Past Events

On behalf of USNORTHCOM and the Command’s “The Watch” Magazine, United States European Command (USEUCOM), United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and the Center for Arctic Security and Resilience (CASR) - University of Alaska Fairbanks, would like to invite you to the November 2021 Arctic eTalks distinguished speaker presentation on "United States Arctic Interests: Managing Security Through Diplomacy" by James P. DeHart, U.S. Coordinator for Arctic Region, U.S. State Department.

The Arctic eTalks is a monthly forum for open discussion (non-attribution, Chatham House Rule) in key issues affecting the Circumpolar Arctic for academics, defense and security professional, and military leaders from Canada, Finland, Kingdom of Denmark (Greenland and Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States, as well as the United Kingdom and Germany.

This event is presented along with our valued Arctic eTalks supporters at the United States Department of State.

Mr. DeHart is scheduled to provide a 30-minute presentation with slides which will be followed by a 60-minute Q&A session (non-attribution) that will be moderated by Mr. Constantinos Nicolaidis, Senior Advisor, Office of the U.S. Coordinator for the Arctic Region (S/AR) and Ms. Gabriela Arias Villela, Public Diplomacy Officer - Nordic, Baltic, Arctic Office of Press and Public Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State.

The U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Interior, and the White House invite registration for the upcoming webinar on ArcticX, an InnovationXLab series of events that explore the Arctic's crucial yet largely untapped potential as a living laboratory of clean energy innovation. This kickoff marks the first in a series of four virtual events, culminating with an in-person InnovationXLab in Alaska in May.

ArcticX will showcase an interagency cross section of U.S. leadership in energy innovation and commercialization. It will highlight the resourcefulness that defines this traditionally underserved but strategically important region. Join diverse Arctic stakeholders, including Alaska Natives, industry entrepreneurs, university and laboratory researchers, and government leaders in crucial discussions.

Hear from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, White House representatives, and U.S. Department of Energy leadership.

Speakers will convene to discuss:

• Build Back Better for Alaska
• Capacity building, workforce issues, and energy justice
• Leveraging federal agency expertise and resources for technology transfer and commercialization
• Transportation needs for remote access, including transportation electrification
• Energy Transition – pathways to sustainable energy systems that address requirements for power, heat, and mobility

Update: The Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and the Polar Research Center in cooperation with The Committee on Polar Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Polar Consortium jointly organise the 38th International Polar Symposium "Environmental changes in polar regions: New problems - new solutions" to be held on 18-20 November 2021.

Note: The 38th International Polar Symposium was originally scheduled to take place October 15-17, 2020, and then May 13-15, 2021.

The Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and the Polar Research Center in cooperation with The Committee on Polar Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Polar Consortium jointly organise the 38th International Polar Symposium.

The IPS is a recurrent bi-annual scientific conference on widely understood polar topics. The conference has been very popular within the research communities in Poland and abroad for years. Now it gives again a great opportunity to exchange experiences, to discuss and to integrate experts from various fields who conduct their research in the Arctic, the Antarctic and elsewhere in the world.

The IPS in 2020 is exceptional, since accompanied with a plenary meeting under an umbrella of the European Polar Board. We expect researcher from numerous countries, who will be participating in special topic sessions.

Last but not least, the 45th anniversary of the NCU Polar Station on Spitsbergen will be celebrated during the IPS.

Update: ACCAP has rescheduled VAWS webinar, A Tale of Two Ice Floes . The webinar had to be pushed back one day due to a scheduling conflict with one of the speakers. It will now occur on November 18th at 11am AKST. Those who have already registered do not need to re-register and can use the original link. Those who are unable to attend the webinar on this new date can find the recording posted to the webinar webpage after the event.

During the winter of 2019-2020, two drifting ice floes, thousands of miles apart, formed the temporary homes for two different Arctic operations. In late 2019, the icebreaker Polarstern was frozen into sea ice in the Central Arctic as the centerpiece of the year-long MOSAiC expedition. And, in February 2020, an ice camp was established roughly 150 miles offshore in the Alaska Beaufort Sea as the base of on-ice activity for the U.S. Navy’s biennial ICEX exercise. In this webinar, we will discuss the weather and ice conditions at each location and how this impacted the science and logistics. In the process, we will introduce some of the science that was carried on these two ice floes and reflect on how the unexpected weather and ice conditions can create challenges, but also offer new insights.

Please follow the link above for more information and to register.

The tools and techniques for making monthly and season scale climate forecasts are rapidly changing, with the potential to provide useful forecasts at the month and longer range. We will review recent climate conditions around Alaska, review some forecast tools and finish up the Climate Prediction Center’s forecast for December and winter season. Join the gathering online to learn more about Alaska climate and weather.

