Ready for a record-breaking Science Week 2012

Transatlantic Science Week is being held for the eleventh time, and is an important meeting place for politicians, scientists, managers and others who are pursuing higher education, research and innovation in the US, Canada and Norway. This year's is a record, with more than 500 participants, including 200 from Norway. Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center are partnering hosts this year.

- Science Week is a key arena for academic cooperation between Norway and North America. Research plays a crucial role in understanding and solving global challenges facing the world. Therefore, this year's focus on health and energy are especially important. I hope this year's Science Week will lead to the establishment of new networks, says Minister Kristin Halvorsen.

"Bridging Partnerships»
The title of this year's event is "Bridging Partnerships," and refers to the overarching goal of encouraging scientific cooperation between Norway and the U.S. and Canada on research, technology, innovation and higher education.

The Minister for Education and Research Kristin Halvorsen will give the opening speech during on Tuesday. She will also meet Dr. Subras Suresh, Director of the National Science Foundation. She will also visit several universities and research institutions.

Both nationally and globally, the world is facing major challenges of providing health care for an aging population and the rise of chronic diseases and more complex needs for assistance. One of the sessions, Health Professionals for a New Century, addresses these issues in light of the need for improved links between education, research and health care.