Research Infrastructure
Present-day environmental challenges are complex and requires interdisciplinary research and solutions. NIVA has a wide-ranging selection of research infrastructure gathered in a section with scientist, engineers, mechanics and operations personel, all experts within their fields sensorics, instruments, research equipment, aquaculture experiments, testing of ballast treatment technologies and chemical treatment methods against salmon parasites. Through our breadth in infrastructure we cover the instrument and equipment needs for the NIVA researchers for their science projects and field work, as well as hire of instruments and equipment for external customers.
The section consists of two groups, working with these subjects:
Sensors, instruments and equipment
This group of engineers and mechanics are located at the head office in Oslo. Engineers are responsible for a rich instrument park that covers the majority of researchers' needs in their work, whether it is research or other assignments. We also have a significant share of external customers, for whom we are able to offer different instrument solutions tailored to their needs. For example, in collaboration with other sections of NIVA, we can offer complete monitoring solutions for harbour cleanup measures, including verification of the work. The mechanics can create equipment and components in a variety of materials, and tailor the equipment from scratch or modify shelf products from the market to suit the needs of researchers in the various projects.
NIVAs Research station Solbergstrand
The research station Solbergstrand is located just south of Drøbak, where we offer a wide range of facilities for both internal and external customers. The station supports research activities in aquaculture, pharmaceuticals for both human health and aquaculture, development of filter technologies, and various mesocosm projects on hard bottom and soft bottom. In recent years, the research station has emerged as a key supplier of ballast water technology testing facilities and has a number of major international customers in this field. The station has large areas indoors and outdoors that can be adapted flexibly to the various projects, and the station's staff have experience from a wide range of trials and tests.
Research leader Anders Gjørwad Hagen develops alternative chemical treatment methods against the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris in close collaboration with NINA and the Veterinary Institute in Oslo. Traditionally, rotenone has been used to kill the host, the salmon, and thus the parasite. However, chlorine in very small concentrations (corresponding to drinking water) has proven to be very effective against the parasite without affecting the salmon population negatively.
