Norway Grants
The Norway Grants and the EEA Grants represent Norway’s contribution towards a green, competitive and inclusive Europe.
Through the Norway Grants and the EEA Grants, Norway contributes to reducing social and economic disparities and to strengthening bilateral relations with beneficiary countries in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltics. Norway cooperates closely with the EU through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). Together
with the other donors, Norway has provided €3.3 billion through consecutive grant schemes between 1994 and 2014.
Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway and are available in the countries that joined the EU after 2003. For the period 2014-2021, the Norway Grants amount to €1.25 billion. The priorities for this period are:
1 Innovation, Research, Education andCompetitiveness
2 Social Inclusion, Youth Employment and Poverty Reduction
3 Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy
4 Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights
5 Justice and Home Affairs
Eligibility for the Grants mirror the criteria set for the EU Cohesion Fund aimed at member countries where the Gross National Income (GNI) per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average.
The EEA and Norway Grants scheme consists of two financial mechanisms. The EEA Grants are jointly financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, whose contributions are based on their GDP. Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway.
The project: Arm neuroprosthesis equipped with artificial skin and sensorial feedback
This research project aims to develop a personalised arm neuroprosthesis, equipped with artificial skin and sensorial feedback for patients with partially amputated superior limbs, providing the unique capability of bidirectional connect the prosthesis with the peripheral nervous system from the patient stump.
The neuroprosthesis’ fabrication technology will include developing 3D printing mechatronic structure, bioprinting of neuronal interfaces and advanced hardware and software robotics modules for neuroprosthesis based arm. The application field is directly in the medical area, by means of regenerative medicine (growing the fascicles innervating the main hand muscles from the patient’s stump and connecting them to the neural sensitive biointerface) and by performing novel surgical procedures for the neuroprosthesis implantation.
“Advanced robotics, mechatronics and additive manufacturing technologies (3D printing, bio-printing)” & “Translational medicine in regenerative medicine, neurodegenerative and rare diseases”.
The project will also contribute to increasing the application of research results, in regenerative medicine, human-machine interfaces, organ on chip (Bioprinting for nerves regeneration), advanced robotics, new paradigms in neuroprosthetic surgery.
The Romanian – Norway cooperation will contribute to enhance the Romanian research, increased visibility and reputation by participation in international high-ranked Conferences and publications in ISI journals. The project successful implementation will create important opportunities for new partnerships in EU projects and will improve the participation of the Romanian teams to European Consortia of H2020 and beyond (FP9) projects.