The Iceland Research Institute for Space Science, aka IRISS has successfully launched with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education! The IRISS proposal was submitted by Háskoli Íslands in October 2024 to the Samstarf Háskóla fund in collaboration with the Iceland Space Agency and the academic partnerships of Háskólinn á Akureyri, and Listaháskoli Íslands.

IRISS

IRISS is managed by the University of Iceland in collaboration with the Iceland Space Agency and the academic partnerhships of Háskolinn á Ákureyri, Listaháskoli Íslands and the Ministry of Culture, Innovation, and Higher Education. The establishment of IRISS is an important step for Iceland which creates the academic framework and research infrastructure necessary to realize the full potential of Iceland´s brightest minds and seize on the value that our nation can bring to the global discourse of space science, exploration, creativity, policy and innovation. IRISS will be the space research and innovation development hub and POC for space activities in Iceland. We will be creating a center of excellence that will connect domestically based researchers and public/private sector stakeholders with international space agencies, institutes, universities and companies interested in conducting research, training, technology development, and/or business in and around Iceland relating to both Earth and Space science. IRISS aims to inspire future generations in Iceland to reach for the stars while nurturing a better understanding of, and conservation for the Earth beneath our feet. Sustainable Knowledge exchange and technology transfer are key tenants to our success and will be core to our operations as we chart a path for Iceland as a leading international partner for space exploration, research, sustainability, and innovation.