# Peace Research Institute Oslo

> organization

**Wikidata**: [Q1660691](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1660691)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Research_Institute_Oslo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peace-research-institute-oslo

## Summary
The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) is an independent research institute and peace organization founded in 1966 by Johan Galtung. Located in Oslo, Norway, it conducts research on conditions for peaceful relations between states, groups, and people. The institute is a non-profit foundation known for publishing the *Journal of Peace Research* and hosts a staff of approximately 75 employees.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Institutt for fredsforskning STI (Peace Research Institute Oslo).
- **Founded:** December 31, 1966, by sociologist Johan Galtung.
- **Location:** Oslo Municipality, Norway (Coordinates: 59.915°N, 10.758°E).
- **Leadership:** Henrik Urdal has served as the CEO (Director) since 2017.
- **Legal Status:** Registered as a foundation (*stiftelse*) and non-profit organization.
- **Staff:** Employs approximately 75 people.
- **Financials:** Reported total equity of 153,866,817 Norwegian krone (NOK) as of 2022.
- **Notable Output:** Publishes the *Journal of Peace Research*.
- **Subsidiary:** Hosted the Centre for the Study of Civil War from 2003 to 2012.

## FAQs
### Q: Who founded the Peace Research Institute Oslo?
A: The institute was founded on December 31, 1966, by Johan Galtung, a pioneer in the field of peace and conflict studies.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of PRIO?
A: PRIO is a research institute dedicated to studying the conditions for peaceful relations and conducting research on war and peace. It is also classified as a peace organization.

### Q: Where is the Peace Research Institute Oslo located?
A: The institute's headquarters are located in Oslo Municipality, Norway.

### Q: How is the organization funded?
A: PRIO is a non-profit foundation with significant total equity. It has received specific grants, such as $140,000 from the Open Society Foundations in 2017 for research on armed drones.

## Why It Matters
The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) holds a distinguished position in the global academic landscape as one of the first research centers dedicated specifically to peace studies. Founded in 1966 by Johan Galtung, often considered the father of peace research, the institute established a rigorous, data-driven approach to understanding conflict that moved the field beyond mere advocacy into serious social science. Its longevity and stability—evidenced by over half a century of operation and substantial financial equity—allow it to maintain long-term projects and data sets that are crucial for historical conflict analysis.

PRIO impacts both academia and public policy through its dissemination of knowledge. By publishing the *Journal of Peace Research*, it provides a critical venue for scholarly work that influences how governments and NGOs approach conflict resolution. Furthermore, its specific research initiatives, such as the Centre for the Study of Civil War (2003–2012) and projects on the proliferation of armed drones, demonstrate a commitment to addressing contemporary security threats. By bridging the gap between academic theory and practical societal communication, PRIO serves as a vital node in the network of organizations working to reduce global violence.

## Notable For
- **Founding Role:** Established by Johan Galtung, a principal founder of the discipline of peace and conflict studies.
- **Academic Impact:** Publishing the *Journal of Peace Research*, a leading journal in the field.
- **Research Focus:** Hosting the Centre for the Study of Civil War, a designated Center of Excellence, for nearly a decade.
- **Financial Stability:** Maintaining a robust financial foundation with over 153 million NOK in total equity as of 2022.
- **Independence:** Operating as an independent foundation rather than a government agency, allowing for objective research.

## Body
### Foundation and Leadership
The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) was established on December 31, 1966, in Oslo, Norway. The institute was founded by Johan Galtung, a prominent figure in sociology and peace research. The organization operates under the legal form of a foundation (*stiftelse*) and is recognized as a non-profit organization.

As of 2017, the institute is led by CEO Henrik Urdal. The headquarters are situated in Oslo Municipality, with geographic coordinates at 59.91527778 latitude and 10.75833333 longitude.

### Financial Overview
PRIO demonstrates significant financial standing as a research foundation. According to records from 2022, the institute holds a total equity of 153,866,817 Norwegian krone (NOK). Historical data regarding the institute's endowment shows fluctuations over the years, with reported amounts of:
- 6,197,000 NOK in 2022
- 44,284,474 NOK in 2012
- 13,460,357 NOK in 2003

The institute has also received external funding for specific projects. In 2017, the Open Society Foundations provided a grant of $140,000 (USD). This funding was allocated to convene a diversified group of experts to study the proliferation and usage of armed drones and to communicate these findings to the broader society.

### Research and Activities
The primary industry of PRIO is research. The institute is widely recognized for its *Journal of Peace Research*, which serves as a notable work in the field. Between 2003 and 2012, PRIO housed the Centre for the Study of Civil War as a subsidiary.

### Organizational Identifiers and Digital Presence
PRIO maintains a global presence with various identifiers and social media platforms:
- **GRID ID:** grid.425244.1
- **ROR ID:** 04dx54y73
- **ISNI:** 0000000110884063
- **Norwegian Organisation Number:** 847353732

The institute engages with the public through social media, including Twitter (@PRIOresearch), Facebook (PRIO.org), and Instagram (prioresearch). Its official website is hosted at https://prio.no.

## References

1. [Source](https://lottstift.no/stiftelsesregisteret/detaljer/847353732)
2. [Source](https://www.prio.org/people/3473)
3. GRID Release 2017-01-10
4. CiNii Research
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. GRID Release 2015-12-14
7. GRID Release 2016-12-06
8. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
9. [Source](https://www.stiftelsesregisteret.no/account/001P4000007jxCsIAI/institutt-for-fredsforskning-sti)
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
11. [Open Society Foundations - Awarded Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships](https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/past?grant_id=OR2017-38757)
12. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)