The Arctic Six university alliance is boosting Arctic cooperation between Finland, Sweden, and Norway
The Arctic Six alliance unites Luleå University of Technology and Umeå University from Sweden, UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Nord University from Norway, and University of Lapland and University of Oulu from Finland. On 18 May 2026, the rectors of the Arctic Six universities agreed to establish the Arctic Six Executive Secretariat at the University of Oulu.
“Strengthening Nordic collaboration is an important strategic choice for us. In order to find with research and education solutions for the best possible future of the Arctic, we need collaboration with partners sharing the same goals,” says Arto Maaninen, Rector of the University of Oulu.
Matti Latva-aho, Vice Rector for Research at the University of Oulu, believes that the secretariat will strengthen the capacity and impact of the Arctic Six alliance.
“At the University of Oulu, our strategy places comprehensive security and resilience, especially in the north, at the centre of our mission. This is now more relevant than ever. With the help of the secretariat, we can establish and develop consistent and stable operating practices, thereby effectively supporting collaboration to create a more sustainable and secure Arctic region,” says Latva-aho.
“The establishment of a permanent secretariat is a milestone in the development of the Arctic Six alliance. We had four very good and serious proposals, and I am grateful to all four institutions that expressed their interest in hosting the secretariat. Now that we have reached a decision, I am very confident that Oulu will serve the needs of the alliance in a very good way, " says Professor Jørgen Berge, Director of the Arctic Six at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
According to the plan, the Arctic Six Executive Secretariat will begin its work in the autumn of 2026.
The Arctic Six alliance aims to enhance sustainability and cooperation in the Arctic region through interdisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. The alliance’s key activities in establishing and strengthening cooperation include research collaboration through the Arctic Six Chairs and Arctic Six Fellows positions, as well as enhancing competitiveness and economic activity in the northern regions in collaboration with local stakeholders. Through cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary education collaborations, the alliance also aims to develop new joint study programmes.