The Assembly is UArctic’s highest decision-making body, bringing together representatives from member institutions to shape the network’s strategic direction through shared governance. Key decisions in 2025 included the approval of new members, endorsement of new Thematic Networks, election of new leadership, and financial and bylaw matters.
A highlight of this year’s meeting was the presentation of the UArctic Impact Study, offering insights into the network’s growing influence across Arctic research, education, and policy collaboration since its founding. The study reinforces UArctic’s role as a driving force for cooperation and capacity-building in and for the North.
Record Number of New Members Approved
The Assembly approved 21 new members, representing both Arctic and non-Arctic regions, bringing UArctic total membership to 212. This milestone reflects UArctic’s increasingly inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to Arctic issues.
New Arctic members:
- Carleton University
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)
- New York University
- Norwegian Police University College
- St. Francis Xavier University
- University of Chicago
- University of Ottawa
- Department of Sociology, Northern Arizona University
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Research (ICHR)
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI)
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
- Antioch University New England (returning member)
- Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources, University of Manitoba (returning member)
New non-Arctic members:
- Taiyuan University of Technology
- Arctic Reflections
- Centre for Arctic Studies (CAS)
- Centre for Climate Repair, University of Cambridge
- Institute of Polar Sciences – National Research Council of Italy
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE)
- Police Scotland International Academy
- Taiwan Polar Institute
Leadership and Governance
The Assembly elected Frederik Paulsen as Chair of the Board of UArctic for his second three-year term (2025–2028). Joining the Board for new or renewed terms (2025–2028) are:
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Martin Fortier of Université Laval
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Brad MacKay of University of St. Andrews
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Janne Näkkäläjärvi of Sámi Education Institute
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Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn of Luleå University of Technology (second term)
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Aaja Chemnitz of Danish Parliament (second term)
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Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson of University of Iceland (third and final term)
Bárður Clementsen of Roskilde University was elected as the Board Student Representative for 2025–2028.
The Assembly also elected Christina Storm Mienna of Umeå University as new Assembly Secretary and Eeva-Liisa Rasmus-Moilanen of Sámi Education Institute as Nominations Committee member, and expressed sincere thanks to outgoing contributors Robert Sauvé and Lena Maria Nilsson for their dedicated service. Both were invited to join the Friends of UArctic.
UArctic Staff
Thematic Networks
The Assembly endorsed several new and provisional UArctic Thematic Networks, platforms that promote cross-institutional collaboration around key Arctic challenges.
New Provisional Thematic Networks:
- Thematic Network in the Environmental Humanities, hosted by UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
- Network for Terrestrial Biodiversity Monitoring, hosted by University of Oulu, Finland
- Thematic Youth Network, hosted by Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
Granted Full Thematic Network Status:
- Thematic Network on Nordic Snow Network (NordSnowNet), hosted by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, Finland
- Thematic Network on Sustainable Strategies for Waste Removal and Restoration of Arctic Mine Waste Areas (RAMWA), hosted by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway
Finance and Bylaws
The Assembly approved UArctic’s 2024 Financial Statements, Auditor’s Report, Annual Report, and verified the 2025 Operating Budget and Work Plan. The membership fee structure for 2026 was confirmed, and amendments to the UArctic Bylaws were approved.
UArctic extends its warm thanks to all member representatives and observers who took part in this historic Assembly. We look forward to continuing our shared work to promote knowledge, resilience, and cooperation throughout the Circumpolar North and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The Assembly confirmed that the UArctic Congress and Assembly 2026 will take place May 26–29 in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, hosted by the University of the Faroe Islands.
See you there!