Following informative presentations on the variety of Nordic programs, initiatives, and funding initiatives such as NordForsk, Nordic Masters, Toppforskning (Top-level Research Initiative), NordPlus, and the Arctic Co-Operation program, the participants engaged in a very practical level discussion. This discussion focussed on issues of how higher education institutions can better make use of the available programs and fundng instruments, as well as providing feedback to the NCM on how to make those activities more responsive to the needs of northern institutions.