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4.4. Knowledge as a Catalyst: Future Pathways in Greenland's Research Environment

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28 March 2025 | 10:30 - 12:00 (MDT)

Open Session - HYBRID

Room:  Glenn Miller Ballroom - UMC 208

Organisers:  Jula Maegaard-Hoffmann (Arctic Hub, Greenland); Kunuk Holm (Government of Greenland); Daniel Lyberth Hauptmann (Arctic Hub, Greenland)

Moderator:  Nicoline Larsen (Head of Communication at Arctic Hub)

Session Description:

As the Arctic region garners increasing global interest, Greenland stands at a pivotal moment with its new research strategy charting the course for the future. This session at Arctic Science Summit Week 2025 will delve into Greenland's National Research Strategy 2022-2030, exploring how it serves as a framework for advancing Arctic research, fostering sustainable development, and enhancing international collaboration. The session invites key stakeholders including policymakers, experts, and research community members to discuss the solutions provided by the research community and how the strategy’s four main goals align with and contribute to ICARP IV's objectives.

Key topics will include:

  1. Anchoring Research in Greenland: Emphasizing the integration of local knowledge and expertise in Arctic research.
  2. Supporting Sustainable Social Development: Highlighting the role of research in the economic, social, and cultural growth of Arctic communities.
  3. Ensuring Accessibility of Research Results: Promoting transparent and accessible dissemination of research findings to all stakeholders.
  4. Fostering International Collaboration: Building and strengthening global partnerships to address Arctic challenges.

Confirmed speakers include representatives from Arctic Hub and the Government of Greenland, who will provide insights into ongoing initiatives and future directions. The session will invite key stakeholders to feature practical examples of tested solutions.

This comprehensive discussion aims to bridge the gap between Greenland's research strategy and ICARP IV’s goals, ensuring that the research not only advances scientific understanding and predictive capabilities of Arctic systems but also provides actionable insights for both Arctic residents and global communities.

Instructions for Speakers:  Oral presentations in this session should be at most 8-minutes in length, with an additional 2 minutes for questions (unless more detailed instructions are provided by session conveners). See more detailed presenter instructions here.

Agenda:

  • Introduction by Kunuk Holm (8 min)
  • Video made by Arctic Hub (5 min)
  • Nicoline Larsen to introduce the presenters (5 min)
  • Oral presentations listed below (each 8 min + 2 min for questions)
  • Last remarks from presenters (10 min)
  • Wrap up (2 min)

Oral Presentations: 

  • unfold_moreResearch in Greenland, vision from Greenland Research Council — Lorenz Meire

    Lorenz Meire 1
    1 Greenland Institute of Natural Resources

    Format: Oral in-person

    Abstract:

    Greenland Research Council is a national and independent administrative body whose purpose is to promote and strengthen the development of Greenland research to the benefit of Greenland’s society. The council funds research and advise decision-makers and stakeholders on research professional and research policy issues. In 2023, Greenland announced its research strategy for 2022-30, aimed at strengthening Greenland’s research capacity. The strategy defines the Government of Greenland’s visions for the development of research in Greenland and outlines four main goals: Research must be anchored in Greenland, Research must support sustainable societal development, Research results must be easily accessible to all and Research efforts must be at an international level. As Greenland Research Council, we want to discuss how we aim to develop science in Greenland aligned with our country's strategy.

  • unfold_moreThe Greenland Ice Sheet Ocean Science Network (GRISO): A network of networks Fostering collaborative, equitable and sustainable practices for Greenland research — Kirstin Schulz

    Kirstin Schulz 1; Twila Moon 2; Fiamma Straneo 3; An Nguyen 1; Donald Slater 4; Dave Sutherland 5
    1 The University of Texas at Austin; 2 National Snow and Ice Data Center, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder; 3 Harvard University; 4 University of Edinburgh; 5 University of Oregon

    Format: Oral in-person

    Abstract:

    The Greenland Ice Sheet Ocean Science Network (GRISO) is an open, international, multidisciplinary network of scientists working to advance collective understanding of problems related to Greenland coastal regions. This includes research on Greenland Ice Sheet change, the interactions with the ocean, atmosphere, marine ecosystems, as well as connections with societal interests. Originally formed by the U.S. CLIVAR Working Group on Ice Sheet Ocean Interactions, GRISO has grown through National Science Foundation funding, including a current AccelNet Grant (2020-2025), to become a key organizing group in Greenland-focused research.

    Recent GRISO efforts include the establishment of international working groups aimed at advancing knowledge on four research themes: Understanding the influence of glacial ice on the ocean, the influence oceans have on the ice sheet and glaciers, data management, and Greenland in a paleo-perspective. GRISO has also supported workshops, such as the 2022 Greenland Natural Science Data Workshop, and special sessions at meetings. A recent focus is the establishment of an Greenland ocean atlas that makes ocean data accessible to all and adhering to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles (see Roth et al., ASSW presentation).

    A hallmark of GRISO’s recent efforts is an annual 2-week summer school in Greenland, where cross-disciplinary early-career researchers engage directly with local researchers and organizations. Since 2022, summer school participants from different nations have been trained in, and exposed to, Greenland focused research themes, collaboration techniques, conducting research that adheres to the Greenland Strategic Research Plan, involves Greenland organizations and local knowledge holders, and advances sustainable research practices

  • unfold_moreILLU Science and Art - a collaborative effort to exchange local narratives and scientific understanding of climate changes in Kalaallit Nunaat — Kerim Hestnes Nisancioglu

    Kerim Nisancioglu 1; Eamon O`Kane 2
    1 University of Bergen, Bjerknes Center for Climate Research; 2 University of Bergen, The Art Academy, Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design

    Format: Oral in-person

    Abstract:

    Communities in Kalaallit Nunaat are facing new challenges and opportunities due to climate change. The fjord systems and coastal areas are projected to undergo significant changes as seaice and glaciers retreat.

