Stronger Arctic Research in Iceland

Enhancing the Role of Arctic Research in Iceland

Climate change has caused the Arctic to warm four times faster than other regions on Earth. This development will lead to extensive changes and challenges in the coming years and decades, which calls for coordinated and ambitious action by the Icelandic government. Iceland has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of these changes and to use domestic knowledge and ingenuity to address the challenges that climate change brings. Considerable knowledge exists in Icelandic universities on Arctic issues, but cooperation between all universities in Iceland needs to be increased in order to fully utilize opportunities that exist and to ensure that Icelandic researchers and experts share their knowledge.

About the project

The project is organizing four thematic workshops with the participation of domestic researchers, two in Akureyri and two in Reykjavík. The aim of the project is to strengthen Arctic cooperation in Iceland and to strengthen domestic participation in international competitive funding. With increased cooperation and joint efforts, the Icelandic research community will be able to make stronger contribution to international scientific cooperation and contribute to solutions that take into account the specific challenges and opportunities of the Arctic.

It is funded by the University Collaboration Fund of the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education.

Workshop themes

The following topics will be particularly emphasized in the workshops:

1. Climate change adaptation (May 2025)
2. Ocean issues and international scientific cooperation (September 2025)
3. Environmental protection and sustainable use of resources (March 2026)
4. Energy transition and their impact on societies

Project objectives

  • Increase the visibility of international funding opportunities in the field of Arctic research and the possibilities for Icelandic researchers to participate in international scientific cooperation with a special emphasis on the thematic emphases of the project
  • Strengthen consultation and cooperation between researchers on Arctic issues in Iceland and promote more active communication between Icelandic researchers in the field of the Arctic
  • Increase cooperation between universities in the Arctic in research and actions for the benefit of the environment, e.g. at the University of the Arctic and the International Arctic Science Council.
  • Workshop reports as input into the research and teaching environment in Iceland.

Previous workshops

1st Workshop – Climate Change Adaptation

The first workshop on research and opportunities in Iceland related to Arctic issues was held in Akureyri on May 27, 2025. It brought together 66 participants from all Icelandic universities and key institutions such as the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, and the Icelandic Institute of Natural History to discuss climate change adaptation in Iceland.

2nd Workshop – Ocean Issues and International Collaboration

The second workshop was held in Reykjavík on September 23, 2025, and brought together 50 participants from all Icelandic universities and major national institutions. Discussions focused on marine research, collaboration opportunities, and international scientific partnerships in Iceland.

Next Steps

The workshop series marks the beginning of the Arctic Research in Iceland project, which aims to promote dialogue and coordination within the Icelandic research community on Arctic issues.

Further information about the next workshop, which will be held in Reykjavík in spring 2026, will be announced soon.

Collaborators

The project is a collaboration between the University of Akureyri, the University of Iceland, the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network, and Rannís, in cooperation with the Icelandic Climate Council.

For more information:

For further information, please feel free to contact Thomas Barry (tom@unak.is) and Hildur Sólveig Elvarsdóttir (hildursolveig@unak.is).