The Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2027 will be organized from 11 - 20 April 2027 in Hakodate, Japan by the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and hosted by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Hokkaido University, the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), the Japan Consortium for Arctic Environmental Research (JCAR) and Hakodate city.
About the Organisers:
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The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) is a non-governmental, international scientific organisation. The Founding Articles committed IASC to pursue a mission of encouraging and facilitating cooperation in all aspects of Arctic research, in all countries engaged in Arctic research and in all areas of the Arctic region. Overall, IASC promotes and supports leading-edge interdisciplinary research in order to foster a greater scientific understanding of the Arctic region and its role in the Earth system. |
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Established in 1971, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth and Technology (JAMSTEC) is engaged in activities to contribute broadly to the improvement of science and technology, the development of academic research, and the understanding of the Earth and life through ocean research in Japan, a nation of oceans. “MIRAIⅡ”, an Arctic research vessel with icebreaking capabilities and world - class scientific facilities will start to be operated in late 2026 in JAMSTEC. This research vessel will promote the importance of Arctic science and work towards sustainable development of the Arctic region. |
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Founded in 1876, Hokkaido University is one of Japan’s leading research institutions and has produced Nobel Prize winners. While its main campus is located in the heart of Sapporo, the university also has a specialized campus in Hakodate, home to the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences. Renowned for its "Frontier Spirit" and strengths in marine and environmental sciences, the university offers a world-class academic environment, with several marine stations, fishery training ships, and vast experimental forests. |
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Established in 1973, the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR) is Japan’s leading institution for polar science. As an inter-university research institute, NIPR plays a central role in Japan’s Arctic and Antarctic research programs. The institute manages scientific expeditions and operates several research stations, including Syowa Station in Antarctica and the NIPR Arctic Observatory in Ny-Ålesund. Through interdisciplinary research and long-term observations, NIPR advances understanding of the polar environment and the Earth system, while fostering international scientific collaboration and contributing to global efforts to address challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. |
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The Japan Consortium for Arctic Environmental Research (JCAR), established in 2011, is a nationwide network designed to promote Arctic research across Japan. It serves as a collaborative platform for scientists from various universities and institutions, including the National Institute of Polar Research. JCAR focuses on understanding rapid environmental changes in the Arctic and their global impacts. By facilitating information exchange, human resource development, and international cooperation, the consortium strengthens Japan's contribution to global Arctic science and policy-making efforts. |
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Hakodate, located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, is a historic port city that opened to international trade in 1854. This early global connection is reflected in diverse features, including the star-shaped Goryokaku fort, the Churches and Western-style buildings in the Motomachi area, as well as a unique townscape characterized by a fusion of Japanese and Western elements. Long serving as an important gateway to Hokkaido, the city is renowned for its beautiful night views and fresh seafood markets. Today, Hakodate blends its rich history with a modern atmosphere, attracting visitors with its romantic streetscapes and vibrant maritime culture. |