Articles of Association for the Institute for Social Research, which were adopted at the Board meeting on 8 September 2008 and entered into force on 1 January 2009. Amended at the Board meetings on 19 March 2018 and 6 December 2021, and last amended by ISF’s Board of Directors on 16 June 2025.
1. Name and registered office
The Institute for Social Research (Foundation) is a non-profit foundation. Its registered office is in Oslo.
2. Purpose
The purpose of the institute is to promote research in the social sciences. This includes:
- Conducting research on societal issues within industry and working life, society, and policy.
- Helping to ensure that social conditions in today’s Norway are understood within the context of other cultures and historical periods.
- Encouraging, supporting, training, and managing research in the social sciences.
- Awakening and promoting general interest in social science through publications, lectures, and participation in the public discourse.
- Provide research assistance for special assignments on an independent scientific basis.
3. Primary capital
The foundation’s primary capital consists of the property Munthes gate 31 / Fuglehauggata 6, the part of the existing building owned by the Institute for Social Research (Foundation), and an amount of NOK 279,000.
4. Board of Directors
The institute is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of seven members, who are appointed as follows:
a) Two members are appointed by the University of Oslo.
b) One member is appointed by the Association of Norwegian Research Institutes.
c) Two members who were originally appointed by the donors. As these members resign, the remaining Board elects new members to replace them.
d) Two members are elected by and among the employees.
The same bodies appoint personal deputies for each individual member.
- The board members are appointed for a term of four years; however, the employee representatives are elected for a term of two years. If a member resigns, a new board member is appointed in the same manner for the remainder of the term. The term of office for the members referred to in section c begins two years after the start of the term of office for the members referred to in sections a and b.
- The Board elects its chair and deputy chair. The Board convenes meetings upon the invitation of the Chair. Three board members or the institute’s Director may demand that a meeting be held.
- The Board may pass resolutions if more than half of its members participate. Resolutions are adopted by a simple majority. In the event of a tie, the Chair has the casting vote.
5. Authority of the Board
- The Board is the Institute’s highest authority and is responsible for making decisions that advance the institute’s purpose.
- The Board is responsible for the institute’s finances. The Board may apply for grants on behalf of the institute and provide any financial support for activities that promote the institute’s purpose.
- The Board appoints employees and determines their areas of work, working conditions, and salaries.
- The Board appoints the institute’s Director (Executive Director) and establishes instructions for the Director.
- The Institute is externally bound by the joint signatures of the Chair of the Board and the Director.
6. The Director
- The Director is appointed for a fixed six-year term. The fixed term may be renewed once.
- The Director represents the institute externally and has overall responsibility for managing the institute within the framework established by the Board in the form of strategy, budget, and the Director’s instructions.
7. Auditor
- The auditor is appointed by the Board.
8. Amendments to the Articles of Association, dissolution
- The institute’s Articles of Association may be amended if the amendments are in accordance with the foundation’s purpose.
- Amendments to the Articles of Association require a two‑thirds majority of the Board. If the foundation is dissolved, the funds shall be utilised in accordance with the foundation’s purpose.