Overview
The role of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA) is to oversee the country’s transport system on land and sea, in the best way possible with a view to society’s needs, the safety of users of the system and environmental considerations.
Research under the auspices of IRCA is divided into four chief categories:
- construction
- traffic
- the environment
- society
In January, each year there is a call for applications for funding of research projects covered by these categories. A Research Board, appointed by the Director of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, presents him with proposals for the appropriation to individual projects. The projects that receive funding start in March each year, and run until the end of March the following year. Projects can also continue for more than one year.
In most instances, at the start, it should be defined who are to use the results of specific research projects and they should be offered the opportunity to formulate the project in question and implement the results.
Emphasis is on practical research and the utilisation of the acquisition of knowledge and data for the activities of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, while also utilising part of the research appropriations for supporting projects, which count as basic research involving the Administration's activities.
Funding
In the paragraph 23 of the road act nr.80-2007 it is stated that each year 1,5% of earmarked sources should be used in research and development. In 2015 the amount is c.a. one million Euros.