The Research Council of Norway comprises four research divisions, one division for administrative affairs and an executive staff organised directly under the Director General. The Research Council has some 400 employees.

The Director General’s executive staff is responsible for coordinating activities relating to budget planning, annual reports, statistics, strategic initiatives, international cooperation and media contact.

The International Office

The International Office is part of the Director General's staff and works to promote greater international research cooperation and to further develop Norway’s international research policy. The international affairs staff is also responsible for much of the Research Council's contact with other international research organisations and institutions.

The Board system

The Executive Board and Division Research Boards

The Research Council’s highest authority is the Executive Board, which consists of seven permanent members and two deputies. Three of the Executive Board members also serve as the chairs of the respective Division Research Boards. The other members of the Division Research Boards are appointed by the Executive Board.

Programme Boards

Individual programme boards are appointed for each of the Research Council’s research programmes. There are approximately 800 representatives of research and educational institutions, trade and industry, organisations and the government administration serving on the various Research Council boards or committees.