News

Arctic Market Days at Arktikum

The Arctic Market Days will be held in Arktikum, Rovaniemi on 8–10 December 2023.

Sirpa Rasmus has been awarded the title of docent at the Arctic Centre

Sirpa Rasmus, Doctor of Philosophy, has been awarded the title of docent at the University of Lapland, Arctic Centre starting December 1, 2023. Title of docent is given in the field of Adaptation of Northern livelihoods to climate change.

Arctic Centre is looking for a trainee in science communication

Are you a student interested in Arctic affairs, international activities, and communications? Apply traineeship at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland!

Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference highlighted the variety of Arctic themes

The biennial Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference, 13th to 15th November, brought together almost 200 international Arctic experts from many different fields to discuss the currents geopolitical, social, environmental and other developments in the Arctic.

Pre-event of the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference: Matinee on Arctic Narratives

Who tells the stories of the Arctic? The program of the matinee explores contemporary arctic narratives, starting with a panel discussion and followed by short film screenings.

Live stream from the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference on Tuesday 14 Nov

Welcome to join Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit via live stream on Tuesday 14th of November starting from 9 am.

Finland's main Arctic event coming to Rovaniemi

The preparations for the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit conference are almost complete. In November, the event will make Rovaniemi the focal point for Arctic discussion in Finland. This year, the conference themes concentrate especially on Arctic security.

Climate intervention alongside conventional mitigation methods can help fight the climate change in a cost-effective manner

Climate change poses urgent socio-environmental challenges. Researchers argue that as target temperatures are not likely to be achieved, climate interventions such as solar geoengineering and carbon dioxide removal to limit temperature rises should be explored as additions to conventional mitigation and adaptation actions.

New publications on just economic development in the Arctic and Polar law

Two recently published books focus on legal and justice issues. One of the books has been produced as part of the soon to be completed JUSTNORTH project.

The release of the book – Arctic Law in 1000 Words

The Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law at the Arctic Centre releases new book – “Arctic Law in 1000 Words”. The book offers a simple yet sufficient coverage of the most relevant legal, political, socioeconomic and environmental topics.

SKILLS2SCALE has received funding from the EIT’s HEI Initiative: Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education

Skills2Scale empowers Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to lead in the development of Beyond 5G (6G) networks and applications. Through training, peer-learning, mentoring, and acceleration, it equips HEIs with the know-how, skills, and networks needed for Beyond 5G.

University of Lapland receives substantial SRC funding for research on just green transition in the Arctic

The Strategic Research Council (SRC) under the Research Council of Finland granted a total of 27 million euros in funding to ten project consortia related to research on just green transition. One of the funded projects is the REBOUND project, led by Tanja Joona, University Researcher at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland.

New book about everyday life and adaptation in the changing Arctic climate

Volume edited by Hannah Strauss-Mazzullo and Monica Tennberg “Living and Working with Snow, Ice and Seasons in the Modern Arctic” brings together accounts of contemporary engagement with Arctic and Subarctic weather conditions affected by climatic changes and requiring continuous adaptation.

New Study on transboundary governance models of biodiversity protection – TRANSNATURE

Research project focuses on case studies of transboundary governance models of biodiversity protection in Europe.

Arctic and Third Pole regions share many common challenges

The conference organized in Nepal brings together experts from both regions, including twelve participants from the University of Lapland.

Documentary film Dear Arctic shows why arctic research is vital

Documentary film Dear Arctic follows the researchers of the Arctic region and delves into the work of the Arctic Center in the University of Lapland.

Call for Papers: Current Developments in Arctic Law 2023

The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Law and the UArctic Chair in Arctic Legal Research and Education are pleased to announce a call for papers for Volume 11 of Current Developments in Arctic Law (2023).

The power of Indigenous voices and data supporting the green transition

A new policy paper: “Data-driven Subnational Decision-making in the Arctic: The power of Indigenous voices and data supporting the green transition” will change the way we look at green transition. Published by the team at the University of Lapland, a partner in the Arctic PASSION project.

Recording available online from the Antarctica Today -seminar

Seminar “Antarctica today – shared challenges for science and environmental protection in the final frontier” was held on May 29, 2023 as a side event of the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting hosted by Finland.

Story about the Arctic Centre in ThisIsFINLAND

When asking from people working or visiting in the Arctic Centre what they like the most here, the answer is most likely the international atmosphere of our community. People with different kind of backgrounds, stories and expertise come together creating an inspiring environment.

