FORSVARETS FORSKNINGINSTITUTT

Their core work

FFI is Norway's Defence Research Establishment, the primary research institution supporting the Norwegian Armed Forces. In H2020, they focus on civilian security applications — particularly CBRNE detection, explosives countermeasures, and sensor systems for threat identification. They bring defence-grade expertise in sensor fusion, real-time data analysis, and radiological/chemical hazard detection to European security research consortia. Their work bridges military R&D with civilian security needs, contributing specialized technical capabilities to multi-national practitioner networks.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

FFI's early H2020 work (2016-2018) centred on explosives-specific security — neutralisation techniques, standardisation, and building specialist networks. From 2019 onward, their focus broadened significantly toward sensor technologies, data fusion, and real-time threat detection across CBRNE domains including radiological hazards. This shift reflects a move from domain-specific explosives expertise toward multi-threat, sensor-driven security intelligence systems.

FFI is moving toward integrated, real-time sensor fusion platforms for broad-spectrum threat detection — expect future work combining AI-driven analytics with networked CBRNE sensor arrays.

How they like to work

FFI operates exclusively as a consortium partner, never coordinating H2020 projects — consistent with a defence institution contributing specialist technical capabilities rather than leading civilian research programmes. With 81 unique partners across 23 countries, they maintain an exceptionally broad network for an organisation with only 8 projects, indicating they join large, diverse consortia. This makes them a reliable, well-connected technical contributor who integrates easily into multi-national security research teams.

FFI has collaborated with 81 distinct partners across 23 countries through just 8 projects, giving them one of the widest per-project network spreads in European security research. Their reach spans most of Europe, reflecting the pan-European nature of security cooperation.

What sets them apart

FFI brings defence-grade research capabilities to civilian security applications — a rare combination in H2020 consortia where most participants are universities or civilian research centres. Their institutional backing by the Norwegian Armed Forces gives them access to testing facilities, threat knowledge, and operational expertise that civilian partners typically lack. For consortium builders in security, FFI offers credibility with both military and civilian end-users across the CBRNE spectrum.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EU-SENSE
  Largest single grant (EUR 506,950) — a flagship European CBRN sensor system project reflecting FFI's core technical strengths.
• RISEN
  Combines contactless sensors, real-time analysis, and augmented reality for forensic trace detection — represents FFI's most technology-forward work.
• EU-RADION
  Expands FFI's portfolio into radiological detection with networked heterogeneous sensors, signalling a new capability direction.