Northern highlights: Science in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark

Northern highlights: Science in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Finland
The country’s rags-to-riches success over the past two decades, the result of targeted public funding for R&D, has taught the Finnish government the value of planning ahead.

Sweden
By one measure at least, Sweden leads the world in investing in science and technology. It has an enviable 4.27 per cent of its GDP committed to research and development, which is well above the European Union average.

“Make no mistake – there’s big science going on here”To see this in action, you need look no further than the Swedish Human Proteome Resource Programme.

Denmark
Denmark is a natural incubator. In one area the size of Silicon Valley, the country boasts a cluster of eight universities, six university hospitals and more than 140 biotech companies. Centre for Sensory-Motor Interaction at Aalborg University shows this in action.

Norway

Meanwhile, Norway’s foray into functional genomics, FUGE, is four years old and thriving, with funding recently extended to 2011. The programme will develop national proficiency in genomics in relation to basic biology, medical and marine research.Meanwhile, Norway’s foray into functional genomics, FUGE, is four years old and thriving, with funding recently extended to 2011. The programme will develop national proficiency in genomics in relation to basic biology, medical and
marine research.

Read the whole article at: New Scientist: Northern highlights, by Nancy Bazilchuk