Dear Simula,

dear researchers, employees and everyone with a heart for – and a stake in – all the fantastic things happening here at Simula:

Congratulations on your big 25th anniversary! I am very happy to be here today to celebrate one of Norway’s impactful research institutes.

In the history of research, 25 years may seem like a brief moment – but for Simula, these years have been filled with groundbreaking work and a clear vision for the future.

You have kept pace with the rapid technological developments you were established to explore. You seize opportunities, adapt quickly – yet always with remarkable precision and excellence.

The establishment of Simula in 2001 was a political choice, linked to the establishment of IT-Fornebu at the former main airport of Oslo, with a bold mandate: To conduct research at the highest international level within ICT, educate researchers, and create innovation.

You have delivered on these ambitions on the highest level, while constantly keeping pace with the rapid technological developments you were set to explore. You seize opportunities, adapt quickly – yet with precision and excellence, within several fields:

  • Cybersecurity
  • AI
  • Quantum
  • Digital competence
  • Medicine (evt. “Computational medicine” for å være presis)

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Two fields of special importance today – AI security and collaboration with industry: 

Looking back, it is fair to say that it was forward-looking of the Norwegian authorities to establish Simula in its time – particularly considering the vital role the institute now plays in advancing trustworthy and safe AI, and in bridging the gap between research and industry so that knowledge is put into practice.

These two areas – trustworthy and secure AI, and closer collaboration between research and industry – are among my highest priorities as Minister of Research and Higher Education.

In the field of AI, your role is crucial. With initiatives such as the SURE‑AI centers, where Simula serves as host, and the Centre for Safe and Secure AI, you are at the forefront of important developments.

Norway has the ambition to become a global leader in trustworthy and secure AI, but achieving that goal depends on centers like these – and on their close collaboration with AI Security Institutes in like‑minded countries.

When it comes to collaboration between research and industry, Simula has done something Norway needs more of: turning curiosity-driven research into practical solutions. Through company building, support for entrepreneurship via Simula Innovation, and strong industry partnerships, you have helped bring basic research into use. This is exactly the kind of innovation a small, open economy like ours depends on.

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Basic research:

Speaking of basic research.

It is also worth remembering that Simula’s impact did not appear overnight. Simula’s success can be traced back to its focus on conducting long-term basic research, which over time has enabled Simula to lead the way in AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.

This highlights the importance of strong and well-funded basic research — something we have in Norway, and something we are committed to maintaining.

At the same time, it is now time to bring more private contributors on board — something this government is working actively to achieve.

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Education:

In addition to producing research on a high international level, I would like to highlight your important role in building future talent.

Through these 25 years Simula has contributed to developing the competence the public sector, and businesses in Norway need, by educating more than 200 PhD candidates (primarily in collaboration with UiO, UiB, and OsloMet), a corresponding number of post-docs, and more than 650 master's candidates.

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Future role:

Dear Simula,

There is no doubt that you have played a vital role in Norwegian society over the past 25 years – and although we live in a time when the future is difficult to predict, my confident guess is that you will become even more important in the years ahead.

The next twenty-five years may bring even more profound technological changes than the previous twenty-five. Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced simulation, and autonomous systems will reshape economies and societies.

In an increasingly volatile world, where cyber threats are a daily reality, digital resilience is synonymous with national security. In such times, we need Simula’s expertise in robust networks, cryptography, and cybersecurity.

Just as you already are, you will continue to be an important advisor to us in government, helping us design sound policies for the future.

To sum up: With your outstanding research environments – your strong networks and cross-sector partnerships – your excellent communication of knowledge – and, perhaps most importantly, with your curiosity – you give us all the knowledge preparedness we need in uncertain times.

For that, I would like to extend my sincere thanks.

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary – and best of luck for the next 25. I look forward to continuing our close and valuable cooperation. Thank you.