    The scientific community increasingly recognizes the importance of involving local knowledge in defining research agendas and methodologies, as well as in collecting and analyzing data in the field. Unfortunately, there are few opportunities to share narratives and learn from each other.

    Recently, the University of Bergen, in collaboration with Avannaata Kommunia, established a collaborative space in Ilulissat on the west coast, by the UNESCO Ilulissat Kangia (Icefjord). This fjord is an attractive site for research, with Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the world’s largest and fastest-flowing marine-terminating glaciers, which frequently fills the fjord with massive icebergs. With Qeqertarsuup Tunua (Disko Bay), the area hosts historic hunting grounds, a vibrant fishing culture, and a growing tourism industry.

    The venue, ILLU – Science and Art, aims to provide an open and inclusive space to the community. It includes a flexible workshop area, large exhibition space, kitchen and café lounge, and accommodation for visiting artists and scientists. In addition to interactive workshops and exhibits, ILLU offers a residency program with the ambition to build trust and strengthen the links between local communities and visiting scientists.

    By offering a safe space to meet, listen, and share, the venue provides opportunities to engage local knowledge holders. This collaborative effort not only enhances scientific understanding, but also ensures that research findings are relevant and actionable locally.

  • unfold_moreBuilding bridges between research and society — Daniel Lyberth Hauptmann

    Daniel Lyberth Hauptmann 1
    1 ArcticHub, Greenland

    Format: Oral in-person

    Abstract:

    Arctic Hub is built on the fundamental belief that knowledge holds the most value when shared and put into action. Our primary mission is to foster new networks and workflows that enable knowledge to flow more seamlessly—across Greenland and internationally.

    We achieve this through two key approaches: creating overview and dissemination. Overview is essential for connecting the right people, institutions, and organizations. Dissemination ensures that research reaches and benefits society. Together, these efforts define our core purpose in a single sentence: Arctic Hub makes research accessible.

  • unfold_moreQGreenland: Mapping, data, and visualization tools to support Greenland-focused research and education — Twila Moon

    Twila Moon 1; Matt Jones 2; Trey Stafford 1; Rushiraj Nenuji 3; Alyse Thurber 4
    1 National Snow and Ice Data Center, CIRES, University of Colorado Boulder; 2 DataONE, Arctic Data Center; 3 Arctic Data Center; 4 Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation, CIRES, University of Colorado Boulder

    Format: Oral in-person

    Abstract:

    QGreenland is a data and mapping tool that makes exploring Greenland-focused data easy for researchers, educators, planners, or anyone interested. The QGreenland project (https://qgreenland.org) provides a downloadable QGreenland data package combining key datasets into a unified GIS analysis and visualization environment for use with the free, open source QGIS software. With beginner and intermediate tutorials and how-to guides, anyone can learn to use QGreenland and explore dozens of maps, from roads and buildings to ice sheet motion and marginal lakes. We have workshops and curriculum for researchers and educators, and those brand new to GIS, making data accessible and supporting one of the Greenland National Research Strategy goals.

    QGreenland is also making Greenland-focused geospatial data more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) through the NSF Arctic Data Center (ADC) and DataONE. Through the QGreenland Data Portal (https://search.dataone.org/portals/QGreenland/Data), users can find and download over 17,000 Greenland-focused datasets from data repositories around the world, and explore data layers to create custom maps. QGreenland is assisting with onboarding repositories with Greenland data to DataONE, making data more FAIR and reducing the work effort required by projects like NunaGIS to access and serve data.

    Through an international Coordinating Board, with representation from several Greenland and Danish organizations, cryosphere and federated data discussion groups, and open development, we are dedicated to evolving in ways that serve researchers, educators, and residents within Greenland and internationally. We look forward to continuing to engage with and support the Greenland National Research Strategy.

  • unfold_moreBuilding partnerships to understand Greenland's changing glacial fjords — Fiammetta Straneo

    Fiammetta Straneo 1
    1 Harvard University

    Format: Oral in-person

    Abstract:

    FiShEE (Fiord-Shelf Ecosystem Exchanges) is an international, interdisciplinary project that aims to understand climate variability in Kalaallit Nunaat’s (Greenland’s) coastal region and its impact on fjord/ocean ecosystems. The project focuses on two distinct regions: the Ammassalik region in the southeast and the southern Qimusseriarsuaq (Melville Bay)/Upernavik region in the northwest. It involves analysis of historical climate data (glaciers, atmosphere, ocean), the analysis of model projections for the future, and the collection of biological, chemical, and physical ocean data at the two locations from cruises and moored instruments. The project runs from 2022-2027 and is primarily funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Navigating the New Arctic Program.

    In this presentation we will describe efforts to align to Greenland’s Strategic Research Plan (for scientific results see the complementary presentation in session #3.14) and the benefits and challenges experienced. One important component of FiShEE is a strong partnership with Pinngortitaleriffik (Greenland Institute of Natural Resources) through the participation of Greenland scientists in the project and use of the institute’s research vessels. Discussions within our interdisciplinary group, and with Pinngortitaleriffik’s personnel, and participation in discussions held at Greenland Science Week 2023, furthermore, helped identify practices that minimize disturbance of local communities. Finally, mutually-supportive collaborations with Greenland teachers have facilitated the sharing of the science in local schools and a dialogue with local community members. The presentation is on behalf of the entire FiShEE team.

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