiration talk: PLEN Living Labs
13.55 Inspiration talk: cooperation on light houses, Mære landbruksskole
14.15 How to apply for funds from NKJ: tips and trix
14.30 Networking workshop
16.00 Finish