Enhancing the Role of Arctic Research in Iceland
Centre for Arctic StudiesClimate change has caused the Arctic to warm three times faster than other regions on Earth. This development will lead to extensive changes and challenges in the coming years and decades, calling for coordinated and ambitious actions by the Icelandic government. Iceland has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of these changes and to harness domestic knowledge and innovation to address the challenges posed by climate change. Considerable expertise exists within Icelandic universities on Arctic issues, but collaboration among all domestic universities must be strengthened in order to fully capitalize on the opportunities available and ensure that Icelandic researchers and experts contribute their knowledge in international cooperation.
The aim of the project is to organise four thematic workshops with the participation of domestic researchers, held both in Akureyri and in Reykjavík, with the objective of strengthening Arctic collaboration within Iceland and enhancing the participation of domestic actors in international competitive research funding.
Through increased cooperation and joint efforts, the Icelandic research community will be able to make a more significant and impactful contribution to international scientific collaboration, thereby contributing to solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the Arctic.
Special emphasis will be placed on the following topics in the workshops:
- Adaptation to climate change
- Ocean research and international scientific collaboration
- Environmental protection and the sustainable use of resources
- Energy transitions and their societal impacts
The project’s goals are to:
- Increase awareness of international funding opportunities in the field of Arctic research and the potential for Icelandic researchers to participate in international scientific collaboration, with a specific focus on the thematic priorities of the project
- Strengthen consultation and cooperation among Arctic researchers in Iceland and promote more active communication among domestic researchers working on Arctic issues
- Enhance collaboration among universities in the Arctic on research and action for the benefit of the environment, e.g., through the University of the Arctic and the International Arctic Science Committee
- Produce summaries from the workshops to serve as contributions to the domestic research and educational environment
The project is funded by the University Collaboration Fund under the Icelandic Ministry of Culture, Innovation, and Higher Education.
The first workshop of the project, focusing on research and opportunities in climate change adaptation, was held at the University of Iceland on May 27, 2025, in collaboration with the Climate Council (Loftslagsráð). The aim was to identify key knowledge gaps, assess national research capacity, and strengthen collaboration among Icelandic institutions while enhancing participation in international funding opportunities. Around 50 representatives from Icelandic universities and research institutes took part.
Workshop Highlights:
The program combined expert presentations and collaborative group sessions.
- Elín Björk Jónasdóttir from the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Climate, outlined current and planned climate adaptation measures.
- Halldór Björnsson, Group leader of weather and climate at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, discussed research challenges and opportunities.
- Björg María Oddsdóttir, Egill Þór Níelsson, and Svandís Ósk Símonardóttir, Specialists in the Research and Innovation Division, Rannís, presented relevant funding options.
Researchers showcased diverse climate adaptation projects across disciplines—from law and natural sciences to design and biology. Presenters came from Bifröst University, the University of Iceland, Reykjavík University, the Agricultural University of Iceland, the Iceland University of the Arts, the University Centre of the Westfjords, Hólar University, and the University of Akureyri.
Group discussions focused on three key questions:
- Where is more knowledge or data needed?
- What practices have proven effective or problematic?
- What are the main challenges and opportunities ahead?
The workshop was concluded with a presentation by Gunnar Stefánsson, Vice President of Research at the University of the Arctic (UArctic), on Iceland's role in international climate research cooperation.
Further information about the workshop is available here.
The Workshop on Ocean Research and International Scientific Collaboration will take place on Tuesday, September 23. The aim of the workshop is to create an open forum for dialogue on key challenges and domestic research capacity related to the ocean, strengthen scientific collaboration, and support the efforts of Icelandic actors in applying for international competitive funding.
The workshop is organized by the University of Akureyri, the University of Iceland, the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network, and Rannís, and is the second in a series of four workshops under the project A Stronger Position for Arctic Research in Iceland. The workshop series aims to promote dialogue and coordination within the domestic research environment on Arctic issues and is funded by the university cooperation fund of the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education.
The workshop will take place in the Ceremonial Hall of the University of Akureyri on September 23 from 8:30 to 16:00. The program and further details will be announced later.
Please note that the workshop will be conducted in Icelandic and is now open for registration for representatives from universities and research institutions in Iceland. Registration takes place here.
