The Arctic undergoes changes that are noticed globally with major concern.
– Our investigations and findings are met with interest and expectations from other scientists, funding agencies, policy makers, industries and the general public, says Marit Reigstad, project leader.
What can we tell about the status and future of the Arctic and how do we make sure that our new knowledge and findings are made useful for society? These are just some of the questions discussed at this annual meeting.
High ambitions and a holistic understanding of the Arctic
With a project called The Nansen Legacy, the ambitions are on a high level. Not only by following in the footsteps of the great scientist and polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, but also to continue and further develop his lines of research.
– Our ambitions include a more holistic understanding of the Arctic marine system, its status, changes and connections, looking across disciplines and regions. This can only be realized by a collective effort where we all join forces, interests and opportunities, says Reigstad.
Meeting again since 2019
The annual meeting is a physical event this year. A total of 160 scientist from ten institutions from all over Norway are now meeting in Trondheim. Some have joined scientific cruises this year and met colleagues there, but generally it has been a digital world since the Covid 19 induced lock-down in March 2020.
– Finally, we are able to meet everyone again! Now we can all meet new and old colleagues to discuss and connect science and work, concludes Reigstad.
A flashback to 2018 when the project had its first annual meeting. Photo: Inger Lise Næss (UiT)Â