Statutes for the Holberg Prize and the Nils Klim Prize

1. The aim of the Holberg Prize is to recognize path-breaking scientific work in the humanities, social sciences, law and theology. The Prize may be awarded both for work within a particular academic discipline and for work of a cross-disciplinary nature. The Prize shall, in addition, contribute to raising the status of these fields and to stimulate interest in research among young people.

2. The Holberg Prize is administered by the University of Bergen on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Research. The University of Bergen shall provide a broad basis for the Prize and related activities by involving relevant actors and research environments, nationally and internationally.

3. The Holberg Prize is funded through a direct allocation from the Ministry of Education and Research to the University of Bergen. The funds shall be used for:

• The Holberg Prize.
• The Nils Klim Prize, a prize for younger researchers from/in the Nordic countries.
• Activities aimed at youth.
• Events related to the prizes.

4. The University of Bergen reports annually to the Ministry of Education and Research on the use of the funds. The University of Bergen may organize the work related to the Holberg Prize as it sees fit, within the framework of these statutes.

5. The Holberg Board, appointed by The University of Bergen, appoints two academic committees, the Holberg Committee, and the Nils Klim Committee. Each Committee shall consist of five outstanding researchers in the humanities, social sciences, law and theology, and they shall have at least three non-Norwegian members. The Committee members will be appointed for a period of three years and may be reappointed once. Three members of each Committee are appointed one year and two the following year. If a member withdraws before the end of his/her period, a new member shall be appointed for the remaining period.

6. The Holberg Board selects a recipient of the Holberg Prize based on the recommendation of the Holberg Committee. The Holberg Board selects a recipient of the Nils Klim Prize based on the recommendation of the Nils Klim Committee. The Committees’ recommendations shall be based on expert assessments. Should either of the Committees be unable to identify a worthy recipient, the Prize in question shall not be awarded that year, and the allocated funds shall be returned to the Ministry of Education and Research.

7. The statutes for the Holberg Prize and the Nils Klim Prize may be amended by the Ministry of Education and Research.

Trond Fevolden
Secretary General
Ministry of Education and Research