On 2–3 March 2026, Ambassador David Červenka, accompanied by his Deputy and Economic Diplomat Ludvík Eger and the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic for Central Norway, Petra Sestak‑Flagestad, visited Trondheim, the capital of Norwegian science, research and innovation. The visit was framed by the growing interest of the Czech Republic and Czech research institutions in cooperation with promising international partners.
“The Czech Republic and Norway share a strong emphasis on top‑level applied research and innovation. Thanks to the technical university NTNU and the headquarters of the applied research centre SINTEF, Trondheim is one of the places where our cooperation can develop into concrete projects with real impact for the Czech Republic,” the Ambassador explained.

At NTNU, the largest Norwegian university focused on engineering and natural sciences, Ambassador Červenka met with Vice‑Rector for Education Geir Øien. The discussions confirmed mutual interest in developing cooperation particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials, green technologies, power electronics and biomedicine. NTNU appreciated the growing activity of Czech universities and institutions, especially the Czech Technical University in Prague, Charles University and Masaryk University, as well as the readiness of major Czech research infrastructures to offer their capacities for joint projects. The talks also addressed the involvement of Czech researchers and students in long‑term academic stays in Trondheim, where more than sixty are active in the 2025/26 academic year. The NTNU programme also included a tour of laboratories focused on cutting‑edge development of new materials.

The second institution visited was SINTEF, the largest independent research organization in Northern Europe linking science with the private sector. Of its six main research areas (community, energy, industry, manufacturing, ocean, digital), Ambassador Červenka’s meetings focused on industry and energy. With SINTEF Industry Vice President Eli Aamot and Communications Director Stein Mortensholm, he discussed opportunities for further cooperation in digitalisation, energy, new materials, biotechnology and applied research. SINTEF representatives emphasized that the organisation’s strong links with industry create a favourable environment for joint projects funded by EU programmes as well as the EEA and Norway Grants.

Current examples of cooperation between SINTEF and Czech institutions include projects in the field of critical raw materials (DIAMO), circular economy and recycling (University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava), advanced materials and nanotechnologies (Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Academy of Sciences), and medical applications of nanofibres (InoCure company). Additional cooperation is ongoing in fuel cells and energy technologies, as well as the involvement of Czech companies in projects under the European Defence Fund. At SINTEF Energy, Ambassador Červenka continued discussions with Vice Presidents Petter Støa and Nils Røkke, who appreciated the long‑standing partnership with Czech institutions and highlighted further opportunities for cooperation in energy technologies, electric transport and power electronics.

As part of the visit to Trondheim, the Embassy also organised a meeting of the Czech scientific community. The event, held under the auspices of the organisation Czexpats in Science, was attended by more than thirty Czech researchers, PhD candidates and students working at NTNU and SINTEF. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Červenka described support for Czech science, research and innovation as one of his long‑term priorities and outlined previous activities, including a similar meeting in Oslo.
“The aim of this joint initiative is to create a vibrant network connecting Czech talents across Norway, different institutions, disciplines and generations. Through active support of promising Czech scientists and researchers, the embassy also contributes to strengthening the good name of the Czech Republic,” he added.

Following speeches by Honorary Consul Petra Sestak‑Flagestad and the Director of Czexpats in Science, Matouš Glanc, a series of expert presentations by Czech scientists took place. Contributions were delivered by Barbara Pacáková (physics), Jan Chylík (mathematics), Johana Fialová (engineering), Šárka Štádlerová (economics), Tárik Saleh Salem (AI), and Emeritus Professor Anna Midelfart (ophthalmology). A subsequent networking reception, organised thanks to the support of Metrostav Norge AS, enabled informal networking among participants and the sharing of experiences.

The scientific and research visit programme also included a working meeting at Trondheim City Hall with Senior Adviser for International Trade Relations Lisa Marie Dickson on future bilateral projects in light of the forthcoming city strate.