Please follow the link above to register.

The Polar Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (PRB / NASEM) will hold its Fall Board Meeting as a series of online sessions as shown below. If you are interested to join any of these sessions, please register at the link provided.

November 15 (3-5pm ET). This session will include: (i) discussions with select federal agency polar program leaders about current priorities, opportunities and challenges; (ii) updates on developments in international polar science cooperation through IASC and SCAR; (iii) updates on recent/current PRB (and related NASEM) activities.

November 19 (2-5pm ET). This session will explore current developments, and possible opportunities for new PRB efforts related to: (i) assessment of health risks/concerns for Arctic-region populations; (ii) prospects for expanding science cooperation in the Russian Arctic.

November 30 (3-5pm ET). This is a joint session with the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) and Ocean Studies Board (OSB) on “Tipping Points in the Climate System”. We will consider scientific advances made since the last major NASEM study on this topic (in 2013) and explore what new Academies activities could help advance scientific understanding and public communication about this concept.

More information about the NASEM Polar Research Board can be found here.

The Wilson Center's Polar Institute is pleased to co-sponsor the 14th Polar Law Symposium, which will be a hybrid event co-hosted by the Polar Cooperation Research Centre (Kobe University, Japan), Polar Law Institute (University of Akureyri, Iceland), Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law – Arctic Centre (University of Lapland, Finland), University of the Arctic and its Arctic Law Thematic Network (Finland).

Mr. Evan T. Bloom, Senior Fellow, Polar Institute, will join a panel entitled, "Polar ocean governance through the two marine ecosystem/fisheries agreements," in which he and Dr. Joji Morishita, Professor, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, will provide insights on the future directions of the 1980 Convention for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and 2018 Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean.

High Arctic Polynyas in a Changing Climate will be a 2-day international hybrid workshop held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Polynyas provide biological oases in the polar regions and their formation is influenced by the complex interplay between atmospheric and oceanographic forcing, as well as geographical setting. Reconstructions and observations demonstrate these phenomena were and are vulnerable to the impacts of changing climate in the Arctic; the question remains as to their viability (and how to predict this) in the future.

The aim of this interdisciplinary workshop is to bring together researchers from the paleo-community (working with e.g., marine and lacustrine proxies) and the modelling community to consolidate existing knowledge through a combination of short talks and poster presentations. Open format panel discussions will aim to identify emerging perspectives and challenges in arctic polynya research as well as areas for synthesis, collaboration, and opportunities for data-model assimilation.

Please indicate your interest in attending via email to Rebecca Jackson rjac at geus.dk indicting 1) whether you will be attending in person/online, 2) preference of poster/short talk and 3) a brief abstract (350 words max.).

The extended deadline for abstracts is 9 November 2021, after which the workshop schedule and details will be announced.

Participation in the workshop is free of charge and there is limited financial support for travel for early career researchers from abroad wishing to attend in person.

ACCAP’s portfolio of interwoven research and engagement in Alaska supports the underlying vision of building healthy and thriving Alaskan communities. Core themes include extreme events and impacts and capacity building in support of Tribal resilience. In the extreme events work, the team will use an integrated approach that brings together social science, climate science, and local expertise to: a) document socio-economic impacts of extreme climate and weather events in Alaska; b) engage practitioners to determine and meet information needs; and c) analyze historical and projected changes in extreme event occurrences to inform policy and decision-making. The work will support Tribal resilience by: a) bridging community-level climate adaptation planning and implementation with workforce and economic development; b) investigating and supporting boundary spanning and knowledge co-production between Alaska Native communities and climate and related researchers; c) innovating evaluation methodology and elevating Indigenous evaluation of climate-related knowledge co-production and climate adaptation. New outreach and engagement activities include assessment products that encompass societal impacts and adaptation, training for students and postdoctoral fellows, online course development, and enhanced convening activities with a focus on serving the needs of policy-makers, Alaska Native Peoples, tribes, and organizations throughout the state. The next 5 years of ACCAP will include a sustained assessment specialist and small-grant competition, which like the core portfolio, aims to fulfill ACCAP’s vision of thriving Alaskan communities, economies, and ecosystems. This webinar will provide an overview of ACCAP’s proposed activities for the next 5 years.

Please follow the link above for more information and to register.

Presenters

• Sarah Trainor, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Nathan Kettle, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• John Walsh, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Adelheid Hermann, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Rick Thoman, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Danielle Meeker, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Margaret Rudolf, University of Alaska Fairbanks

The Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) Community Office invites you to a Filmmaking Workshop with Ryan Vachon.

