[4] NIVA's areas of work include environmental contaminants,[5][6][7] biodiversity and climate related issues.
The institute has twelve sections, led by research managers: Aquaculture, Biodiversity, Innovation, International projects and cooperation, Chemicals, Effects of climate change, Laboratory services, Environmental contaminants, Environmental monitoring, Environmental technology and Measures against pollution.
In 2012 NIVA was in the news after its scientists developed a method of studying drug use in cities though analysis of sewage.
Its board is appointed by the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment, the Research Council of Norway and its employees.
Two-thirds of these have educational backgrounds in water sciences and more than half work in research.