Academy of Finland granted funding to Arctic Centre

Funding was granted for a total four projects led by a researcher from the Arctic Centre.

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco visited University of Lapland

University of Lapland co-hosted discussions related to Arctic research with the University of Helsinki and University of the Arctic.

Pavel Tkach joined the Board of Directors of the Arctic Youth Network

The Arctic Youth Network (AYN) is a youth-founded and youth-led non-profit organization striving to connect young people around the Arctic and the world enabling them to build their leadership capacity.

Behind the scenes of snow research at the Sodankylä supersite

The snow is disappearing from Rovaniemi’s streets, not to be thought about until next winter. Not so for the snow researchers Leena Leppänen and Marina Falke though. Here you can read about their daily work in freezing temperatures and take an introduction to snow research.

New HORIZON EUROPE project: Human Rights Justifications

A new HORIZON-EUROPE-funded project led by the University of Gothenburg has started its work with a kick-off meeting in Sweden. The Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, is a key member of this research consortium which examines human rights justifications.

Call for Abstracts: The First Inter-Polar Conference – Connecting the Arctic with the Third Pole

The Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law of the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland and collaborators invite abstract submissions for an Inter-Polar Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 6-9 September 2023.

Two seminars focusing on indigenous peoples’ rights organized at the University of Lapland in May

The seminars are organised by the INCLUSION project which aims at strengthening cooperation between the Higher Education Institutions from Finland and Peru.

The annual report of the Arctic Centre 2022

The annual report of the Arctic Centre 2022 has been published and can be read also online.

New audio guide deepens the exhibition experience in Arktikum

The Arktikum Museum and Science Centre offers visitors an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the content of the exhibitions with new audio guides.

New publication: Seabed anchored curtains to prevent the collapse of West Antarctica Ice Sheet

As the climate changes, more and more warm seawater reaches the glaciers of Antarctica and threatens them to collapse. A group of researchers explores how feasible the idea is to block channels that bring warm water to the glaciers with flexible buoyant curtains, anchored to the seabed. Their study has now been published in the open access journal PNAS Nexus.

Nature Photographs of the Year 2022 in Arktikum Science Centre

The Nature Photograph of the Year is an exciting snapshot of a mayfly and a fish that preys on it. Last year's most amazing nature photos are on display at Arktikum Science Centre until mid-May.

Arctic Centre hosts a major Anthropology conference

For the first time ever, the conference of the Finnish Anthropological Society will be held in Rovaniemi and the interest to the event has been overwhelming. The Arctic Anthropology Research Team from the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland is hosting and organizing the event, taking place 21st-23rd March, 2023.

Decision-making at the local and regional levels is uncharted territory in the Arctic region

A while ago, Pavel Tkach moved his workstation to a more spacious and quieter room. He needs both space and privacy because day in, and day out, he keeps calling Arctic regional and local decision-makers in Luleå, Akureyri, Anchorage, Kuusamo, Tromsø or Yellowknife for research interviews.

General Governor Simon: The Arctic needs determination and perseverance to face the impact of climate change

The Governor General of Canada Mary Simon and President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö spoke to university students as part of their visit in Rovaniemi.

University of Lapland will host Governor General of Canada and President of the Republic of Finland in Arktikum 9.2.

Governor General of Canada Mary Simon will make a state visit to Finland from 6 to 10 February 2023. The visit will be hosted by President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö together with his spouse, Dr. Jenni Haukio. On Thursday 9 February, President Niinistö and Governor General Simon will visit Rovaniemi.

New film shows the dramatic effects of climate change for the entire lifestyle of Nenets people

For the nomadic Nenets people living in Yamal Peninsula, reindeer are a way of life. A recently published story by the BBC describes how climate change causes uncertainties for reindeer and the whole identity and culture of the Nenets. Research professor Florian Stammler was involved in the film project and considers it as a good example of how researchers and media can work together.

New study on biocultural coping mechanisms of humans in cold climate

Research project examines the adaptation of reindeer herders and office workers to the cold and changing climate. Study is conducted in northern Finland.

A series of workshops to study the power dynamics of resilience

The Joint Committee for Nordic research councils in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NOS-HS), through its call for exploratory workshops, has granted funding for the project “Politics and Power of Resilience”.

