Research visit to Harvard opens new perspectives on Arctic policy

Postdoctoral Researcher Alexandra Middleton’s research visit to Harvard Kennedy School offered a unique opportunity to expand international networks and view her own work from new perspectives. The visit was carried out as part of the Fulbright Arctic Initiative Fellowship Programme.
Doctoral Researcher Alexandra Middleton (right) with Juho Kähkönen, Doctoral Researcher from University of Lapland. Photo: Liz Hanlon.

The six-week visit took place at the Belfer Center’s Arctic Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, a multidisciplinary research unit bringing together experts in security, public policy, economics, and environmental studies.

“The Fulbright programme provided a perfect platform for professional growth and for raising awareness of my research”, Middleton says.

The programme began with a two-day workshop on Arctic security, followed by seminars, workshops, and meetings with scholars and policy experts. High-level guests included Opal Vadhan, Special Assistant to Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, who spoke at a Women in Public Service Leadership session on how researchers and experts can navigate political and economic arenas and influence policymaking.

A familiar academic culture: low hierarchy and open discussion

Middleton’s research focuses on the drivers shaping the economic future of the Nordic Arctic region, of which she had the opportunity to present in a multi-disciplinary seminar. Comparing perspectives across regions offered insights into the similarities and differences in Arctic development. Interdisciplinary collaboration, including exchanges with researchers from Harvard’s School of Public Health, proved particularly valuable.

“In Arctic research, the Nordic countries, the US, Greenland, and Russia share many common challenges, but there are also clear differences. The visit helped me better understand the US perspective and encouraged me to look at my research from a new angle,” she explains.

A key takeaway from the visit was the collaborative and open research culture. Hierarchies were low, and students actively contributed to academic discussions.

“There was little distinction between students and faculty – everyone was encouraged to share their views,” Middleton notes.

Being part of the Harvard community also offered a chance to participate in conferences and events across the university. “I was especially happy to see Oulu-founded OURA Ring represented at a Harvard Business School Healthcare Conference, when their VP of Product Inessa Lurye spoke about opportunities OURA is bringing to women's health”.

Created 22.12.2025 | Updated 22.12.2025