Arctic Science Summit Week 2026
This year’s ASSW was hosted by Aarhus University, with strong support from the Kingdom of Denmark and others. The eight days of events covered a wide range of IASC-related activity, community and programme meetings, the Arctic Observing Summit and beyond. There were IASC Working Group meetings; a Strategy Day; the IASC Council meeting, Standing Committee on Indigenous Involvement and much more. Thank you to all the new and existing UK-based Working Group representatives who attended in person and online. You can find their short meeting reports here. This year marked the end of Henry Burgess’ full term as IASC President. The Council elected Dr Matthew Druckenmiller (University of Colorado, Boulder & Dartmouth University) as his successor. Matthew is an exceptional leader and we wish him well for his four-year term. We also welcome Dr Monika Kedra from Poland who was also elected onto the IASC Executive Committee. A major feature of ASSW2026 was the launch of the Final Reports of the ICARP IV process. The summary report and individual Research Priority Team reports can be downloaded here. Thank you to the 100s of researchers and knowledge holders who led and contributed to this work, which provides the science priorities and implementation plans for the coming decade. This is a major step in the process of building to the International Polar Year 2032-33. Next year’s ASSW meeting will be 12-20 April in Hakodate, Japan. We will share session and community meeting dates as they are released.
UK Arctic Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Report for IPY5 – Workshops
As the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) prepares its new strategy (2027-2037) and in the lead-up to Fifth International Polar Year (IPY5, 2031-32), we are at a critical moment in helping to shape and direct the role of the arts, humanities, and social sciences. UK-based individuals, institutes, and organisations working across Arctic arts, humanities, and social sciences are invited to join for a series of workshops led by Dr Isabelle Gapp (Co-Director, The Centre for the North & UK SHWG member for IASC) taking place online and in-person (Cambridge and Aberdeen). Colleagues working on Antarctica are also welcome to join. For further information about the workshops, and to register, please use this link to access the form:
UK Arctic Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Report for IPY5 – Workshops – Fill in form
The deadline to register is 28 August 2026.
UK Svalbard Research Network
A group led by Dr William Harcourt (Aberdeen University) is in the process of developing a new UK Svalbard Research Network, which aims to bring together UK-based researchers working in and around Svalbard (across all domains). The network aims to raise the profile of our research, build momentum, and develop links between researchers in the UK and internationally. We believe it would be beneficial for our community to come together and assist each other in a range of topics e.g. science, logistics, administration, funding, teaching, student supervision and more.
If you are a UK-based researcher with interests (big or small) in Svalbard, please send me (Will Harcourt; william.harcourt@abdn.ac.uk) an email containing the following information:
- Name
- Institution(s) affiliated with
- Research interests relevant to Svalbard
- Relevant projects
We will use this information to gain an understanding of Svalbard activities where UK researchers are involved and write a report summarising this information. We will likely contact you with more information on how to get involved in the near future.
Arctic Funding call with the European Space Agency
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme supports businesses to develop space‑enabled solutions, providing zero‑equity funding alongside technical and commercial guidance, access to our network and partners, and the opportunity to use the ESA brand for credibility and reach. ESA BASS is dedicated to leveraging space technology for real-world applications that benefit society as a whole.
They will soon be launching the “Arctic Region” Call for Proposals, which aims to support the study, development and demonstration of solutions that address current and emerging challenges in the Arctic using satellite technology and data.
The call targets a wide range of challenges, including:
- Circumpolar and Arctic biodiversity loss and environmental protection
- Security of environmental and economic resources, including food security and fisheries
- Ice mapping, ice charting, and vessel navigation to support safe and sustainable maritime operations
- Search and rescue and operational safety in remote Arctic environments
- Early‑warning and monitoring systems for wildfires (including peatland fires), floods, extreme weather, permafrost thaw, and ecosystem instability
- Protection of critical and strategic infrastructure in the Arctic region
The opportunity will be implemented through three sub‑calls, each with its own submission window for Activity Pitch Questionnaires (APQs):
- Environmental Protection & Climate Resilience – APQ opening: June 2026 | APQ closing: September 2026
- Safety, Navigation, and Operations – APQ opening: September 2026 | APQ closing: November 2026
- Security & Critical Infrastructure Protection – APQ opening: November 2026 | APQ closing: January 2027
UK Arctic terrestrial research strengths and priorities report
This report outlines the strengths and future priorities for UK Arctic terrestrial research looking forward to the International Polar Year 2032/33 and beyond. It emphasises the urgent climate challenges facing the region, including changing ecosystems on land and in freshwaters, rapid thawing of permafrost, and shifting biogeochemical cycles that alter the Arctic’s influence on climate change. The document showcases the UK’s world-class expertise in understanding these significant environmental challenges, and outlines ways forward to best address knowledge needs.
The document was produced from three online workshops in December 2025, attended by 39 UK-based researchers from 22 institutions covering the breadth and depth of expertise in UK Arctic terrestrial science.
Link to report: https://www.arctic.ac.uk/news/report-uk-arctic-terrestrial-research-towards-ipy-2032-33-and-beyond/
Upcoming Events:
Arctic Circle Assembly 2026, 8 – 10 October 2026, Reykjavik, Iceland
ArcticNet’s Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2026, 7 – 10 December, 2026, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Arctic Frontiers, 1 – 4 February 2027, Tromso, Norway