Report on the state of Arctic cooperation now available in English

The report on the state of Arctic cooperation after Russia’s war of aggression, commissioned by the Government, is now available in English. The Finnish language version was published in October.

The 10th Volume of the Current Developments in Arctic Law (CDAL) is published

The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Law is pleased to announce the release of the tenth edition of the Current Developments in Arctic Law (CDAL).

Looking at Russia’s images from the Finnish border - A special issue of Barents Studies journal published

The special issue of the Barents Studies journal discusses changing everyday perceptions about Russia in the Finnish North Karelian border region.

International lecture series on different approaches to Arctic research

Lecture series introduces critical perspectives and concepts to the field of Arctic social scientific research.

Decorations for personnel on the Independence Day

The President of Finland Sauli Niinistö has granted decoration to employee of the Arctic Centre, Research professor John Moore on Finland’s Independence Day on 6 December.

An Open Day and the Arctic Market Days at Arktikum

The Finnish Independence Day on 6th of December 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Arktikum building. On the day of the celebration, admission to the exhibitions is free of charge. The Arctic Market Days are held during the same week, 9 – 11 December.

Observing the changing northern regions through art and science

Exhibition by Nordic artist network, Changes on Northern Shores: Observing problems through art and science, will be open for visitors in the Arktikum Science Centre 3.12.2022 – 30.4.2023.

Two new articles ponder the impact of the war in Ukraine to the future of the Arctic

The strategic importance of the Arctic has increased dramatically already for some time due to climate change. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is also impacting regional geopolitics, stability, economic policies and cooperation in the Arctic. Two recently published articles review the contemporary security dynamics of the region and the future of the Arctic cooperation.

Seminar discussed the Arctic dimensions of human rights

Human Rights Centre, Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland, the Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law and The University of the Arctic (UArctic) network organized a seminar on 26th of October where human rights and the changed security environment were discussed, especially from the point of view of the Arctic region.

New study module considers what EU climate politics means for environmental protection, security and local communities in the Arctic

University of Lapland students at the Master’s and PhD levels now have the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular online module, run by the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam.

New publication: Critical approaches challenge to view the Arctic differently

Volume edited by Marjo Lindroth, Heidi Sinevaara-Niskanen and Monica Tennberg offers new approaches to the study of the Arctic.

Preventing ice sheet collapse by seabed anchored curtains in Greenland taking steps forward

A process has started to connect scientists, engineers, writers, economists and politicians with the indigenous rightsholders in Greenland to discuss active conservation of the Greenland ice sheet. In their meetings in Reykjavik they have agreed that research on topic is urgently needed.

UArctic's Thematic Network on Arctic Migration event: Immigrants in European Higher Education

University of Lapland is represented at event tackling questions on recognition of previously acquired competencies and removing obstacles for immigrants to access European Higher Education, to be held the beginning of December in Brussels.

Report discusses Finland’s new role in the Arctic

Russian military aggression against Ukraine has wide and unprecedented effects on Arctic cooperation. Many of the basic assumptions of Finland's Arctic policy strategy, revised just one and half years ago, have been undermined by the upheavals caused by the war. This is stated in the report published on 11 October.

New temporary exhibition to the Arktikum Science Centre: Antarctica – Science in Extreme Conditions

The new temporary exhibition at the Arktikum Science Centre introduces research and daily life in the Finnish research station Aboa in Antarctica. The opening of the new exhibition is also celebrated with the premiere of documentary film “Sounding Far South” on Thursday 15.9.2022 at 6 pm.

From throw away and replace culture to circularity

New Finnish-Argentinian project CIBIECO focuses on the ideas of the circular bioeconomy and their practical implementation in small enterprises in Finland and Argentina.

New information package available about biodiversity in the Arctic region

A new section dealing with biodiversity has been opened on the website of the Arctic Centre. This and other similar summaries aim to increase knowledge about the Arctic region in popularized form. Material is available in Finnish, English and Swedish.

Call for Papers: Current Developments in Arctic Law

The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Law and the UArctic Chair in Arctic Legal Research and Education are pleased to announce the call for papers for the 10th Volume of the Current Developments in Arctic Law (2022).

New research supports reindeer herding communities adapt to climate change

The ArcticXchange project explores how weather and climate forecasts can help reindeer herders adapt to climate change.

