The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) worked to connect Arctic research and education from 1988 through September 2025. Guided by our Values, ARCUS bridged Arctic research across organizations, disciplines, geographies, sectors, knowledge systems, and cultures. Based in the United States, ARCUS served a globally connected Arctic research community with a strong emphasis on connecting U.S. researchers. Our work was supported by government agencies, foundations, and others who shared our commitment to advancing Arctic research and education.
Throughout its history, ARCUS worked to enhance the meaningful participation of Arctic Indigenous communities, organizations, and Peoples in research. This included recognizing that much research occurs within Indigenous communities, on Indigenous lands, and/or draws on Indigenous Knowledge systems. ARCUS championed the value of Indigenous Knowledge as holding its own methodologies, validation, and evaluation processes, the importance of Indigenous community-driven research, and the central role Indigenous communities play in the Arctic research community.
ARCUS operated as a U.S. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the Arctic research community. Membership was open to all organizations engaged in or connected to Arctic research, including academic, research, government, Indigenous, and corporate entities. Representatives of member organizations made up the ARCUS Council and elected the organization's Board of Directors. ARCUS was also enabled by individual supporters who saw the value in our mission to connect and advance Arctic research.
ARCUS will sunset at the end of September 2025. As this chapter closes, we extend our deepest gratitude to the many partners, collaborators, and supporters who contributed to our work over nearly four decades.
Values
- Shared Knowledge
- Transparency
- Multi-Knowledge and Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
- Informed Decision-Making
- Engagement
Vision
Strong and productive connections among U.S. and international Arctic researchers, educators, Indigenous and traditional knowledge holders, Arctic residents and local experts, and other stakeholders to improve understanding of the changing Arctic.
Mission
To facilitate cross-boundary Arctic knowledge, research, communication, and education in the US, and with partners across the globe.
Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Facilitate and Support Arctic Research Collaboration
- Objective 1.1: Provide Resources and Promote Innovative Practices for Collaborative and
Interdisciplinary Research - Objective 1.2: Connect and Support the Arctic Research Community Around Shared Topics of Interest
- Objective 1.3: Partner with Other Arctic Organizations to Catalyze and Broaden Networking Opportunities
- Objective 1.4: Promote Exchange, Collaboration, and Co-Production Between the ARCUS Community and with U.S.-Based Arctic Indigenous Community Members
Goal 2: Enhance the Effectiveness of Arctic Research Communications
- Objective 2.1: Increase Information Exchange and Knowledge Sharing Within the ARCUS
Community - Objective 2.2: Amplify and Share Arctic-Related Research, Knowledge, and Issues with Diverse Audiences
- Objective 2.3: Work with ARCUS Members to Prioritize and Address the Critical Needs of the ARCUS Community
- Objective 2.4: Build Awareness of and Cultivate Group Identity Between ARCUS, our Members, and our Partners
Goal 3: Educate K-16 Students and Formal and Informal Educators about the Arctic, and Engage them in Arctic Research
- Objective 3.1: Develop Professional Training Opportunities for Arctic Educators
- Objective 3.2: Champion Culturally Responsive Arctic Education and Outreach
- Objective 3.3: Foster Arctic Citizen Science and Community-Based Research
- Objective 3.4: Encourage Arctic Youth Involvement in Arctic Research Activities and Learning
Goal 4: Secure Resources to Support the ARCUS Mission
- Objective 4.1: Expand and Sustain ARCUS Membership
- Objective 4.2: Strengthen ARCUS' Organizational Capacity
- Objective 4.3: Diversify ARCUS' Funding Sources
- Objective 4.4: Grow Reserves to Adapt and Respond to New Opportunities
Bylaws
View the ARCUS bylaws here.