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Enhancing the Role of Social Sciences and Humanities in Arctic Research: Challenges and Opportunities

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22 March 2025 | 13:30 - 15:30 (MST)

Open Session - ONLINE ONLY

Room:  ONLINE ONLY

Organiser: Elena Adasheva (Yale U, USA), Eda Ayaydin (UVSQ-University of Paris Saclay, France)

 

Event Description:

This session aims to advocate for the recognition of the crucial role played by Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in Arctic research. Support for SSH researchers, particularly ECRs, is essential as they often face significant challenges in environments where natural sciences dominate. Limited space and budgetary constraints for SSH present significant obstacles, underscoring the need for a coordinated effort to integrate SSH more fully into Arctic research.

Currently, Arctic studies are at the periphery of disciplinary debates in SSH. Arctic social sciences, primarily using sociological methods and often repeating the same topics, remain isolated from significant theoretical advancements in SSH. This marginalization occurs despite the substantial potential of Arctic regions to develop new theoretical frameworks, grounded in the rich human experiences of northern environments and Arctic science.

This session, convened by two early career Arctic social scientists, will consist of a presentation followed by a workshop. The conveners will begin with a presentation discussing the role and unrealized potential of SSH in Arctic research. They will then lead an ideation workshop, encouraging the audience to brainstorm ideas about the role and future directions of SSH in the Arctic. The session will culminate in the creation of a document synthesizing the presentation and workshop contributions. This document will provide recommendations for scientists, policymakers, and funders on the importance of integrating SSH into Arctic research. By highlighting the unique contributions and potential of SSH, this session seeks to ensure that these disciplines receive the recognition and support they deserve in the Arctic.

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