The Norwegian Polar Institute is Norway's leading institution for research and consultancy related to the Arctic and Antarctic. The institute's main task is to map and monitor the environment in these areas, as well as to contribute scientific knowledge to Norwegian authorities. As a directorate under the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the institute also has administrative authority in the Norwegian part of Antarctica.
The institute offers logistics services for polar research, and operates research stations and vessels in the polar regions. It actively participates in international research projects and has a particular focus on climate research and environmental monitoring. Kongsfjorden functions as an important climate workshop, where researchers can study and collect data on climate change. The Norwegian Polar Institute is also known for having renowned polar researchers who appear on international top lists, which underlines the institute's importance in its field.