Arctic Future Pathfinders: A transformative journey through the Arctic
UiT The Arctic University of Norway, in collaboration with UArctic, and other partners in the North successfully conducted the Arctic Future Pathfinders course.
This 10 ECTS interdisciplinary program brought together master’s students, doctoral candidates, researchers, and Indigenous knowledge holders to explore the Arctic’s unique challenges and opportunities, promoting collaboration and anticipatory skills essential for the future of Arctic research and leadership.
A journey reimagined
Initially planned as a sailing expedition through the Northwest Passage aboard the historic SS Statsraad Lehmkuhl, the course faced unexpected challenges due to ice conditions. The original route, which was to begin in Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat/Greenland, on August 5th, 2025, and conclude in Whittier, Alaska, on October 4th, had to be altered. The ship was unable to enter the Northwest Passage and instead turned back in Greenlandic waters, with students and researchers disembarking in St. John’s, Canada.
Despite this setback, the course adapted swiftly, transitioning to a land-based program in Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), Nunavut, Canada, and Anchorage, Alaska. This shift ensured the continuation of the course and provided participants with immersive, on-the-ground learning experiences in Arctic communities, enriching the program in unexpected ways.
Meeting with the mayor in Anchorage, USA Photo: Karine Nigar Aarskog
A collaborative and inclusive platform
The Arctic Future Pathfinders course was designed as a platform for interdisciplinary learning, cultural exchange, and cutting-edge research. The course brought together over 130 participants, including students, researchers, and Indigenous knowledge holders, to collaboratively explore the Arctic’s past, present, and future.
A key feature of the course was its commitment to the inclusion of indigenous knowledge. A number of berths were reserved for participants from Indigenous and local communities, ensuring that their perspectives and knowledge systems were integral to the program. Indigenous knowledge holders and elders played an important role, sharing their insights. This approach enriched the educational experience and emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research.
A vision for the future
The Arctic Future Pathfinders course is a testament to the shared vision of UiT the Arctic University of Norway and UArctic to lead the way in integrated Arctic education and research. By equipping students with interdisciplinary skills and promoting respect for Indigenous knowledge, the course prepared participants to address the complex challenges of a rapidly changing Arctic.
The program was closely linked to Norway’s Arctic Ocean 2050 initiative and the upcoming International Polar Year in 2032/33, ensuring its relevance to global efforts for sustainable Arctic development. The course’s focus on collaboration, cultural exchange, and innovative research positions it as a model for future educational initiatives in the Arctic.
As the Arctic continues to face significant environmental, social, and geopolitical changes, the need for innovative and sustainable solutions has never been greater. The Arctic Future Pathfinders course represented a bold step forward in addressing these challenges and fostering a shared global vision for the Arctic’s future, rooted in respect, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the region’s unique history and culture.
This course, with its transformative approach has set a new standard for Arctic education. It is a legacy that UiT and UArctic can be proud of, and one that will inspire future generations of Arctic researchers and leaders.
This initiative is part of the Arctic Marine Biodiversity Thematic Network.
Read more about the Arctic Future Pathfinders.