NORCE is one of Norway’s leading applied research institutes, dedicated to addressing key societal and industrial challenges through high-quality, interdisciplinary research. It conducts research across areas such as climate and environment, energy, health, social sciences, and technology, working closely with industry, government, and academia. NORCE emphasizes transforming scientific knowledge into practical solutions, supporting sustainable development, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making at national and international levels.
The DARWIN Group, part of NORCE’s Technology Department, specializes in artificial intelligence, automation, and operational autonomy inspired by biological intelligence. Leveraging non-conventional sensing technologies, machine learning, pattern analysis, and visualization, the group develops autonomic and intelligent systems for complex real-world processes.
Within the INSOIL project, the DARWIN Group plays a key role in advancing AI-enabled digital twin frameworks and safe autonomous modeling approaches, supporting robust prediction, optimization, and sustainable operation of bioplastic degradation processes in soil.
The team consists of Dr. Xuan Zhang and Dr. Marius-Dan Leordeanu, who will contribute modeling and the development of digital twins, using machine learning techniques. Dr. Chunming Rong will contribute expertise in information security and federated learning.