Interested in knowledge translation and techniques for science communication? Join producer, script writer, videographer, and editor Ryan Vachon (Provare Media) for a 90-minute filmmaking workshop. Ryan will work with attendees to identify a project mission statement, provide methods for storyboarding and communication, discuss camera and audio gear, approaches to filming, and provide an overview of basics in editing. Limited capacity.

Questions? Contact Ryan at ryan.vachon [at] colorado.edu

This session will explore various dimensions of renewable energy in the Arctic, including perspectives from local and Indigenous communities.

Abstract

Climate change poses challenges worldwide with observable impacts on both natural and social systems as well as infrastructures in all regions. Specifically in the North such challenges include the melting of permafrost and increased flooding which has implications for energy security and green energy advancement, pointedly in remote areas.

In addition to changes in climate, complex physical barriers such as harsh weather and ice conditions, remoteness, and high transportation costs are but a few of the challenges that Arctic communities face in securing energy production and supply.

These complications have resulted in continued widespread use of fossil fuels such as diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, and coal as stable sources of energy for power plants that can operate in cold climates. With more pressure to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impacts of the energy sector, renewable energies such as solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal provide important alternatives to more traditional energy sources. Successful development and adoption of clean energy in remote areas requires a higher degree of innovation and support by both the public and private sector.

Please follow the link above for more information.

The purpose of the Conference is to form an international interdisciplinary platform for discussing topical issues of climate change and assessing their impact on further socio-economic development and international cooperation in the Arctic. Special attention will be paying to find the ways to implement an environmentally sustainable model of development of the region.

The conference will be attended by leading scientists from Russia, France, Norway, Finland and other countries, the representatives of the Trianon Dialogue, leaders of organizations of Indigenous peoples of the North, representatives of the diplomatic corps and relevant state authorities, as well as professional associations that are engaged in research in the Arctic region and are focused on the development of economic and scientific cooperation in the Arctic.

We will offer the following sessions:

1. Climate change and sustainable development in the Arctic region (November 26, 2021, 10:00 - 13:00 Moscow Standard Time (MSK), UTC +3)
2. Changing the gas and aerosol composition of the Arctic atmosphere in a changing climate (November 26, 2021, 10:00 - 13:00 Moscow Standard Time (MSK), UTC +3)
3. Ecosystems of the Arctic region in the face of global change (November 26, 2021, 14:00 - 17:00 Moscow Standard Time (MSK), UTC +3)
4. Socio-economic aspects of Arctic development (November 26, 2021, 14:00 - 17:00 Moscow Standard Time (MSK), UTC +3)

Deadline for abstract submission: November 5, 2021

Please send your abstract to arcticdays2021 [at] rshu.ru

Questions regarding the participation and materials presentation can be sent to the executive secretary, E.V. Platonova: platonova [at] rshu.ru

This workshop is open to researchers from all disciplines, policy makers, activists, and others with an interest in Arctic research and research ethics. The organizers explicitly want to encourage natural scientists to participate.

The workshop will include presentations and discussion-based sessions between participants. Please see the preliminary programme and more information about the concept and sessions at the link above.

If you would like to participate in this workshop, please send an e-mail to vilena.valeeva [at] iass-potsdam.de before 19 November 2021.

The Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS) announces a call for nominations for our Board of Directors election. There are four seats up for election in a vote of the ARCUS Membership Council that will take place in December. Terms will be three years and begin in January 2022.

We seek nominations of candidates with enthusiasm and time (approximately 40 hours/year) to dedicate to ARCUS, who are willing and able to help ARCUS fulfill its vision and mission and achieve its strategic goals. We particularly invite nominations of individuals with experience in and connections to: Arctic system science, Alaska Native organizations, Arctic infrastructure issues, or U.S. federal research and education initiatives.

Nominees are welcome from any career level and type of organization. We strive to embody our value of “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” in our Board.

The essential responsibilities of the Board are to:

• Develop, and advocate for, ARCUS’ values, mission, goals, and activities
• Hold fiduciary and legal responsibility for the corporation
• Promote the interests of its member institutions and the larger Arctic research community

Please follow the link above for more information.

Nominations or questions should be sent to: Helen Wiggins, ARCUS Executive Director, at helen [at] arcus.org

Nomination submission deadline: Monday, 29 November 2021, 12:00 p.m. AKST.

The Polar Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (PRB / NASEM) will hold its Fall Board Meeting as a series of online sessions as shown below. If you are interested to join any of these sessions, please register at the link provided.

November 15 (3-5pm ET). This session will include: (i) discussions with select federal agency polar program leaders about current priorities, opportunities and challenges; (ii) updates on developments in international polar science cooperation through IASC and SCAR; (iii) updates on recent/current PRB (and related NASEM) activities.

