UArctic Networking Seminar Session Connects Participants to Advance Collaborative Arctic Projects

The first UArctic Networking Seminar Session on the Canadian UArctic Project Funds brought together 83 researchers, educators, and partners from across the circumpolar North for an interactive online event focused on strengthening partnerships and developing collaborative project ideas across the UArctic network.

Organized to support members interested in applying for UArctic funding, the session combined an information overview with opportunities for networking and discussion. Participants joined from a wide range of UArctic member institutions and organizations, reflecting the network’s growing interest in collaborative approaches to Arctic research, education, and community engagement.

The seminar began with a presentation outlining the Canadian UArctic Project Funding opportunities, which are designed to support collaborative initiatives that advance Indigenous and Northern priorities. The funding program includes two primary streams.

The Indigenous and Northern Relationship Development Fund is designed to support the early stages of partnership building. It is $15,000 over 2-years. This stream focuses specifically on strengthening relationships between institutions, Indigenous organizations, communities, and partners across the UArctic network. Activities funded through this stream may include planning meetings, partnership development, collaborative proposal preparation, and other initiatives that help build the trust and connections needed for long-term collaboration.

The Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund (Stream A and Stream B) supports collaborative research, education, and engagement initiatives led by UArctic members and their partners. These streams are intended to help researchers with established relationships and partnerships in the Arctic interested in leading collaborations for research and education engagement initiatives in the region. The funding is targeted to support thematic network initiatives and cooperative projects related to Arctic research and education engagement. Stream A provides up to $40,000 over two years to support collaborative initiatives such as workshops, field schools, curriculum development, and partnership development activities, helping teams build strong foundations for future collaboration. Stream B provides up to $100,000 over five years to support longer-term collaborative projects that expand partnerships, networks, and sustained outcomes.

Following the funding overview, participants heard short presentations from previous funding recipients, Sylvia Moore from Memorial University, Pat Maher from Nipissing University, and Frederic Bouchard from Université de Sherbrooke, who shared insights into their projects, including how partnerships were formed, lessons learned during implementation, and the impacts of UArctic-funded initiatives within communities and institutions.

A key component of the event was the opportunity for participants to engage in smaller group discussions. The session featured 13 breakout rooms across nine thematic topic areas, each moderated by members of the UArctic network. Breakout topics reflected a wide range of Arctic priorities, including climate adaptation and resilience, Northern health and well-being, education and capacity-building, governance and policy, environmental stewardship, arts and culture, infrastructure and communities, knowledge mobilization, and Indigenous knowledge systems. These discussions allowed participants to introduce their work, explore shared interests, successes, and challenges, and begin developing ideas for collaborative projects aligned with the funding streams.

The conversations highlighted the value of international collaboration within the UArctic network, particularly as many of the challenges facing Arctic and Northern communities extend across national boundaries. Participants also emphasized the importance of Indigenous leadership and community-driven research, recognizing that meaningful and lasting outcomes are often rooted in partnerships that respect Indigenous knowledge, local priorities, and long-term relationship building.

Institutions and organizations within the UArctic network that have their own funding programs are also encouraged to consider hosting a Networking Seminar Session. These events provide a valuable platform to introduce funding opportunities, connect potential collaborators, and support the development of strong applications for partnership-based projects across the circumpolar network.

Members interested in organizing a Networking Seminar Session or learning more about the Canadian UArctic Project Funding opportunities are encouraged to reach out to Lisa Goulet at lisa.goulet@uarctic.org for additional information.