Rese­arch and Develop­ment

The operation of the IRCA’s research fund takes account of the institution’s role, goals, and vision for the future. Systematic analysis is performed on the need for research and research projects in any given field with subsequent prioritisation for fund allocations, wherein emphasis is put on research efficiency.

Focus is placed on practical research and development, with an added expectation towards participation in basic research relevant to the institution’s operations.

The goals of the research fund are to:

Applications are invited for grants from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s Research Fund for research projects to be carried out in 2026.

The application deadline is 5:00 pm on 30 January 2026.

Applicants are advised to read the full information below carefully before preparing and submitting an application.

Both internal and external parties may apply for funding for research projects related to the activities of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. Grant allocations are managed by the Administration’s Research Council.

Research supported by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration is divided into four main categories:

• Infrastructure
• Traffic
• Environment
• Society

The Administration’s focus within these categories reflects the objective of the Research Fund to support the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration in fulfilling its role, while also generating new knowledge within its fields of operation.
Within the Administration, three expert committees work within these areas and have defined the Fund’s priorities for grant allocations in 2026.

Infrastructure

Research in the field of infrastructure focuses on roads, bridges, tunnels, ports and lighthouses. Emphasis is placed on materials research, the use of different materials, recycling and reuse in construction, with the aim of improving the durability and safety of infrastructure. Consideration is given to the integration of routine and winter maintenance, as well as the durability of pavements and structures as a whole, to ensure accessibility, safety and a cost-effective service life. Continued research on pavements and concrete is considered essential, along with further development in strengthening, maintenance, rehabilitation and monitoring. Cost-effective solutions that meet requirements in seismic areas are sought. In addition, emphasis is placed on research related to the circular economy, life-cycle assessment and carbon footprint analysis. Research is also encouraged on the impacts of the energy transition and heavy freight transport on the road network, as well as on traffic safety and accessibility under potential natural hazards in both rural and urban areas.

Traffic

Priority is given to research related to traffic safety, the development, operation and maintenance of the road network, as well as projects that contribute to the development and updating of design standards and guidelines for transport infrastructure. Research supporting informed decision-making on transport mode choice is encouraged, including assessments of cost-effectiveness, safety, environmental impacts, accessibility and positive regional development. Particular emphasis is placed on economic factors, such as the assessment of accident and delay costs, which are used to evaluate the socio-economic benefits of public investments. Research is also encouraged on the effective implementation of intelligent transport systems (ITS), the impacts of increased land freight transport on the road network, and studies supporting efficient asset management and the development of methods for assessing life-cycle costs of infrastructure.

Environment

Focus is placed on sustainability in the projects of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. This includes projects aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the Administration’s activities, through research and innovation that support the circular economy and minimize the negative environmental impacts of construction, as well as mitigation measures. Projects related to biodiversity in connection with the Administration’s activities are also emphasized.

Society

Research priorities include air quality impacts resulting from traffic and construction, diverse modes of transport, changing travel behaviour, the development of public transport, and the interaction between new energy sources and the road network. Projects related to sustainable spatial planning in the built environment and the development of labour market regions are also encouraged.

Applications that do not directly align with the Fund’s priorities for 2026 are nevertheless welcome, provided they support the objectives of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and the Research Fund. When evaluating applications, particular emphasis is placed on the extent to which the proposed research will be of practical benefit to the Administration.

The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s policy for 2024–2028 states that its role is to promote safe, sustainable, efficient and cost-effective transport on land and at sea, and to support the development of transport in line with societal and environmental objectives. In this context, reference is made to the Icelandic government’s climate action plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Research projects should take these frameworks into account.

The Administration’s research policy, also emphasizes the importance of fostering new talent within fields related to its activities through cooperation with the academic community. Applications from universities that include student participation in projects are therefore welcome, although such applications do not receive priority over others.

When defining research projects, applicants should at an early stage identify the intended users of the project results and, where appropriate, involve them in shaping the project and implementing its outcomes. Applicants are therefore requested to designate a contact person within the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and ensure that this person is informed. Applicants are also advised to review existing research that may already have been conducted in connection with the proposed project.

The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration cooperates with its Nordic counterpart institutions on research activities (see: www.nordfou.org). Applicants are encouraged to consider whether their project idea has a Nordic dimension, i.e. whether the subject matter may also be of interest to other Nordic countries. If so, this should be clearly stated in the application.

Applicants must complete an electronic application form, which is available via “My Pages” on the Administration’s website.

When assessing applications, consideration will be given to the criteria set out in the table below. Particular emphasis is placed on adherence to the instructions in the application form, and any ambiguities resulting from insufficient information may be considered to the detriment of the application.

Information on the outcome of applications will be published on “My Pages” once available, with decisions expected in the first half of March 2026. Notifications will be sent to the email addresses of both the applicant and the project manager as provided in the application.

Information on funded projects will be published on the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

Enquiries:

Ólafur Sveinn Haraldsson
Head of Research Department
olafur.s.haraldsson@vegagerdin.is 

The IRCA participates in diverse, varied collaboration with foreign parties and agencies in the field of research and development. In addition, IRCA employees participate in various conferences and forums abroad, through which they obtain knowledge that they then communicate further along, both within the institute and outside it. Uniquely Icelandic problems and solutions are presented abroad at conventions and through articles published in international journals.

