26 March 2025 | 10:30 - 12:00 (MDT)
Open Session - HYBRID
Room: Glen Miller Ballroom - UMC 208
Organisers: Manish Tiwari (National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research); Rohit Srivastava (National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research); David Hik (Polar Knowledge Canada)
Zoom link to the Session (password-protected)
The password needed to connect to the session will be distributed the day prior to the start of the sessions to all registered conference participants. Further guidelines on how to participate virtually in the ASSW 2025 can be found on the ASSW 2025 website.
Session Description:
Arctic research typically involves scientists, policymakers, other stakeholders from various countries, Arctic residents and Indigenous rights-holders pooling their resources, expertise, and infrastructure to address pressing issues related to climate change, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development in the Arctic. These programs often focus on interdisciplinary approaches, integrating Indigenous knowledge and traditional scholarship from fields such as environmental science, climatology, oceanography, biology, and anthropology.
National Arctic programs often involve partnerships between government agencies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Indigenous organizations. They may also leverage international platforms such as the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum for Arctic states and Indigenous Peoples, to develop and coordinate research efforts and implement policy recommendations. These programs play a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge, informing policy decisions, and promoting sustainability of the Arctic, ultimately contributing to the long-term health and well-being of Arctic people, the changing Arctic region and the planet as a whole.
The challenges of Arctic research include remote locations, limited infrastructure, data collection and sharing issues, interdisciplinary collaboration, socio-economic and cultural complexities, and impacts of climate change. Nevertheless, international cooperation and engagement with Indigenous Peoples is essential for the success of Arctic research. The present session invites papers from different nations, NGOs, and Indigenous Organizations on the challenges they face in conducting research in the Arctic and the opportunities for collaborations to overcome these challenges.
Instructions for Speakers: Oral presentations in this session should be at most 12-minutes in length, with an additional 2-3 minutes for questions (unless more detailed instructions are provided by session conveners). See more detailed presenter instructions here.
Oral Presentations:
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unfold_moreIncreasing Circumpolar Scientific cooperation: Through National Funding and Universal Scope — Vismay Hemal Buch
Vismay Hemal Buch 1
1 Carleton UniversityFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
In past two decades, the world saw increased scientific cooperation in general and in the Arctic in particular through various agreements, former Cold War rivals became torchbearers of scientific exploration. Among all the agreements signed since 2010, the 2017 Agreement on Enhancing international Arctic Scientific cooperation was the most consequential. However, beyond 2022, cooperation both diplomatic and scientific seems to have come to an almost standstill because of the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Scientific cooperation in the Arctic is based upon two major factors: first being the availability of funding for scientific research and second being the importance of such research for the future of the Arctic Ocean Region (AOR) mainly in terms of civilian use but also in military terms. Hence, I argue that scientific research agencies of Arctic nations should introduce cooperative scientific funding for Arctic researchers of Arctic council members and observer states to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of climate change. To address the factors of funding I will expressly focus my attention on Canadian government’s research agencies namely National Research Council (NRC) and Polar Knowledge Canada. Significance of climate research in the Arctic is tremendous because weather patterns in the AOR influence the weather and ocean cycles around the world. Therefore, solving the funding issue and promoting the cooperative research opportunities through diplomatic channels such as the Arctic Council would go a long way to ensure strong scientific cooperation during the times of global geopolitical turmoil.
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unfold_moreCo-developing an Arctic Regional Alliance for Ocean Observing — Michael Karcher
Michael Karcher 1; Craig Lee 2; Jari Haapala 3; David Allen 4; Anna Nikolopoulos 5; Joseph Nolan 6; Arild Sundfjord 5; Jeremy Wilkinson 7
1 Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Germany; 2 University of Washington; 3 FMI; 4 NOAA; 5 NPI; 6 EuroGOOS; 7 BASFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The development of a structure for improved local, national and international coordination of Arctic Ocean observing has been discussed for decades. Recently, considerations have coalesced around an internationally recognised and respected arrangement, such as the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Regional Alliance (RA) scheme. Establishing a Regional Alliance for the Arctic Ocean (Arctic GRA) has been recommended in various fora, including during the development of the Arctic Action Plan for the UN Ocean Decade and at various editions of the Arctic Observing Summit.
