Initiatives

Nordic Health Data Research Projects on COVID-19

Launched in 2020, this initiative aimed to leverage existing health data to combat the pandemic. Collaborating with partners from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, and Latvia, NordForsk allocated approximately NOK 53 million to five research projects. These projects focused on generating new knowledge to address COVID-19 and improve preparedness for future pandemics.

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Welfare Among Children and Young People in the Post-Pandemic Nordics

Recognising the significant impact of the pandemic on younger populations, NordForsk, in collaboration with the Academy of Finland and other Nordic research funders, launched a call in September 2022. This program supports interdisciplinary research on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the welfare of children and young people, emphasizing mental health, education, and living conditions. The initiative encourages comparative studies across Nordic countries to develop concrete solutions for enhancing youth well-being and preparing for future societal crises.

COVID-19 Among Health Care Professionals in the Nordic Countries

To address the high exposure risks faced by health care professionals during the pandemic, NordForsk launched a dedicated research initiative. This project aims to examine COVID-19's impact on the safety and working conditions of health care workers across the Nordic countries. With support from the Nordic Committee of Senior Officials for Health and Social Affairs, the project uses comparative data to understand infection rates, safety measures, and work environments, ultimately guiding policies for better protection in future health crises.

Societal Security Beyond COVID-19

This NordForsk initiative examines the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on societal security across the Nordic countries. With an available budget of NOK 45 million, projects explore issues like crisis management, public health, and community resilience, utilizing comparative data on differing Nordic responses as a “natural experiment.” The call emphasizes collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and end users to support evidence-based policies that enhance societal security in future crises.