Every year, SINTEF Materials og Chemistry carry out a large number of research assignments. These are mainly applied research for Norwegian and foreign companies. 

The assignments may be both nationally and internationally rooted through partial financing from Governmental sources.

Some of the research assignments are carried out in close cooperation with various partners. These partners may be the client, or other research institutions and universities. SINTEF's main collaborating partner  is the University of Trondheim (NTNU).

The research projects from one client (or several, cooperating clients) may roughly be grouped according to the means of financing;

• Projects financed solely by industry usually have a short time horizon and confidential content. Such projects normally demand close involvement with current industrial problems.
• Research projects partly financed by Government, usually through the Research Council cover a wide field, but may have an element of long-term competence increase, and may give other companies opportunity to benefit from the results.  
• EU projects