JustNorth project explores the questions of justice

The JustNorth examines the economic development of the Arctic region and the approaches for its governance and inclusion from the perspective of justice and ethics. The project consists of eight workgroups and one of them is led by Tanja Joona, a University researcher and Docent in International law, at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland. The project is funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 program.

New publication on Arctic migration

"The Future of the Arctic Human Population – Migration in the North" introduces the challenges of Arctic migration by exploring the structures and conditions of integration from migrants’ and immigrants’ perspectives.

New publication: Hope is by definition a welcome consideration, but its political dimensions have remained unacknowledged

In their new book, researchers Marjo Lindroth and Heidi Sinevaara-Niskanen examine the entanglements between hope and politics and the ways in which hope has become a tool for the exercise of power.

Doctoral dissertation: Acknowledging Humanness Improves Cybersecurity

In her doctoral dissertation, Assistant Professor Mirva Salminen critically examines digitalisation and cybersecurity as societal programmes. According to Salminen, securing the digitalised society requires that humanness is taken better into account in the development of information and communication technologies, digital applications and services, as well as in societal policies.

WONDER SEEKERS – Adventures in science

On the 15th of June the Scientific Tourism project organizes an open seminar for tourism entrepreneurs on the benefits of learning experiences and science communication in tourism products. The event is open to the public, and directed especially at SMEs and entrepreneurs in the tourism business.

Two post-doctoral positions (24 months)

Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland is seeking candidates for two post-doctoral positions (24 months) starting on NOVEMBER 2022 (OR AS agreed) The fields of research are: 1) International Relations 2) International law

Invitation to contribute: Ethnic minorities in the North: contemporary challenges for human geography

UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Migration invites contributions for the special issue “Ethnic minorities in the North: contemporary challenges for human geography”.

New book on reindeer husbandry and the environmental and societal challenges affecting pastoralist communities in Fennoscandia

The volume offers a holistic understanding of the environmental and societal challenges that affect reindeer husbandry in Norway, Sweden and Finland and highlights viable pathways to maintaining reindeer husbandry for the future.

Arctic Centre is looking for a trainee in science communication for autumn 2022

Are you a student interested in Arctic affairs, international activities, and communications? Apply traineeship at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland!

Dissertation: The concept of the Arctic is often taken as a given

In his dissertation, Joonas Vola investigates Arctic change and the way in which it is described in science, art, and popular communication. The author’s results provide grounds for a novel, a more radical, and a more critical way to address the Arctic region and the Arcticness.

Appointment of Arctic Five Chairs

The University of Lapland is pleased to announce the appointment of two Chairs to The Arctic Five network, an alliance of five universities in northern Norway, Sweden and Finland. Nominated researchers are Senior researcher Tanja Joona and Professor Outi Rantala.

From the Tropic of Cancer to the Arctic Circle – Meet Ningning Sun, intern at the Arctic Centre

Wonder Seekers to promote scientific tourism

International SCITOUR project, coordinated by the Arctic Centre, has now launched a Wonder Seekers website to promote scientific tourism.

Nature Photographs of the Year can be seen in Arktikum

Underwater exoticism appealed to the jury the most this time. Nature Photographs of the Year are on display in spring exhibition in Arktikum Science Centre, Rovaniemi, Finland.

Two positions for post-doctoral researchers

Arctic Centre researchers analyze consequences of Russian attack to Ukraine

The ongoing war in Ukraine started by Russia has many consequences for Arctic co-operation. In their articles, Arctic Centre researchers analyze the situation.

New UArctic Chairs appointed

Professors Kamrul Hossain, Timo Jokela and Tuija Turunen are appointed as the UArctic Chairs for the next five years in Arctic legal research and education, Arctic art, design and culture and Education for social justice and diversity.

Doctoral dissertation: Knowledge Integration in Co-management: A Study on the People of the Mount Cameroon National Park

Ayonghe Akonwi Nebasifu, M.A., studies in his dissertation the unequal power relations between officials and local people in the co-management of the Mount Cameroon National Park and its adjacent communities. Ayonghe’s work contributes to co-management theory by revealing simultaneous compliance with and opposition to various relations of power in which people use official and unofficial strategies to attain their goals within a system of resource management.

Survey about Urban Nature and Biodiversity

Urban Biodiversity Survey, a joint project of the Finnish Nature Panel and the Arctic Centre, aims to examine the development and present state of the urban biodiversity in Finnish cities and assess the future of the urban nature.

