HERD Maritime 2010-2014

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has developed a Programme in Higher Education, Research and Development in the Western Balkans (HERD.) The overall aim of HERD is to contribute to economic growth and social development through co-operation in higher education and research in the Western Balkans.

Aalesund University College will administer HERD Maritime. Project Applications shall be prepared in partnerships between institutions in Western Balkans and in Norway. Project proposals shall have a lead partner institution in Norway, which shall submit the application to AUC via the Sector Manager at The International office for registration and further processing. HERD Maritime Application Form and Guidelines for Applicants can be downloaded here:

The objectives of HERD Maritime are

1. Institutional Development: To contribute to educating a national work force that has adequate innovative qualifications in the maritime sector by building, in the longer term perspective, sustainable capacity of higher education institutions in the Western Balkans.
2. Applied Research and Development: To stimulate innovation, product and process development in the maritime sector through support to applied research and development in the Western Balkans.

The scope and objectives of HERD are outlined in the HERD Programme Document dated 01.03.2010. Croatian projects will from 2012 not be eligible for funding.

There are a number of maritime-related themes that seem to be of great importance for the region. Some of them are connected to the operational safety of shipping and the development of better coastal traffic monitoring. The improvement of the coastal zone management and infrastructure, and the commercialization of maritime skills are also such areas. As well as the development of fish farming technology and resource management both in costal areas and connected to fresh water related projects.

One of the HERD programmes aims is to strengthen the building of long-term relationships in academia and between academia and professional life. The development of close relationships between research and private enterprise is essential. Equally important is academic education and training in all the above mentioned areas.

MFA shall, subject to Parliamentary appropriation, make available to the HERD Maritime a financial allocation not exceeding NOK 32,000,000 (Norwegian kroner thirty two million) over four years. The funds shall be utilized during the planned HERD Maritime programme period 2010 – 2014 according to the priorities of the HERD Maritime Sector Board.

Application deadline is November 25th 2011 at 15:00 hrs. The decision on the allocation of funds will be made by the HERD Maritime Sector Board on tentatively April 1st 2011. Projects that receive funding from HERD Maritime should be completed by 31.12.2014.

The Secretariat’s Sector Manager is Liv Møller-Christensen, Aalesund University College, Box 1517, N 6025 Aalesund. Phone: +47 70161336 / 99040928, telefax: +47 70161300, e-mail: lm@hials.no