This edition includes several reminders about upcoming Arctic funding and engagement opportunities, with application and registration deadlines approaching from 28 August to 18 September 2026. We also highlight the announcement of the International Coordination Office for the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY5).
REMINDER: ACA2026 Travel Support. Registration deadline: 28 August 2026
The NERC Arctic Office is pleased to announce a new opportunity for UK-based early- to mid-career researchers to apply for travel support to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly 2026 (ACA2026). The travel support is being offered through the ‘Supporting Impactful UK Arctic Science Engagement 2026-27′ scheme, which aims to strengthen UK participation in Arctic research, collaboration and policy activities linked to the Arctic Council and wider international Arctic community. Deadline for applications is 1600 UK time on Friday 28 August 2026.
Full details and application information is available here: https://www.arctic.ac.uk/call-for-applications-aca2026-travel-support/
REMINDER: UK Arctic Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Report for IPY5 – Workshops. Registration deadline: 28 August 2026
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 by 28 August 2026 to access the form: UK Arctic Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Report for IPY5 – Workshops – Fill in form
REMINDER: Supporting Impactful UK Arctic Science Engagement 2026–27. Registration deadline: 11 September 2026
The call for applications is now open for the ‘Supporting Impactful UK Arctic Science Engagement 2026–27‘ scheme, offering researchers based in the United Kingdom the opportunity to secure funding for practical research and engagement activities that support the work of the Arctic Council, the priorities of the Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council Chairship (2025–2027), and wider Arctic science priorities.
In recognition of the importance of the work of the Arctic Council and the recent successful engagement by researchers based in the United Kingdom (Supporting Impactful UK Arctic Science Engagement 2025/2026 – Arctic Office), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is extending the scheme to 2026-27, with the potential for similar investment in the following two years. The aims of this funding scheme are to:
- support the active and effective work of projects across the six Arctic Council Working Groups and beyond;
- provide valuable opportunities for UK-based researchers to share and expand their expertise, for mutual benefit; and
- support the UK’s role as a committed and active Observer to the Arctic Council addressing priorities of joint benefit.
Funding is available for projects taking place during the 2026–27 financial year (April 2026 to March 2027). Applications must be submitted by 16:00 UK time on Friday 11 September 2026.
Full call details, eligibility and application process can be found here: https://www.arctic.ac.uk/call-for-applications-supporting-impactful-uk-arctic-science-engagement-2026-2027/
REMINDER: UK-Arctic Partnerships for Security, Resilience and Innovation 2026-2027. Registration deadline: 18 September 2026
We are pleased to announce a new funding opportunity under the ‘Supporting Impactful UK Arctic Science Engagement’ 2026/2027 scheme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This Call, delivered in partnership with the NERC Arctic Office and the UK Science and Technology Network, supports UK-based researchers to undertake research, prototype and technology development that addresses emerging Arctic security and resilience challenges. Open to all disciplines, the call seeks projects with a clear Arctic focus that strengthen climate security, societal resilience and technologies with both civilian and security applications, while fostering new international partnerships and broadening UK engagement in Arctic research. Deadline for applications is Friday 18 September 2026.
Full call details are available here:
https://www.arctic.ac.uk/call-for-applications-uk-arctic-partnerships-for-security-resilience-and-innovation-2026-2027/
IPY-5: International Coordination Office announced
It has been announced that Norway, Korea and Chile will host the International Coordination Office for the Fifth IPY. The consortium consists of The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), and the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), spanning Europe, Asia, and South America and bringing together research communities from both the Arctic and Antarctic. Norway and UiT will serve as the ICO’s physical host and lead financial contributor, with the main office based in Tromsø. Two regional offices hosted and funded by KOPRI and INACH will also be established. Although based across three continents, the ICO is designed to function as a single coordinating body, speaking with one voice and ensuring consistent support, endorsement processes, and engagement opportunities across all regions. The full announcement is available on the IPY-5 website.
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
Arctic Science Summit Week, 11 – 20 April 2027, Hakodate, Japan.