We invite all Arctic researchers to submit session proposals for the UArctic Congress 2026 taking place in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands from May 26 to 29, 2026. The event is hosted by the University of the Faroe Islands, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, and the Faroe Marine Research Institute.
The 2026 Congress themes are aligned with the Kingdom of Denmark’s priorities for its Arctic Council Chairship priorities. As a unique feature, the Congress will also incorporate the Ocean Conference, scheduled to be held in the Faroe Islands in 2026, with the aim of enhancing collaboration in marine science.
This will be the fifth UArctic Congress 2026 held to date. The deadline for session proposals is 7 July 2025.
The overall theme of the UArctic Congress 2026 in Tórshavn is Healthy Humans and Oceans in the Arctic while the subthemes are aligned with the Chairship priorities, emphasizing an inclusive approach to sustainable development, Indigenous engagement, and holistic ecosystem management:
1. Sustainable Economic Development and International Cooperation
Sustainable economic growth and stable political environments are central to thriving Arctic societies. This theme covers sustainable resource management, community-led economic initiatives, energy transition strategies, green technologies, renewable energy, sustainable Arctic connectivity, circular economies, and innovation. Sessions may explore governance and regulatory frameworks that promote equitable economic empowerment, innovative sustainable practices, international relations, Arctic governance, geopolitical stability.
2. Oceans
This theme focuses on marine biodiversity conservation, ocean circulation, Arctic-Subarctic shipping, emergency preparedness, marine pollutant on ecosystems impacts (including underwater noise and marine litter). Other key topics include sustainable marine resource management, spatial planning, and conservation strategies.
3. Climate Change in the Arctic
Sessions in this theme will address monitoring climate-related changes in the Arctic as well as adaptation and mitigation strategies, black carbon and methane emissions reduction, natural disasters, resilience-building in Arctic ecosystems and communities, and approaches that strengthen climate resilience and safety.
4. Biodiversity
This theme emphasizes collaboration to monitor and assess Arctic biodiversity. It addresses biodiversity loss, ecosystem management, invasive species, and integration of scientific and Indigenous Knowledge to support biodiversity governance.
5. Indigenous Peoples and Northern Communities
This theme prioritizes the participation and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Topics include Indigenous rights and self-determination, inclusion of Traditional/Indigenous Knowledge, public health, medical preparedness and supply chains, mental and social well-being, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, youth engagement, sustainable community development, cultural heritage preservation, and contemporary cultural and artistic expressions in the region.
We invite session proposals aligned with the Congress themes described above. Session proposals that do not directly match a listed theme may be submitted under the "other" catagory, provided their relevance is clearly explained. We especially encourage sessions that include the participation of Indigenous peoples, youth, and local communities, and that apply transdisciplinary approaches to research and dialogue.
The official language of the Congress is English. The deadline for session proposals is 7 July 2025.
Sessions can include oral and or poster presentations, panel discussions, and roundtable dialogues.
All sessions will be held exclusively onsite in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. Session conveners must attend in person.
Session proposals require a title, abstract (max 250 words), convener contact details, and relevant session information.
Open sessions will accept abstracts from 15 October–30 November 2025.
Closed sessions require a confirmed speaker list (at least 50% confirmed at submission) or describe the process for completion. (Closed sessions are open for attendance but closed for additional speakers.)
Session durations: typically 60 or 90 minutes with one designated primary convener.
Proposals can ONLY be submitted via the Oxford Abstracts online submission form. The link to the submission form will be available on this page soon - please return to this page for updates, or follow UArctic's newsfeed and social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook) to learn when the form is available.
LINK TO THE SUBMISSION FORM WILL APPEAR HERE
Please note that you will have to register as a user in the system. The registration will allow you to go back to your submission. If your session is accepted to the Congress, the registration will also allow you to evaluate and accept/decline the abstracts submitted for your session at a later stage. Note: Please register with the email you use on a daily basis! This is important to avoid lost information and delays.
Session proposal submission: By 7 July 2025
Accepted session announcement: End of September 2025
Abstract submission: 1 October–30 November 2025
Accepted abstract announcement: Late January–early February 2026
For inquiries, contact congress.sessions@uarctic.org
1. Sustainable Economic Development and International Cooperation
1.1 Sustainable resource management and community-led economic initiatives
1.2 Energy transition and connectivity (communication, transport, trade)
1.3 Green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable Arctic connectivity
1.4 Circular economies and community-led initiatives
1.5 International relations, Arctic governance, and geopolitical stability
2. Oceans
2.1 Marine biodiversity conservation
2.2 Ocean circulation dynamics and Arctic-Subarctic shipping
2.3 Emergency preparedness and response
2.4 Marine pollutants and ecosystem impacts (incl. underwater noise, marine litter)
2.5 Sustainable management and spatial planning of marine resources
3. Climate Change in the Arctic
3.1 Monitoring climate-related changes and adaptation strategies
3.2 Mitigation of black carbon and methane emissions
3.3 Community-based environmental monitoring
3.4 Building resilience to climate-related environmental changes
4. Biodiversity
4.1 Actions and strategies for Arctic biodiversity conservation
4.2 Strengthening Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP)
4.3 Enhancing knowledge to prevent or manage invasive alien species in the Arctic
4.4 Data policy principles and improved access to biodiversity data
4.5 Addressing the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss
5. Indigenous Peoples and Northern Communities
5.1 Indigenous rights and self-determination
5.2 Sustainable community development and inclusion of Traditional/Indigenous Knowledge
5.3 Medical preparedness, supply chains, mental and social well-being
5.4 Gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and youth engagement
5.5 Cultural heritage preservation and contemporary cultural and artistic expressions
6. Other
