Supporting Impactful UK Arctic Science Engagement scheme 2025 – 2026
In recognition of the importance of the work of the Arctic Council, and the potential for increased engagement by researchers based in the United Kingdom, the UK Government funded a new scheme in 2025 -26. This funding was to support UK-based researchers in practical engagement that aligned with the work programmes of the six Arctic Council Working Groups and the priorities and initiatives of The Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship of the Arctic Council.
The aims of this funding scheme was 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.
The scheme was delivered in active partnership with the NERC Arctic Office and the UK Science and Technology Network and supported a wide range of activities, including:
- 25 projects led by UK-based researchers, aligned with Arctic Council Working Groups and the priorities of the current Arctic Council Chairship held by the Kingdom of Denmark. The Project Summaries 2025 -2026 booklet has been produced and is now available.
- Support for five early career researchers (ECRs) to participate in the RV Skagerak research cruise in Greenland during a 10-day expedition in August 2025.
- Funding for over 25 ECRs to attend major Arctic events, including the Arctic Circle Assembly, Greenland Science Week and Arctic Frontiers.
- Support for a polar fieldwork training course, held in March at the NERC Arctic Research Station, enabling 16 students—including, for the first time, Norway-based ECRs—to participate. The course offered a truly authentic polar research experience, and participant feedback was extremely positive.
- Development of a pilot Greenland research portal to improve access for Greenland-based researchers to data held in UK data centres, which was also presented at ASSW.