Further information about the research and development undertaken at the IRCA’s behest is provided by Guðmundur Valur Guðmundsson, Executive Director of Development and Ólafur Sveinn Haraldsson, Director of Research, as well as through email: rannsoknir@vegagerdin.is.

By participating in international collaboration in the field of research and development, the IRCA seeks to e.g. gather knowledge and experience from outside parties, keep track of developments with intention to implement into Icelandic society, promote our own knowledge on the world stage, and, in collaboration with the Icelandic Research Fund (Rannís,) raise capital from EU funds to be used for research operations.

The IRCA participates in the following foreign collaborative efforts in the field of research and development:

NVF (Nordisk Vejforum – The Nordic Road Association)

NVF is the international association to which the IRCA has the closest connection. Most of the NVF’s work occurs through committee, with the goal of promoting collaboration and the exchange of information between Nordic-based professionals in the field of transport. From 2016-2020, 10 committees were in operation, with Iceland serving as an active participant in almost all of them. Committees frequently change in between each four-year term, but there are often specialised committees covering topics such as bridges, tunnels, design, road technology, maintenance and service, and traffic safety. Iceland is a participant in all of these committees, and furthermore operates Icelandic versions of these committees alongside international participation. Finland currently directs the NVF through the 2024-2028 term, after which Iceland will direct the association for the second time, concluding the term with a large transport conference, ViaNordica2032, to be held in Iceland.

NordFoU (Co-operation between the national Nordic road and transport administrations)

In December of 2004, an agreement was signed between the Road Administrations in Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland (the Faroe Islands joined in 2014) with an extension of the agreement signed in November of 2023. The agreement stipulates that the participating countries collaborate on chosen research projects, financing them through their respective research funds. The projects to be focused on are chosen by a designated governing board, consisting of the research directors of each respective institution. Two or more countries can undertake individual projects, and the decision to participate is made by each institution individually. Prior to each project, an agreement is reached, where the project description, project group and manager, financial obligations and more, are specified. Projects can be undertaken both within and outside of the partnered institutions. Results are then made available for every nation, irrespective of participation.

CEDR (Conference of European Directors of Roads)

CEDR is an association of European Road Administrations. Its goal is to promote further developments in road transport, build connections, undertake mutual challenges, as well as taking part in development — within the EU and in Europe in general — which broadly concerns road development and the transportation system. The IRCA was among the founding entities of CEDR in 2003 (when two associations; Western European Road Directors (WERD) and Deputy European Road Directors (DERD) were merged.) Iceland served in the association’s leadership role in 2006. Annually, the association formulates a near-future plan of operation, in effect during a three-year term.

PIARC (World Road Association)

The IRCA is a member of this international association, which could be referred to as the mother association of NVF, being structured in a similar way. Primarily, the role of PIARC is to communicate knowledge of roads and road transport on a global scale.

PIANC (The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure)

The goal of this organisation is to create a foundation in service of gathering expert knowledge regarding economical, dependable, and durable structures considered necessary to meet the growth of maritime transport. The IRCA participates in this association through participation in NORDPianc, a collaborative agreement of the Nordic countries within PIANC.

NR&TR (Nordic Road & Transport Research)

NR&TR is a Nordic research journal, published in English, meant to promote road and transportation research on a global scale. The IRCA has a representative on the editorial team, and participates in the journal’s publication through coverage of Icelandic transport research.

ROADEX

The ROADEX project is a digital collaborative platform for the road administrations of Northern Europe, with the goal of sharing information on roads and road research between participating countries. The project is partially funded by the EU, under the Northern Periphery Programme (NPP) INTERREG IIIB.

According to the Road Act, in effect since 1 January 2008, 1.5% of the IRCA’s assigned revenue is to be used for research and experiments in road building, to be managed by the IRCA.

The IRCA’s director of research oversees the field, whilst the institution’s CEO appoints an advisory board to consult on funding for research projects, as well as advising on the arrangement of research.

General allotment from the fund takes place early each year, but applications for funding can be submitted outside this time. Whilst a large portion of the fund goes to projects originating within the IRCA, a greater emphasis is now being placed on financing projects that originate and/or are carried through elsewhere, such as within universities, in the private sector, or even by individual effort. The IRCA has also frequently allotted funds to international projects.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of applications, prompting the IRCA to seek further measures to better utilize its limited financial resources in service of research projects.

In preparation for road construction, extensive geological research is often required. It is the role of the IRCA’s geology department to work on the strategic planning, organisation, and execution of said research. Particular focus is placed on research relating to mining, research on materials, soil and bedrock surveys for environmental impact assessments and bid documents for road and bridge construction, as well as preparation for tunnel construction. In service of these goals, the IRCA operates a research laboratory where the testing of minerals commonly used for road construction is carried out.

The IRCA has gathered information on and mapped the country’s mines, both those used by the IRCA, as well as mines owned by other parties. Following this work the IRCA has launched an initiative for the clean-up of abandoned mine sites which the institution is responsible for. This is in accordance with provisions in nature conservation laws, which state that abandoned mine sites are not to be left unattended for longer than 3 years.

The IRCA operates a data bank, wherein the results of relevant mineral research conducted in relation to road construction are stored.

Guidelines on the usage of blasted rock in road construction can be found in the quality manual on materials, available in the database (only available in Icelandic.)