UArctic at the 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly
Pre-event: "Arctic Challenges: Navigating a Changing Arctic"
Leading into the Arctic Circle Assembly 2026, the University of the Arctic and the University of Iceland hosts its annual seminar focused on the Arctic region in the Ceremonial Hall at the University of Iceland on October 7 from 13:00-17:00. Bringing together leading scholars, policymakers, and community advocates to explore the urgent challenges facing the Arctic.
The 2026 seminar will address questions including:
- How are geopolitical competition and security concerns reshaping cooperation and governance in the Arctic?
- How can growing demand for resources and emerging technologies be balanced with conservation and environmental protection?
- What can be learned by connecting knowledge and experiences across the world’s cryosphere regions as they confront rapid environmental change?
- How is Arctic biodiversity being affected by a changing climate and increased human activity, and where do opportunities for cooperation remain?
Full program to be confirmed, but registration is open.
UArctic booth in Harpa
UArctic staff will be hosting a booth at Harpa throughout the Arctic Circle Assembly. We encourage our members, colleagues, partners, friends, and anyone interested in UArctic to stop by for a chat and for print materials, including the latest issue of our Shared Voices magazine.
2026 Arctic Academic Action Award - announcing the winner
On the evening of October 9, during the reception open to all participants, 2026 Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award winner will be announced. The following day, the winning project will be presented in a dedicated session highlighting its achievements and impact.
UArctic in the Arctic Circle Assembly program
The 2026 Assembly program features a wide range of UArctic participation. Several sessions are organized by UArctic or its Thematic Networks, while many others feature UArctic Chairs, Thematic Network leads, UArctic leadership, and affiliated researchers as speakers and moderators.
For exact times and the full program, please visit the Arctic Circle Assembly website.
Wednesday, October 7
- Pre-event: Arctic Challenges: Navigating a Changing Arctic (co-organized by UArctic)
Thursday, October 8
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Session: Building National Momentum for the International Polar Year (co-organized by UArctic)
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Session: Lighting Talks from Students: The Winners of the My Northern Project Competition (co-organized by UArctic)
Friday, October 9
- Session: Can the Arctic Stay Calm While the World Burns? Distant Wars & the Future of the High North (organized by the UArctic Thematic Network on Geopolitics & Security)
- Reception: Announcement of the Winner of the Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award (co-organized by UArctic)
Saturday, October 10
- Session: Presentation from the winner of the Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award (co-organized by UArctic)
- Session: Indigenous & Expert Assessment of Climate Intervention (organized by UArctic)
- Session: Arctic Networks for IPY: Building Capacity & Collaboration (co-organized by UArctic)
UArctic looks forward to connecting with members, partners, and the wider Arctic community in Reykjavík and to highlighting the expertise and collaboration taking place across the network.