Momentum has continued to build and over the past year a diverse range of stakeholders and rightsholders, including representatives of Arctic Indigenous and Local communities and organizations have engaged in discussions regarding the establishment of an Arctic GRA leading to the establishment of an inclusive Task Team. The Task Team, which recently received formal endorsement by SAON and the GOOS Steering Committee, will continue to engage in open dialogue, aimed at understanding the needs and functions that an Arctic GRA might fulfill aiming at a proposal to GOOS and SAON for a Reginal Alliance for the Arctic Ocean.
In the presentation we will highlight the benefits of an Arctic Regional Ocean Alliance for Arctic inhabitants, research and governance institutions, and review opportunities and challenges. We will discuss the unique opportunities afforded by a regional alliance that sits squarely within the structure and framework of larger, global observing entities (e.g. GOOS), and lay out the paths through which people can participate and shape the process.
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unfold_moreCanada՚s ArcticNet for a Cooperative Approach towards Local to Global Arctic Knowledge Creation, Training, and Sharing — Christine Barnard
Christine Barnard 1; Philippe Archambault 1,2; Melody Lynch 1; Martin Tremblay 1
1 ArcticNet; 2 Université LavalFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
As a network of northern research in Canada, ArcticNet uses a cooperative approach to knowledge creation and sharing to inform policy and develop adaptation strategies to meet the challenges and opportunities created by rapid climate, environmental and socio-economic change in the Arctic. ArcticNet funds multidisciplinary research, convening scientists, engineers, Indigenous Peoples, and other professionals from across sectors. In addition to research funding, our activities revolve around convening and connecting Arctic experts, and training and mentoring the next generation of Arctic researchers to enrich competencies, maximize skills, develop sustainable training opportunities, and enhance Canada’s skilled job force. ArcticNet brings together national and international partners from across academia, government, Indigenous organizations, and NGOs to develop new and innovative ways to work together and leverage our forces. Collaboration with international research hubs and networks is key to enhancing the impact of research and to amplifying the knowledge gained to audiences most impacted by research results. ArcticNet will share examples on national and international research collaborations, knowledge mobilization initiatives (such as webinars, podcasts), and our shared leadership, governance, and research management models with Indigenous partners. Most importantly, we are keen to share challenges and learn from other initiatives, discuss solutions, and create new connections with the aim of developing new initiatives internationally, while capturing local priorities and voices.
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unfold_moreIndia’s Arctic Policy - The Way Forward for Collaborative Research — Manish Tiwari
Manish Tiwari 1; Rohit Srivastava 1
1 National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)Format: Oral in-person
Abstract:
India’s Arctic Policy, introduced in 2022, reflects the country’s interest in the Arctic region’s evolving geopolitical, environmental, and economic significance. The policy emphasizes key priorities of scientific research, climate studies, international cooperation, and sustainable development. India has maintained a research presence in the Arctic since 2007, with the Himadri research station in Svalbard, Norway, as a base for studying the region’s environmental and climatic changes. The policy highlights the importance of the Arctic in influencing global climate systems, particularly in understanding the Arctic’s impact on monsoons and climate patterns in India.
India aims to deepen its engagement in Arctic research, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and marine ecosystems while exploring sustainable economic opportunities. India seeks to strengthen its role in Arctic governance by participating in forums like the Arctic Council, advocating for a collaborative approach to addressing regional challenges such as indigenous rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
India’s Arctic Policy also prioritizes building national capacity and infrastructure to support its Arctic engagement while ensuring that its activities contribute to global efforts in climate resilience, scientific advancement, and environmental sustainability. Given the size of the Arctic, the stakeholder nations must collaborate and provide support to each other to understand the changes happening there. The infrastructure built by various nations can play an important role in it, such as hosting researchers and providing field equipment to other countries. This collaborative approach between countries will only allow humanity to decipher the evolving dynamics of the Arctic region.
