Institute for Rural and Regional Research (Ruralis)

Ruralis – Institute for Rural and Regional Research is an independent research institute based in Norway, with offices in Trondheim and Oslo. According to its official website, the institute has over 40 years of experience in rural research in the Nordic countries and beyond, and has established a reputation as one of the leading academic research centers for rural sociology in Europe. It employs approximately 35 researchers and support staff across its two locations. The institute conducts national and international interdisciplinary research projects organized around three main areas: climate and resource management; local communities; and business development and bioeconomy. Its stated mission is to conduct high-quality, innovative research that promotes sustainable and just development in rural and regional areas in Norway and globally. Ruralis also holds a national responsibility for developing and maintaining theoretical and methodological research competence in rural sociology, and for conducting applied research and development projects for both public and private sectors. Ruralis describes itself as aiming to be an international hub for rural sociology, enhancing collaboration across disciplines, actors, and countries. Its researchers come from backgrounds including sociology, geography, history, business economics, social anthropology, political science, and agronomy. The institute actively collaborates with stakeholders in business, policy, and society to make its research more socially relevant and applicable. It publishes articles and hosts events, such as workshops and webinars on inclusive and sustainable food systems. As a research institute rather than a commercial company, Ruralis operates as a knowledge-producing organization serving public and private sector clients, policymakers, and the broader research community. Its work addresses rural and regional development challenges in Norway, the Nordic region, and internationally.

Ruralis – Institute for Rural and Regional Research is an independent Norwegian research institute with over 40 years of experience in rural research, according to its official website. It has built a reputation as one of the leading academic research centers for rural sociology in Europe. The institute is based in two locations, Trondheim and Oslo, and employs approximately 35 researchers and support staff. Over its history, Ruralis has conducted national and international interdisciplinary research projects across three main areas: climate and resource management, local communities, and business development and bioeconomy. It holds a national responsibility for developing and maintaining theoretical and methodological research competence in rural sociology in Norway, and for carrying out applied research and development projects for the public and private sectors. In recent years, the institute has emphasized internationalization and cross-border collaboration, recruiting international researchers and aiming to be an international hub for rural sociology. Its researchers publish articles and the institute hosts events such as workshops and webinars on topics including inclusive and sustainable food systems. Specific founding dates, directors, and ownership details are not provided in the available evidence.

Independent research institute and one of Europe's leading academic centers for rural sociology, serving public and private sectors with applied and interdisciplinary research.

• Climate and resource management research

  Interdisciplinary research on climate and resource management in rural and regional contexts.

• Local communities research

  Research focused on local communities and rural social dynamics.

• Business development and bioeconomy research

  Research on business development and bioeconomy in rural areas.

1. 1Ruralis - Institutt for rural- og regionalforskningruralis.no
2. 2About us - Ruralisruralis.no
3. 3Institute for Rural and Regional Research (Ruralis) - Wikidatawikidata.org