November 19 (2-5pm ET). This session will explore current developments, and possible opportunities for new PRB efforts related to: (i) assessment of health risks/concerns for Arctic-region populations; (ii) prospects for expanding science cooperation in the Russian Arctic.

November 30 (3-5pm ET). This is a joint session with the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) and Ocean Studies Board (OSB) on “Tipping Points in the Climate System”. We will consider scientific advances made since the last major NASEM study on this topic (in 2013) and explore what new Academies activities could help advance scientific understanding and public communication about this concept.

More information about the NASEM Polar Research Board can be found here.

Join us for an informal webinar focusing on Community & Citizen Science in the Far North.

This will be an opportunity to continue the discussions and networking after the recent Community and Citizen Science in the Far North conference that took place online 5–7 October 2021.

This webinar will be of particular interest to those interested in continuing to share knowledge and increase networking among researchers, community members, and other practitioners of community and citizen science in the circumpolar Arctic. During this informal webinar, we will provide a quick overview of the conference and share the outcomes. In addition, we’ll provide the participants additional opportunities to share any project updates and network. We will also have multiple breakout rooms available for participants wanting to network and discuss mutual topics of interest. A more detailed agenda and webinar outline will be made available closer to the event.

Registration is required for this webinar, which is free and open to the public.

The Arctic Initiative at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is now accepting applications for its research fellowship in the areas of permafrost thaw, the Arctic Ocean and environment, resilience in the Far North, and Arctic governance, shipping, and security.

The deadline to submit is December 1, 2021.

The Arctic Initiative addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with the effects of climate change in the Arctic. A special focus is placed on exploring the adequacy of existing governmental and international policies, programs, laws, and regulations and considering how they can be improved to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the Arctic.

For this upcoming fellowship, the Arctic Initiative will prioritize proposals that focus on:

• Permafrost Thaw (policy implications of improved understanding of how pace of permafrost thaw and pace of global climate change interact; regional impacts of permafrost thaw under plausible scenarios; adaptation/resilience measures against regional impacts; communication of findings to key regional & global audiences);
• The Arctic Ocean and Environment (climate change impacts; human health impacts; marine litter; ocean pollution; ocean acidification and biodiversity; natural resource management and efficient utilization of marine resources; international and scientific collaborations and challenges and opportunities for indigenous communities);
• Resilience in the Far North (infrastructure; transportation; health; food security; community empowerment; governance; culture; connectivity; tourism; shipping; and renewable energy in remote communities – including environmental and economic impacts and exploring ways to increase the resilience of and sustainable development for local Arctic communities and the ecosystems upon which they depend); and
• Arctic Governance, Shipping, and Security (Arctic collaboration; maritime navigation and new shipping routes; diplomacy and geopolitics; and risk management and disaster response).

Arctic residents and Indigenous candidates, including pre- and postdoctoral scholars and seasoned practitioners are encouraged to apply.

Antarctica Day is celebrated by the international polar community on 1st December 2021 to commemorate the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) Antarctica Day Project Group is excited to be part of these celebrations and is organizing a series of activities ​to celebrate the day with all APECS members, APECS National Committees, as well as everyone who is interested in and passionate about Antarctica. You can learn more about Antarctica Day by following the link above.

The Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) announces an upcoming SIOS Webinar Series event, titled Environmental Impact of Research in Svalbard.

The agenda for the webinar includes:

• Updates from SIOS Knowledge Centre;
• Estimating the Environmental Impact of AWI-Science and Best Practice for Mitigation - Wiebke Hayen and Verena Mohaupt, Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI);
• Reducing Environmental Footprints using Autonomous Vehicles as Research Tools and Sensor Platforms from Space to the Sea Floor - Rune Storvold, Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE);
• Proposal for Amendments to the Svalbard Environmental Regulations - Kjell Tore Hansen, Norwegian Environmental Agency; and
• Question and Answer Session.

For more information and to register, please follow the link above.

The ArcticNet ASM is the largest Arctic Science Conference in the world. This is your opportunity to join the global network of research leaders, contribute to the Arctic research conversation at the ArcticNet ASM2021 and help shape the future of innovative and excellence Arctic research.

We are pleased to be hosting a wide range of Topical Sessions covering a breadth of Arctic research, including in the natural, social, and health sciences. This year’s conference abstracts will be published by Arctic Science Journal in the ASM2021 Book of Abstracts.

This is an opportunity for researchers to present their work with the Arctic research community, including colleagues, collaborators, and decision-makers, with an expected 1500 attendees.

We are accepting abstract submissions until August 29, 2021.

View the list of topical sessions, find the guidelines, stay up-to-date about the conference and submit presentations or e-poster abstracts on the ASM2021 conference website at the link above.