Workshop 1: Adaptation to Climate Change
The aim of the workshop was to create an open forum for dialogue on key knowledge gaps and domestic research capacity, as well as to map and discuss how the research community could respond to the challenges and leverage the opportunities associated with this field. The workshop also aimed to strengthen national scientific collaboration and enhance the participation of Icelandic entities in international competitive funding programs.
The University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri, the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network, and Rannís (The Icelandic Centre for Research) organized the workshop in collaboration with the Icelandic Climate Council. The event marked the launch of the project Arctic Research in Iceland, which aimed to strengthen dialogue and coordination within the national research ecosystem on Arctic issues. The project was funded by the University Collaboration Fund under the Ministry of Culture, Innovation, and Higher Education.
The workshop took place in Saga, University of Iceland, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Programme:
09:30 Arrival and coffee
09:40 Opening of the workshop and introduction to the project
Kristmundur Þór Ólafsson, Specialist at the Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland
Tom Barry, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Akureyri
09:45 Adaptation to Climate Change: Actions and Next Steps
Elín Björk Jónasdóttir, Specialist at the Climate and Nature Division, Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate
10:00 Challenges and Contributions of Research
Halldór Björnsson, Group leader, weather and climate at the Icelandic Meteorological Office
10:30 A Robust Research Environment? Funding Opportunities for Climate Research
Björg María Oddsdóttir, Specialist in the Research and Innovation Division, Rannís
Egill Þór Níelsson, Specialist in the Research and Innovation Division, Rannís
Svandís Ósk Símonardóttir, Specialist in the Research and Innovation Division, Rannís
10:50 Coffee break
10:50 Introduction to the Working Group Procedures
11:00 First Working Group Session: Brainstorming and Scoping
- Knowledge gaps – Where is more knowledge and data needed?
- Domestic research capacity – What has gone well, and what should be avoided?
- Challenges and opportunities for the future?
12:30 Lunch
13:15 Presentation of Projects and Collaboration Opportunities in the Field
14:15 Presentation of Working Group Outcomes from the First Session
14:30 Coffee break
14:40 Second Working Group Session: Analysis and Action Planning
- Knowledge gaps – Where is more knowledge and data needed?
- Domestic research capacity – What has gone well?
- Long-term challenges and opportunities?
15:50 – 17:00 Light refreshments – Networking event
