Strategy at the Faculty of Natural Sciences 2026 - 2035
Strategy 2026 - 2035
Faculty of Natural Sciences today
The Faculty of Natural Sciences (NV) has a national responsibility for research and education in biology, physics, and chemistry, as well as for scientific technologies such as biotechnology, aquaculture, medical technology, chemical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, and quantum technology.
From January 2026, the faculty consists of seven departments:
- Department of Biological Sciences Ålesund (IBA)
- Department of Biology (IBI)
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science (IBT)
- Department of Chemical Engineering (IKP)
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Laboratory Science (IKB)
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering (IMA)
- Department of Physics (IFY)
The faculty has responsibility for study programs in science and technology within our areas of expertise and has a total of 3,800 students enrolled in unique and highly sought-after study programs.
NV’s vision for 2035
In 2035, the Faculty of Natural Sciences is a key contributor to responsible, sustainable, and nature-positive societal development. We achieve this by combining high-quality fundamental research in natural sciences with technology development and education within our areas of expertise.
Our study programs rank among the best in the Nordic region, and our graduates are sought after by employers for their solid competence within natural sciences and ability to address the complex societal challenges of the future.
NV serves as the hub for fundamental research within NTNU’s main profile in science and technology, working closely with other scientific communities to tackle global challenges. Our strong research groups take European ownership of our research areas and excel in national and international evaluations. We are a preferred partner in research and education and are leading the development of key research centers and infrastructures.
The faculty is a flexible organization, able to adapt to new needs and challenges. Through interdisciplinary and international collaboration with academia, research institutes, and the private sector, we ensure a sustainable balance between meeting society’s needs within the limits of nature.
NV’s targeted missions
Fundamental research is the foundation of all our activities. To address complex societal challenges and contribute with tangible solutions, the faculty prioritizes scientific research, innovation, and education within the following areas:
- Halt and reverse loss of nature and biodiversity
- Develop enabling and emerging technologies within natural sciences
- Collaborate in the development of new sustainable industrial processes
NV shall be a leader in fundamental research and technology development within natural sciences
NV shall be an internationally recognized actor within our research areas and actively contribute to knowledge development and dissemination with a strategic focus on our targeted missions. Our research activity is based on strong research groups, where students are closely integrated. We make use of advanced research infrastructure and methodologies in our groundbreaking research, innovation, and education.
We will achieve this by:
- Strengthening our research groups to ensure high scientific quality and strategic capacity to develop new research and innovation activities, with a particular focus on EU collaboration.
- Developing good collaboration between research groups, departments, and centers at the faculty, as well as reinforcing our position as a preferred partner within research and education.
- Developing, maintaining, and investing in research infrastructure and methodologies that support fundamental and applied research, and education at a high international level. This also serves as a tool for collaborating with national and international infrastructures and high-quality academic communities.
- Developing and positioning NV and NTNU within the international research community through long-term collaboration with leading academic communities, industry, the research sector, and public authorities. This will contribute to the development of new industries and value chains.
NV shall educate Norway’s most relevant and attractive candidates within natural sciences and technology
Our study programs shall be the natural first choice for prospective students within our areas of expertise nationally. The faculty shall be characterized by a strong academic and social learning environment, and we will offer our students high-quality skills training in laboratory and fieldwork. NV shall be a leading provider of graduates who contribute to societal transition, with a strategic focus on our targeted missions. Our graduates shall be internationally sought after for their academic strength and ability to collaborate across disciplines.
We will achieve this by:
- Continuously improving the quality of our study programs at all levels through program-driven development, recognized pedagogical practices, and increased collaboration with working life.
- Continue to foster a strong learning and study environment characterized by close collaboration among students within each study program and close interaction between students and academic staff.
- Offering our students research-based education and access to modern research infrastructure that provides relevant theoretical and practical competence within an international research community.
- Strategical and continuous development of the study program portfolio, aiming for a dynamic and efficient portfolio adapted to society’s needs and providing graduates with relevant sustainability and digital competence.
- Establishing arenas for interdisciplinary and international collaboration in education, both internally at NV and with other faculties at NTNU, as well as supporting international mobility for students and researchers.
NV shall be a driving force in developing and applying knowledge on nature’s terms
Through our research and education, NV will be a leading force in the transition to a sustainable society that strengthens and safeguards biodiversity and the environment. The faculty, with its unique combination of technological and scientific expertise, will take an active role in the development of enabling and emerging technologies, and contribute to sustainable development and nature-positive resource management.
We will achieve this by:
- Strengthening our role as a knowledge developer by connecting fundamental research, applied research, and innovation, enabling value creation within the limits of nature.
- Recruiting and educating candidates in natural sciences and technology who will contribute to responsible resource management and sustainable development of society.
- Contributing with our expertise to collaboration projects and centers with industry, research institutes, and public authorities for a holistic approach to the green transition.
- Strengthening NTNU’s academic community through increased knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration between NV’s departments and other faculties at NTNU, as well as participating in NTNU’s strategic research areas.
- Showcasing our unique identity by actively contributing to fact-based public debate and publishing research in relevant channels and reputable journals.