The HS Orka Research Fund provides grants for specific research projects that are relevant to the company's operations and/or to HS Orka's sustainability focus. The purpose of the fund is to enhance knowledge within the company and promote progress and innovation in its operations.
The next allocation will take place in the spring of 2026. Applications are open from January 15 to February 15, 2026.
Allocation criteria
The projects supported by the Research Fund can be at the upper levels of university education, i.e., the master's or doctoral level, collaborative projects with knowledge institutions (e.g., universities, academic centers, natural history museums, and other institutions) or other parties; individuals, groups, small businesses, non-profit organizations, or associations. Projects can be either initiated by HS Orka or by external parties.
The Research Fund's Scientific Council evaluates applications equally from domestic and international parties. Projects can specifically address Icelandic issues and circumstances, have a connection to HS Orka's local operations, or have academic value regardless of location. In selecting projects, the global goals chosen by HS Orka are also taken into consideration.
Potential topics can, for example, be related to earth sciences, engineering, technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, the metal industry, renewable energy production, natural sciences and biodiversity, sustainability and environmental issues (e.g., climate change), gender equality and social issues, cartography and mapping. This list is not exhaustive.
Grant applications that are generally not considered:
- The fund does not provide grants for marketing.
- The fund generally does not provide grants for tuition, operating expenses, or travel. However, operating or travel costs may, as appropriate, be part of the implementation of projects supported by the fund.
- The fund does not provide grants for projects that are better suited to the allocation criteria of the HS Orka Community Fund., See here.
General inquiries should be sent electronically to rannsoknarsjodur(at)hsorka.is.
Confidence
The expert committee and others involved in the processing of applications shall maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding the information contained in the applications. HS Orka Ltd. is authorized to publicly disclose the name of the grant recipient and the title of the research project.
Implementation of grants
HS Orka hf. is authorized to make the granting of a grant conditional and shall enter into an agreement with the grant recipient which, as applicable, shall stipulate the arrangement for the grant payment, the grant recipient's obligations, the submission of reports, and monitoring, e.g., the preparation of progress, interim, and/or final reports.
The application link for the research fund is here