Survey about changes in the environment and residents' wishes for the future in the Savukoski region

Residents of Savukoski are encouraged to respond to an online survey mapping environmental changes and their effects. The survey is conducted by the Universities of Lapland and Turku. Answers can be given during February – March 2022.

The 9th Volume of the Current Developments in Arctic Law is published

The present volume of Current Developments in Arctic Law (CDAL) comprises twelve papers touching upon a range of issues and providing insightful information on Arctic law and policy today.

Rainfall in the Arctic may soon be more common than snowfall

More rain than snow will fall in the Arctic – and this transition will occur decades earlier than previously predicted, a new study reports.

Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference gathered a large audience

The fifth Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference (16th-17th November 2021) gathered close to 200 guests to Korundi House of Culture and about 100 registered online participants.

Arctic Centre is looking for a trainee in science communication

Are you a student interested in Arctic affairs, international activities, and communications? Apply traineeship at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland!

Arctic conference organized again in Rovaniemi

Finland's only regularly recurring Arctic conference, Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit, will be held again in Rovaniemi, Korundi House of Culture on 16–17 November.

New book about young people in the Arctic

Recently published book is the first multidisciplinary volume presenting original research on Arctic youth.

Researcher Bruce Forbes builds bridges between scientists, politicians, and indigenous peoples

In 1989, Bruce Forbes travelled to an international science conference hosted by the Soviet Union in Surgut to talk about permafrost. Forbes had already worked on the Yamal Peninsula in Siberia.

Professor Hossain: Bangladesh should seek observer seat in Arctic Council

Bangladesh should have an observer seat in Arctic Council, argues research professor Kamrul Hossain, director of Northern Institute of Environmental and Minority Law.

UArctic 20 Years Anniversary Seminar live streamed from Arktikum

University of the Arctic (UArctic) has enhanced Arctic research and collaboration among researchers and universities for two decades. Anniversary seminar is organized in Rovaniemi Arktikum on September 6th .

Jukola Message addressed to the Arctic Centre

The message of the Jukola orienteering relay event that was held in Rovaniemi on 21-22 August was addressed to the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland. According to the decades old tradition, soon after crossing the finishing line, the anchor of the winning team will read a message greeting a topical community or group or attracting attention to a matter of importance.

Northern Political Economy Symposium 2021: 2nd call for papers

Symposium is organized 12–13 October 2021 in Rovaniemi, Finland in a hybrid mode via Teams.

Researcher John Moore believes that humanity holds the key to combatting climate change

Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have been melting at an accelerating pace over the past twenty years. According to the latest forecasts, sea levels will rise by more than one metre by 2100.

New funding for common research and educational activities between Finland and Russia

The Team Finland Knowledge (TFK) programme under the Finnish National Agency for Education (Edu-Fi) has granted 72,000 euros to the Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law, Arctic Centre to implement a joint project between Finland and Russia.

Indigenous knowledge is essential to combat climate change, says researcher

Four million people live in the Arctic region, and their lives are changing rapidly due to growing industrial activity and the effects of climate change. The most vulnerable of all are indigenous peoples, who account for about ten per cent of the Arctic population.

The Arctic Centre participating in a research project focusing on economic and social inequalities in the Arctic

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland will take part in a multidisciplinary research consortium The WAGE Circumpolar Partnership - Arctic Economy and Social Transitions which has been awarded a major grant of $2.5 million by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The project is led by Professor Gérard Duhaime from Université Laval and has a total funding of 3.5 million euros.

Registration is open to MaxiPAC Symposium - Best practices for language valorization in Finnish Higher Education

The EU Erasmus+ project MaxiPAC (Maximizing Previously Acquired Competences) will organize a symposium on Wednesday 27 October 2021, 12:30-14:45 GMT+ at the Arctic Centre in Rovaniemi.

Call for abstracts for the Northern Political Economy Symposium 2021

How to govern change in the Arctic? Are transformations governable?

Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference on track for November 2021

This year Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference will take place 16-17 November.

New report about EU actions and their impact in the Arctic

The newly published report presents an overview of EU policies, initiatives and projects that are of relevance for the Arctic. Both the Arctic-specific actions as well as the broad spectrum of EU general policies that have an influence on the region have been considered. The report has been written by a team of experts including several researchers from the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland and led by Research Professor Timo Koivurova.

