International collaboration is essential for advancing our understanding of the Arctic and addressing the complex challenges facing the region. The Arctic Office supports and promotes engagement with a range of international partners, initiatives and forums that facilitate cooperation between researchers, policymakers and stakeholders across the Arctic and beyond.
This page highlights key agreements, partnerships and international conferences that help strengthen UK engagement in the Arctic. These activities provide opportunities to share knowledge, build new collaborations, contribute to international research and policy discussions, and ensure that UK expertise continues to play an active role in addressing Arctic issues.
This section includes:
- International agreements and cooperation frameworks
- Information on key Arctic conferences and forums
By fostering international partnerships and dialogue, these activities help strengthen the UK’s contribution to Arctic research, policy and cooperation.
Agreements
UK–Canada Polar Research Memorandum of Understanding
The UK and Canada share a long-standing commitment to advancing understanding of the Polar Regions through scientific research and cooperation. This Memorandum of Understanding supports collaboration between researchers and institutions in both countries, promoting scientific exchange, the sharing of expertise, and cooperation in the use of research infrastructure and logistics. It provides a framework for strengthening research partnerships and enhancing knowledge of the Arctic and Antarctic
UK–Norway High Level Arrangement on Cooperation on Polar Affairs
The UK and Norway maintain a close and productive relationship on polar matters, reflecting shared interests in Arctic research, environmental protection and international cooperation. This High Level Arrangement strengthens collaboration between the two countries on polar research and policy issues, supports joint efforts to address climate change impacts in the Polar Regions, and promotes continued cooperation in areas of mutual interest across the Arctic and Antarctic.
We will continue to focus on supporting the implementation and development of these existing agreements to ensure that they bring practical benefits to UK-based researchers, in addition to looking at the potential for new agreements.
International Conferences
There are a significant number of annual Arctic conferences and events, covering a broad range of science, security, governance, commercial and many other fields.
Over recent years the NERC Arctic Office has been closely engaged in the Arctic Circle Assembly, Arctic Frontiers, ArcticNet and Arctic Science Summit Week. Our aim in participating in all these events is to promote the skills and potential of UK-based researchers; to demonstrate the international links of the UK research community; and to maximise new opportunities for funding and collaboration. We work closely with universities, research centres, UK Government Science and Technology Network teams in the UK and beyond, as well as many others.