Nordic research network on children at risk of poverty and social exclusion

The Nordic countries share a welfare model built on the principle that all children should have equal opportunities. Yet some children grow up in households with persistently low incomes. Compared with their peers, they face a greater risk of poor material living conditions and health problems, as well as weaker engagement with education and later working life.

The Nordic countries address these challenges through different policy measures and achieve different outcomes. This is precisely why comparisons across the Nordic region are so valuable: they can reveal what actually works and under what conditions. The network has been established to facilitate such comparisons and to strengthen connections between researchers who are currently working on the same issues, often in isolation from one another.

A new network in development

The network was established in 2026 and is currently in its development phase. During this initial stage, the ambition is to connect research communities across the Nordic region, map existing work in each country, and identify the areas where Nordic co-operation can add the greatest value.

The network is a platform for collaboration rather than a commissioned research organisation. Specific projects, analyses and publications will emerge as common research interests are identified and funding becomes available. These will be presented here as they are developed.

Over time, the network aims to provide a foundation for:

• Comparative knowledge on children’s living conditions across the Nordic region and the measures implemented by the Nordic countries.
• Thematic working groups that develop shared research questions across national borders.
• Joint projects, with the network helping to connect research communities that can apply for funding together.
• Forums for academic exchange among Nordic researchers.
• Knowledge dissemination to policymakers, public authorities and practitioners.

A core principle of the network is to strengthen the link between research, policy and practice. Knowledge about children’s living conditions only creates value when it reaches those who can put it into use. The scale of the network’s activities will depend on the resources available to both the network itself and the participating organisations.

Organisation

The network is led by a steering group with representatives from the Nordic countries. The steering group provides the network with strategic direction, prioritises thematic areas and approves plans and key deliverables. A smaller core group has been appointed from within the steering group to work closely with the secretariat on developing proposals and preparing matters between meetings.

The Nordic Welfare Centre serves as the secretariat and supports the coordination of the network’s work within the resources available. The Nordic Welfare Centre is an institution within the Nordic Council of Ministers that works to strengthen welfare policy across the Nordic region through knowledge sharing and collaboration. The network is a natural extension of this mission.

Nordic partners

The Nordic Welfare Centre and Nordregio participate in the network as Nordic partners. Partner status is intended as a role for dialogue and collaboration and does not entail any formal responsibility for the network’s activities.

 

If you are a researcher, or work in public administration or professional practice related to children’s living conditions in the Nordic region, we would be pleased to hear from you. Simply send a brief email to the secretariat including your name, title, institution and a few words about your area of work, and we will be in touch.

Trine Skriver Høholt Andersen, Senior Adviser
Merethe Løberg, Senior Adviser

The network emerged from a collaboration between two of the Nordic Welfare Centre’s areas of operations: integration and children and young people. Issues relating to children’s living conditions, social exclusion and participation cut across both fields, which is why the secretariat is composed of advisers from each area. This dual foundation is intended to ensure a broad perspective, encompassing the full range of children who are at risk of being left behind.