Report: Mariam Ubilava and My Northern Project

Thanks to the generous support of the UArctic, I had the opportunity to participate in the Arctic Circle Assembly 2026 in Reykjavík, Iceland, one of the leading international forums bringing together policymakers, researchers, Indigenous representatives, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss the future of the Arctic.

As part of the 2026 My Northern Project Competition, I presented my research during the Student Lightning Talks session on October 8. My presentation, titled "Opening the Arctic: Political Economy as the Main Driver of Maritime Shipping Expansion in a Warming North—Who Benefits and Who Bears the Costs?", introduced the geopolitical and economic forces shaping Arctic shipping expansion and highlighted the importance of addressing its broader environmental and societal consequences.

Presenting my research to an international audience was both an honor and an important milestone in my academic journey. It challenged me to communicate complex research findings clearly and accessibly, while connecting my work to broader discussions about Arctic sustainability, security, and governance.

Beyond my own presentation, the Assembly offered an exceptional opportunity to learn from leading Arctic scholars and practitioners. Sessions addressing Arctic maritime shipping, geopolitical competition, resource development, and regional security were particularly relevant to my dissertation. I also had the opportunity to connect with researchers working directly on Arctic maritime policy. These exchanges introduced valuable perspectives and ideas that I intend to explore further as I refine my research.

Equally rewarding was meeting fellow early career researchers from different countries through the My Northern Project Competition. Their diverse research topics and innovative approaches reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the Arctic's complex challenges.

Impact of the Grant: the grant made this experience possible. As an early-career Arctic researcher and PhD student, access to international conferences can be financially challenging, particularly when traveling from Alaska. The grant helped overcome these barriers and enabled me to participate in an event directly aligned with my academic and professional goals.

The benefits extended well beyond attending a conference. Through this opportunity, I was able to:
• Present my doctoral research on an international platform and strengthen my science communication skills.
• Engage with Arctic shipping and maritime policy experts whose insights will help inform my dissertation.
• Establish new professional connections and explore opportunities for future academic collaboration.
• Gain a broader understanding of emerging geopolitical, environmental, and governance challenges shaping the Arctic.
• Represent the University of Alaska Fairbanks and contribute to international discussions on the future of Arctic maritime development.

The experience has strengthened my commitment to conducting research that bridges academic scholarship and practical policy solutions. 

Looking Ahead: participation in the Arctic Circle Assembly was an important step in my development as an Arctic scholar. The knowledge, professional connections, and perspectives gained will directly inform my dissertation research and future engagement in Arctic policy discussions.

I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, supporting student participation in international forums is more than funding travel, it is an investment in the next generation of Arctic researchers, future collaborations, and informed decision-making about the Arctic's future. I hope to build on this experience by strengthening international research partnerships and contributing to more inclusive, evidence-based approaches to Arctic maritime governance.

The report is written by Mariam Ubilava, a participant in the My Northern Project/Mon projet nordique 2026, organized by the Institut nordique du Québec and UArctic.