About Nordic NOIR
Building a stronger Nordic network for IBD research.
The Network
Nordic IBD research environments are internationally recognised and scientifically strong. At the same time, many groups remain relatively small and geographically dispersed. Nordic NOIR brings these environments closer together by creating new opportunities for collaboration, increasing access to expertise and infrastructure, and supporting larger joint projects across institutions and countries.
The Research Council of Norway funds the network, while leading Nordic research groups in gastroenterology, surgery, epidemiology, and translational medicine coordinate its activities.
Our Purpose
Nordic NOIR works to
- strengthen collaboration between Nordic IBD research groups
- improve the use of existing clinical cohorts, registries, and biobanks
- facilitate multicentre and translational research projects
- support early-career researchers through networking, mentoring, and exchange opportunities
- increase Nordic participation in international IBD collaborations and funding initiatives
- strengthen collaboration between clinical and basic science research
By connecting researchers across disciplines and institutions, Nordic NOIR is building a stronger and more coordinated Nordic research community within IBD.
Leadership and Organisation
The Gastroenterology Research Group at Oslo University Hospital coordinates Nordic NOIR. Core partners include several leading Norwegian research environments within gastroenterology, surgery, biostatistics, and epidemiology.
These partners include the Clinical Academic Group (CAG-IBD) at St. Olavs Hospital and NTNU, the Surgical Research Group at Akershus University Hospital, and the Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital. Together, these groups provide the scientific and organisational foundations of the network.
Nordic NOIR is currently establishing a governance structure that includes a national steering group as well as Nordic and international advisory boards. The network will also include patient representatives to ensure that patient perspectives help shape priorities and future development. This structure supports transparency, broad scientific collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
Why the Nordic Region?
The Nordic countries provide unique opportunities for IBD research. Researchers across the region have access to population-based cohorts, comprehensive health registries, and healthcare systems that support long-term, high-quality research.
Combined with a strong tradition of collaboration and data-driven medicine, these resources create an excellent foundation for innovative research that can improve understanding, treatment, and patient outcomes in IBD.
Nordic NOIR strengthens connections between existing research environments and infrastructures, making it easier to develop larger and more representative collaborative studies across the Nordic region.
Contact us
Don't hesitate e-mailing us at nordicnoir@ous-hf.no.