Exclusion of reindeer for twenty years did not affect the nutrient status of the pine forest soil and dwarf shrubs

A study in Oulanka, northeastern Finland, investigated how long-term exclusion of reindeer grazing affects pine forest soils and undergrowth. The effects of reindeer grazing on lichens have been known for a long time, now researchers want to pay attention to mosses as well.

Researcher understands the pain of letting go of peat energy

According to researcher Hanna Lempinen, there is a lot of talk about peat, but it has been studied surprisingly little. That is why Lempinen seeks to understand the special nature of the relationship the Finns have with peat.

Reindeer Tank pitching event gathered entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas

Development projects coordinated by the Arctic Centre were involved in organizing a pitching event for business owners and future entrepreneurs. In the end of the day a winner was nominated but most of all the event was about learning from each other.

Academy of Finland granted funding for research on human-animal relations

The Academy of Finland’s Research Council for Culture and Society granted nearly 30 million euros in funding for 59 new Academy Projects. Academy Project funding is granted for four years.

Snow researcher digs up information on climate change

The future of snow mirrors the future of the Arctic flora and fauna, the future of livelihoods as well as people in the Arctic. And what is snow that has never fallen from the sky?

Halve the land ice contribution to sea level rise by following the Paris Agreement target of limiting warming to 1.5°C

New research from a large international community of scientists predicts that, if we meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C instead of continuing with the current contributions to mitigating climate change, sea level rise this century from the melting of ice could be halved. Greenland ice sheet losses would reduce by 70%. The exact sea level rise contribution from Antarctica is less clear, as uncertainties are higher.

President Niinistö will exchange thoughts with the students at the University of Lapland

On Wednesday, April 21, President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö will discuss great power politics with the students at the University of Lapland. The event is part of a tour of three universities, with the President paving the way for the upcoming Kultaranta Talks.

A photographic exhibition tells about Inuit subsistence hunters, polar bears, and climate change

The loss of sea ice caused by climate change poses a serious threat to polar bears’ existence. Also the traditional way of life of Greenland’s subsistence hunters is in danger of disappearing. Tiina Itkonen’s photographs in Arktikum Sicence Centre capture an intimate portrait of hunters, their families, communities, and landscape.

The annual report of the Arctic Centre 2020

The annual report of the Arctic Centre 2020 has been published.

Open position for University Researcher in the Arctic Centre

Newly published issue of Barents Studies focuses on the remote local communities

Peer reviewed articles discuss how ideas about sustainable development and neoliberal governance meet in community development.

Researchers developed an Arctic Environmental Responsibility Index

Oil and gas extraction companies operating in the Arctic are ranked better on average than mining companies.

The Arctic Centre has a new Executive Board

The board of the University of Lapland has in its February meeting nominated a new Executive Board for the Arctic Centre for years 2021-2023. Doctor Matti Hepola will continue as a chairman.

Nature Photographs of the Year in Arktikum

Beauty, insightful viewpoints and a little bit playfulness. Nature Photographs of the Year are on display in spring exhibition in Arktikum Science Centre, Rovaniemi, Finland.

Timo Koivurova new member in FIIA Scientific Advisory Council

The Excecutive Board of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs has appointed Arctic Centre research professor Timo Koivurova as a new member of FIIA Scientific Advisory Council for a three-year period between 2021 and 2023.

Johanna Ikävalko: ”The field of expertise of the Arctic Centre is very broad”

Docent Johanna Ikävalko started as Director of the Arctic Centre at the beginning of February. What are her first impressions of the new job and her goals as a director?

Young people in Finland’s and Russia’s North have similar concerns about their future

In northern Finland and Russia, many places face the same challenge: how to attract young people to stay or return to their hometowns?

Tusk of a woolly mammoth is displayed in Arktikum Science Centre

A huge tusk of a woolly mammoth is now on display in Arktikum Science Centre. The tusk was found in Yakut, and it reveals the impressive size of a woolly mammoth.

Arctic Centre has a new director: Johanna Ikävalko

The Rector of the University of Lapland has, following the proposal of the Arctic Centre board, appointed PhD Johanna Ikävalko as the Director of the Arctic Centre for the next five-year period, 2021-2025. She will start in her new position in February.

Declining Arctic sea ice drives divergent arctic shrub growth

Arctic shrubs are the most widespread woody plants in the Far North and, like trees in lower latitudes, they form annual growth rings. These rings can be measured under a microscope to reveal the history of the past climates but also growth responses to the recent climate change that is vividly present in the Arctic. A new study shows how currently ongoing sea ice decline interacts with Arctic shrubs.