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unfold_moreThe Canadian Amundsen Science Program: unifying multiple projects and partnerships to inform the sustainable development of the Arctic — Alexandre Forest
Alexandre Forest 1; Anissa Merzouk 1; Marcel Babin 1
1 Amundsen ScienceFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Amundsen Science is the organization that manages the scientific mandate of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Amundsen, a state-of-the-art dedicated research icebreaker equipped with more than 85 scientific systems and 22 laboratories to support innovative studies at sea. Amundsen Science's vision is to maintain Canada as a global leader in the multinational scientific exploration of the changing Arctic Ocean, with the primary goal of informing its sustainable development. Each year, Amundsen Science provides turnkey logistical, financial and technical support to hundreds of national and international expedition participants from a variety of disciplines and sectors, stimulating synergies and fostering cutting-edge research among the various projects conducted aboard the vessel. These projects are typically multisectoral and multidisciplinary in nature, involving Canadian academics, Indigenous researchers, government partners and international collaborators, all working together in an inclusive and equitable approach. While each of the supported projects has its own identity and objectives, they can also be seen collectively as a unified scientific endeavor under the umbrella of Amundsen Science, thus representing a unique National Arctic Program within the Canadian research landscape that can be described as being "greater than the sum of its parts". In more than 20 years of operation, the Amundsen Science model has demonstrated that managing a national and dedicated marine research infrastructure through an independent entity is a successful approach to generating knowledge that connects the dots across disciplines, nations, and sectors. The measurable success of this integrative model makes a strong case for its continued existence in Canada.
Poster Presentations (during Poster Exhibit and Session on Wednesday 26 March):
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unfold_moreErosion assessment at an archaeological site in the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site: U.S. and Greenland Researchers Collaborate on Heritage Preservation Amid Growing Arctic Tourism and Climate Change — Claire Benton
Claire Benton 1; Bo Albrechtsen 2; Christina Bonsell 3; Hans Harmsen 4; Mikkel Myrup 4; Claire Shields 5
1 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; 2 Avannaata Kommunia; 3 U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; 4 Nunatta Katersugaasivia Allagaateqarfialu (Greenland National Museum & Archives); 5 U.S. Department of the Interior, International Technical Assistance ProgramsFormat: Poster virtual
Poster number: 342
Abstract:
The Arctic environment has uniquely preserved many archaeological sites in Greenland, thanks to low temperatures and slow decomposition rates. The archaeological site of Sermermiut in western Greenland has provided evidence for human settlement dating back over 4,000 years. Over the past several decades, Sermermiut has eroded to the extent that the main settlement is now significantly impacted. As Sermermiut falls within the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site, consideration for its management is essential to the integrity of the area, particularly regarding tourism. The United States government is expanding its partnerships with Greenland via technical assistance programs, particularly aimed at the economic development of a sustainable, heritage-focused tourism industry. To this end, a team of researchers from Greenland and the U.S. assembled to investigate coastal erosion and permafrost loss at Sermermiut in July 2024. Our interdisciplinary approach includes photogrammetry, soil science, and coastal science. Local expertise from Avannaata Kommunia and Nunatta Katersugaasivia Allagaateqarfialu (Greenland National Museum and Archives) provides archaeological, drone, and GIS expertise. The U.S.’s Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and Natural Resources Conservation Service offers tourism, marine dynamics, and soil science expertise. This team aims to provide the local community and resource managers with summaries of their findings in Greenlandic, Danish, and English. Centering the local community as the recipient of the knowledge will promote transparent and accessible dissemination of research findings. The investigation at and recommendations for Sermermiut can provide a framework for protecting archaeological heritage around Greenland and other Arctic communities.
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unfold_moreCoordinating German university polar research – The National Committee SCAR/IASC — Linn Sanguineti
Linn Sanguineti 1; Monika Rhein 1
1 Univeristy of BremenFormat: Poster in-person
Poster number: 573
Abstract:
The National Committee SCAR/IASC was established by the German National Science Foundation (DFG) to plan and coordinate polar research of German universities in cooperation with the Alfred Wegener Institute and other institutions. Polar science at universities is one of the main pillars of German Arctic research, contributing significantly to answering the major questions about the role of the Arctic in the climate system. For a comprehensive picture of the changes in the polar regions, findings from all fields of polar research must be combined - marine, atmospheric and ice sheet research, biology, geosciences, and social sciences. The National Committee SCAR/IASC is a panel in which participants from all polar research fields and the relevant federal institutions meet. It thus offers a broad forum for exchange, discussion, and initiatives. In our annual meetings, we address national and international topics of polar research and infrastructure amongst the German polar research community.
The National Committee nominates German delegates to working groups and committees of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). In 2025, more than 70 German scientists are participating in bodies of IASC and SCAR, and 20 German universities are involved in polar research.
Through our website https://scar-iasc.de, we facilitate networking for polar researchers and increase polar research visibility amongst the general public.