NOVA is a research institute under the auspices of the Norwegian Ministry of Education, Research and Church Affairs. The institute's aim is to conduct research and development with a view to promoting knowledge of social conditions and processes of change. It focuses on life-course, level-of-living and life-quality issues, and on the programs and services provided by the welfare society. NOVA has a particular responsibility to conduct research on social problems, public services and transfer schemes; to carry out and develop research on the family, children and young people and the conditions in which they grow up; to promote research, pilot and development programs with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups and child welfare services; and to work to develop gerontological research and related research, including gerontology as an interdisciplinary science.

NUPI was established by the Norwegian Parliament in order to promote a better understanding of international issues in Norway. NUPI has sought to achieve this by undertaking a wide range of research activities and disseminating information on international issues. The institute maintains an independent position in studying matters of relevance to Norwegian foreign policy and economic relations. As a small nation, Norway depends strongly on stable and open ties with the rest of the world and, consequently, the understanding of international relations and the constantly evolving international economy is a vital prerequisite for shaping both foreign and domestic policies. Through research and the dissemination of information, NUPI's objective is to increase awareness of the current international situation. The institute conducts research within its area of responsibility and undertakes assignments from private and public organizations.

PRIO's mission is to apply high-quality academic standards to the study of peace and conflict to help diminish violent conflict in practice. Scholarly research is at the core of all PRIO activities and concentrates on the driving forces behind violent conflict and on ways in which peace can be built, maintained, and spread. In addition to theoretical and empirical research, PRIO conducts policy-oriented activities and searches for solutions in cases of actual or potential violent conflict. PRIO's overall research is organized into three Strategic Institute Programs: Foreign and Security Policies; Ethics, Norms and Identities; and Conflict Resolution and Peace-building. The PRIO library holds a core stock of materials relevant to peace research, democracy, security policy, disarmament, and environmental issues. PRIO also hosts the editorial offices of Journal of Peace Research and Security Dialogue, two international journals that are published by SAGE in London.