Memorial University and UArctic Renew Cooperation Agreement at 2026 Congress and Assembl
Memorial University and UArctic have renewed their cooperation agreement, reinforcing their long-standing partnership to strengthen Arctic education, research, Northern community engagement, and collaboration among Canadian and circumpolar partners.
Memorial University and UArctic have renewed their cooperation agreement, extending a long-standing partnership focused on Arctic leadership, Northern community engagement and increased collaboration in UArctic activities in Canada.
The agreement was signed on May 30, 2026, during the UArctic Congress and Assembly in the Faroe Islands. The gathering brought together members from across the circumpolar North to share knowledge, highlight partnerships and address common priorities in Arctic education, research and community engagement.
The renewed agreement will support cooperation among Memorial University, UArctic and partners throughout Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. It will also create further opportunities for Northern-focused education and research and for collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, communities, academic institutions, governments and other members of the UArctic network.
“Memorial University has been an important partner in strengthening UArctic’s presence and work in Canada,” said Lars Kullerud, President of UArctic. “This renewed agreement will continue to support people and members across the North, advance cooperation grounded in Northern priorities and ensure that Canadian members continue to play an active role in our circumpolar network.”
Paul Brett, Deputy Provost of the Marine Institute, Memorial University, says “Memorial University’s relationship with UArctic reflects our shared interest in research, education and partnerships that respond to the priorities of Northern and Indigenous communities...Renewing this agreement allows us to build on previous work and to create new opportunities for faculty, staff, students and partners of our University and other Canadian members to contribute to Arctic and sub-Arctic initiatives."
Under the renewed agreement, Sheila Downer, Memorial University’s Strategic Northern Liaison, will continue to serve as UArctic’s Vice-President, Northern Community Engagement. In this role, she supports strategic activities involving Northern communities and helps strengthen connections across UArctic’s international membership.
Memorial University’s work with UArctic complements the institution’s relationships with partners in Newfoundland and Labrador, across Canada and throughout the circumpolar North. Through the agreement, Memorial University will continue to contribute its experience and leadership in coastal, Northern and sub-Arctic education and research while supporting collaborative, community-centred approaches.
“This agreement is ultimately about people and relationships,” said Sheila Downer, Strategic Northern Liaison at Memorial University and Vice-President, Northern Community Engagement with UArctic. “It gives us a strong foundation for bringing institutions and communities together, listening to Northern and Indigenous priorities, and supporting those connections for practical opportunities for students, researchers and community partners. I look forward to continuing that work across UArctic’s diverse membership.”
UArctic is an international network of universities, colleges, research institutes, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and other partners working together to advance education and research in and about the North. Its vision is a strong, engaged, informed and dynamic North that creates better lives and environments for all Northerners.
For more information, contact: