VISTA for 20 years. The story of an exceptional partnership

Targeted and non-bureaucratic partnership

VISTA’s focus areas and work methodologies

VISTA is Statoil’s basic research programme which is conducted in close collaboration with the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. VISTA, established in 1985, has always been true to its stated purpose: to provide support and help develop sound Norwegian basic research in fields that are significant for the development of the oil and gas industry.

The goal of the collaboration is specified in these targets:

• through the Academy of Science and Letters to establish efficient and multidisciplinary communication between Statoil and Norwegian basic research communities
• to stimulate and promote Norwegian scientists and basic research communities in priority areas
• to ensure efficient organisation and competent human resources in basic research projects.

Technical environments at Norway’s universities are invited, through VISTA, to apply for project sponsorship for their PhD programmes and post-doctoral students. VISTA’s ambition is to fund approximately 25 projects each year.

The work of bringing interesting projects to fruition is done with as little red tape as possible. There are no fixed application dates. Basic research communities and individuals can enquire at the Academy of Science and Letters at any time and apply for project support. In assessing potential projects, VISTA draws on the know-how and networks that the Academy represents. Interesting projects and candidates are also identified through the same network.