Close up of a pile of money. Photo.

Results of renegotiations on BOTT´s contribution

We have recently completed renegotiations with the BOTT universities (NTNU, UiB, UiO and UiT). Throughout the renegotiation process, it has become clear that they cannot contribute to the investment costs in e-infrastructure as originally agreed. Due to the economic situation and the universities, it has become necessary for BOTT to reduce their funding to Sigma2 to only cover operational costs, in line with other users. BOTT will reduce its total contribution to Sigma2 from 100 million to 53 million NOK.

Published: Wed, 28/06/2023 - 12:21
Author: admin

Changed prices

The reduced contribution from BOTT creates less financial predictability for Sigma2 and the e-infrastructure services. Consequently, Sigma2's financial situation is affected by this, and we, therefore, have to change the prices for our users. We regret this, but even with a price increase, the prices will still be well below the level from 2021. We encourage all users to familiarise themselves with the updated prices here: User Contribution model (pricing).
 
We ask all BOTT users to note that the BOTT universities will guarantee consumption of up to 53 million NOK in total for projects from the four universities. BOTT Projects which have not secured external funding which covers the cost of using the services must ensure - in agreement with internal management at their university - that there is financial coverage for their project. If a project does not get full financial coverage from its university, the project must reduce the amount of resources they apply for accordingly. Applicants will now be asked to confirm that they are legally capable of financially committing their organisation to pay for the resources used by the project.

Long-term consequences for the research infrastructure

The new agreement means that Sigma2 must significantly increase the amount of money in our next application from the Research Council's INFRASTRUCTURE call, to cover investment costs for future infrastructure. This is both unfortunate in terms of predictability in future investments and that we potentially seize a larger part of the INFRASTRUCTURE budget.