As one of three programs under the UArctic Graduate Studies strategic area, the UArctic Field School seeks to integrate a selection of short, thematically focussed courses that provide training for young researchers from member institutions.
Organised by northern institutions, these Field School courses provide specialised studies in relevant fields, at unique locations across the circumpolar north. 
Photo: UNIS students partaking in goose counting.
Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (Steve Coulson / UNIS)
The UArctic Field School program is closely linked to the activities of the Graduate Networks program.
By combining existing northern field courses under the banner of the UArctic Field School, the program aims to promote cooperation and visibility among participating programs by:
- Engaging in cooperative activities, such as holding joint courses or sharing facilities and other resources;
- Developing common funding approaches, or sharing funding information; and by
- Creating broader student networking, via email or conferences (such as the Northern Research Forum NRF).
During the UArctic Strategic Implementation period 2008-2013, the goals of the UArctic Field School are to establish:
a) A comprehensive set of field schools operated by, or in partnership with, UArctic members (individually or jointly) that are endorsed with a UArctic Field School label that is based on clearly defined quality criteria and in accordance with UArctic values and goals.
b) An annual field school operators’ seminar for member institutions, to facilitate the sharing of experiences, best practices, and methodologies, as well as to help identify the need for new field schools.
c) Short-term, non-credit, field-based training and awareness programs aimed at southern populations and private / public sector officials who could benefit from up-to-date instruction of northern issues.
Photo: UNIS biology students taking samples.
Billefjorden, Svalbard (Malin Daase / UNIS)
The UArctic Field School program chair is Elise Strømseng.