Finding research partners from the networks of the UArctic

Members of the University of the Arctic community include 145 universities, colleges and other educational institutes from eight Arctic nations.

UArctic in a nutshell - members represent eight Arctic nations: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Russia, Canada and USA - 145 members, mostly universities, colleges and other educational institutes - administration and secretariat located at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland; current President Lars Kullerud from Norway - board member, Rector Lauri Lajunen, University of Oulu - thematic networks coordinated by Thule Institute, University of Oulu - www.uarctic.org

Read more: Thematic networks

text Tiina Pistokoski

Comprising 8 circumpolar countries, the University of the Arctic carries out its mission through networks woven around specific research themes. These networks form an invaluable asset for finding partners for research initiatives centring on Arctic issues.

As climate change makes Arctic areas easier to access, their significance grows. Natural resources will be sought and exploited on a wider scale, new communication routes will be constructed and tourism will expand. This assessment comes from Kari Laine from Thule Institute, which is one of the key members of the University of the Arctic, coordinating its thematic networks.

These networks, originating from interested researchers, have grown around specific issues. They span a large spectrum of sciences from technology and natural sciences to health and cultural sciences. All in all, there are currently 25 networks operating under the banner of the UArctic.

“We have a range of disciplines at the University of Oulu, including mining, economics, regional development and humanities that could benefit from the networks of the UArctic. They are a rich source for finding potential partners for international research projects, which is what many funders require”, says Laine.

He believes the University of Oulu could take a more active role in the research activities of the UArctic, if it were better known among Oulu-based researchers.

“The Academy of Finland, Tekes (Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation) and Nordic Council of Ministers are planning new financing programmes for Arctic research. And having Arctic collaboration partners will undoubtedly strengthen any funding application. In addition, the University of the Arctic claims a fairly good international reputation and enjoys strong political support in many countries. These factors may weigh in positively on acquiring funding for a project”, estimates Laine.

Having gained extensive experience of the UArctic, research professor Arja Rautio from Thule Institute can confirm that research is assuming an increasingly central role. “Not to mention that the UArctic offers a good route to partnership with Russia. It holds a respected position in Russia, which opens a window of opportunity for cooperation in education and research”, she says.

Expanding educational range

The University of the Arctic formed originally around education on Arctic issues. Providers of education in different countries found it useful for locating experts to teach on their courses. At present, education is provided online, via the Internet, to about 1,000 students a year.

“There is no shortage of students at the UArctic. Both of its exchange programmes, North-to-North and Go-North, have more applicants than they can accommodate”, says project coordinator Kirsi Latola, who in practice manages thematic networks at Thule Institute.

Having initially consisted of separate modules and courses, educational activities of the UArctic have expanded to include several Master’s degree programmes. One of these, MHSc in Health and Wellbeing in the Circumpolar Area, is run by Arja Rautio in partnership with the Department of Health Sciences of the University of Oulu.

A doctoral programme in the same area is just being rolled out. Work toward planning this programme and giving it practical shape has been coordinated by Rautio.

“About 20 students are expected to participate in the activities of the programme. And we are currently seeking approval to create a joint doctoral degree with the University of Alberta, Canada”, she explains.

Other key tasks of UArctic include information sharing and knowledge exchange among the members concerning issues of the Circumpolar North. Moreover, the university has its own library and is also increasingly engaged in publication activities. In a number of political issues in the Arctic region, UArctic serves as an expert body, and it has the support of the Arctic Council.