The aim of the NorFA networks is to coordinate and increase the efficiency of Nordic research training by strenghtening informal contacts and by enhancing flexible cooperation between groups of researchers in the Nordic countries (and in the adjacent areas, NW Russia & the Baltic Sea Area). The network, recruiting its members preferably from all the five Nordic countries, is seen initiating a process of constructive cooperation that will continue beyond the period covered by the grant.
Senior researchers should be included as network leaders. Research students and young post docs are required of active contribution to the network throughout the work period.
The grant for the network (for maximum of 4 years) can be used for seminars, exhange of doctoral students and researchers, newsletters and planning meetings and similar cooperative activities.
The WMI network that was inititated by NIKK - Nordic Institute for Women´s Studies and Gender Research in 1996-97, consists of two parts:
The aim of the network is to:
The network will also arrange (closed) work meetings for the NorFA members and (open) workshops also for the "ad hoc" members and other interested scholars. The work meetings for the NorFA members are to be held twice annually, in Spring and in Autumn. Some of the "ad hoc" members will be invited to attend each work meeting.
The work meetings will circulate within the Nordic countries and in the adjacent areas. The meetings will consist of:
Sessions are based on papers and/or oral presentations by the lectures & participants and readings (1-2 articles per presentaton) that are distributed in advance.
For internal and external communication, the WMI network has (instead of newsletters) built up
The responsibility for the work meetings, the research course, the closing conference and decisions on the WMI mobility scholarships will fall upon the supervisors who will also rely in this on senior network members in particular.
All NorFA network members will share the responsbility, with the supervisors, for initiating and organizing open workshops and editing of joint publications, all based on mutual agreement reached at work meetings. The "ad hoc" members are invited to participate in these projects.
The network NorFA members are required to attend the closed work meetings regularly. A contribution to theme and additional sessions by a paper or by an oral presentation at least once a year, is a minimum for being an active participant of the network (see the NorFA requirements above).
The WMI network & NorFA will pay the travel costs and accommodation (room & board) to work meetings and will assist in financing other research meetings and workshops within the limits of its financial possibilities.