The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a network of 185+ universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North. Full profiles on UArctic members, including how to become a member, are available here.
UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and infrastructures that enable member institutions to better serve their constituents and their regions.
Through cooperation in education, research, and outreach UArctic enhances human capacity in the North, promotes viable communities and sustainable economies, and forges global partnerships. Created through the Arctic Council, UArctic is committed to upholding its principles of sustainable development as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. UArctic is constituted as an international association based in Finland.
Money collection permit RA/2020/865 authorized by the National Police Board of Finland.
UArctic International Secretariat
c/o University of Lapland
PO Box 122
96101 Rovaniemi FINLAND
Key Activities of UArctic
Thematic Networks and Institutes
UArctic’s 68 Thematic Networks and Institutes engage in scientific research, education, networking and outreach activities.
- Business, Politics & Law
- Culture & Social Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Health & Education
- Humanities & Arts
- Natural Sciences
north2north
UArctic’s mobility program provides unique opportunities to study in different parts of the North.
Participating Countries:
- Denmark
- Greenland
- The Faroe Islands
- Iceland
- Canada
- United States
- Finland
- Sweden
- Norway
- France
- Scotland
UArctic Chairs
Academic drivers in a broad area of relevance to the Arctic. They implement and drive collaborative actions in research and education among UArctic members and Thematic Networks, and build partnerships with the broader Arctic community.
- 21 Chairs
- Arctic 7 Countries
High Level Seminars
UArctic Seminars proactively bring together researchers, students, industry representatives, rights-holders and other experts who would not normally meet to discuss a common issue relevant to the Arctic. By pooling knowledge from various groups and exchanging best practices from the field, the Seminars create new collaboration and more innovative models to tackle present and emerging problems.
Tipping Points
There are 16 major global climate tipping points, of which nine are related to frozen ground, snow, ice, and cold ocean.
50% of the tipping points are located in the Arctic
• Collapse of the Greenland ice sheet
• Abrupt thaw of northern permafrost
• Loss of Barents Sea ice
• Collapse of Labrador Sea current
• Collapse of northern permafrost
• Southern dieback of boreal forests
• Northern expansion of boreal forests
• Collapse of North Atlantic deep-water formation
• Collapse of the Arctic winter sea ice
FROZEN ARCTIC PROJECTS – Rapid assessment of proposed solutions to slow down, halt, and reverse the effects of climate change in the Arctic.
Frozen Arctic – a UArctic publication
SEABED CURTAIN – Sea level rise by the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheet collapse could be reduced if the ice sheets could be conserved. Our group of internationally renowned glaciologists, oceanographers and engineers propose a system of flexible barriers – seabed curtains – to stabilize the ice sheets.
Catalyst Funding
UArctic provide grants and awards for initiatives that have a direct positive impact to the Arctic.
Arctic Academic Action Award
- Promote and raise awareness of promising projects which address climate change through concrete actions and plans.
- €100k annual award
UArctic Entrepreneurship Fund
- $25k annual awards