New volume of Current Developments in Arctic Law released

The eighth edition of Current Developments in Arctic Law (CDAL) is now available.

Arctic Centre joining a Horizon 2020 project on sustainable management in extractive industries

The Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland will lead Work Package 2 (Clustering and meta-analysis) of the EU Horizon 2020 project SUMEX.

Finland and India to develop indigenous and tribal peoples' studies

The Northern Institute for Environment and Minority Law (NIEM) at the Arctic Centre has received 35,500 euro from the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). The funding is granted to implement the project entitled "Interdisciplinary curricula on indigenous and tribal peoples' studies."

Exhibition addresses the environmental distress of the Polar Regions

In her Arktikum Science Centre exhibition The Call of Things, artist Jessica Houston draws attention to the environmental distress of the North and South Poles with ‘talking objects’ and photographs that Houston took during her travels.

Eight applicants for Arctic Centre director

The University of Lapland has received eight applications for the position of the Director of the Arctic Centre.

Doctoral Dissertation: The Experience of Displacement and Social Engineering in Kola Saami Oral Histories

M.A. Lukas Allemann examines in his thesis people’s experiences of Soviet-time, state-initiated displacement and (re)emplacement on the Kola Peninsula as well as the consequences of these developments. Sources show that Saami communities bore the brunt of these processes. The work seeks to draw – for the first time – a holistic picture of the social transformation among the Kola Saami, while nevertheless respecting the reality of mixed and multiple ethnic belongings as well as other categories of identity in the region.

Arctic Market Days cancelled

Due to current COVID-19 pandemic Arctic Market Days 2020 is cancelled. The market was supposed to be held in December at Arktikum House, Rovaniemi.

Arctic Centre leading a new study on the EU Arctic-relevant policies

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland has for many years been involved in research and consultancy related to the EU’s Arctic policy. New research commissioned by the European Commission studies the EU policies affecting the Arctic from various point of views.

Warming temperatures are driving Arctic greening

As Arctic summers warm, Earth’s northern landscapes are changing. Using satellite images to track global tundra ecosystems over decades, a new study found the region has become greener, as warmer air and soil temperatures lead to increased plant growth.

Carbon emissions could add 40 cm to 2100 sea level rise

If greenhouse gas emissions continue apace, Greenland and Antarctica’s ice sheets could together contribute about 40 centimeters of global sea level rise – and that’s beyond the amount that has already been set in motion by Earth’s warming climate. An international effort that brought together more than 60 ice, ocean and atmosphere scientists from three dozen international institutions has generated new estimates on how much of an impact Earth’s melting ice sheets could have on global sea levels by 2100.

New book and a conference reflect on the future of the Arctic human population from the perspective of immigration

Recently published book “Immigration in the Circumpolar North: Integration and Resilience” explores interconnected issues of integration and resilience among both immigrants and host communities in the Arctic region. It examines the factors that inhibit or enable the success of immigrants to the Arctic and the role of territoriality in the process of integration. Multiple authors from the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland have contributed to the book and its corresponding editor is researcher Nafisa Yeasmin.

The position of the Director of the Arctic Centre is open

The position of the Director of the Arctic Centre has been opened by the University of Lapland. Since 2015, the position has been filled for a five years period and the current period ends this year. The new period will last from 2021 to 2015.

Call for abstracts for the Northern political economy symposium 2020

Northern political economy symposium 2020 titled ‘Excavating sites of power in the Arctic’ will be held as an online symposium October 27 – 28, 2020. Organizers welcome presentations that delve into power in its different, and potentially disguised/hidden/subdued forms and manifestations.

Three recently published books offer new viewpoints to security in the Arctic

The Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law (NIEM) at the Arctic Centre is pleased to announce the publication of three new books. The books are the outcomes of several projects that NIEM has been holding during past years.

New projects launched on Arctic migration

Research on Arctic migration increases understanding of the specificities of migration in the northernmost regions of the world. The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland is involved in altogether six new projects related to Arctic migration that have been launched during the past spring.

Two post-doctoral positions open in the Arctic Centre

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland is seeking to fill two post-doctoral research positions that will address decadal to centennial changes in Arctic climate and biodiversity, including social-ecological feedbacks and drivers.

A summery exhibition tells the story of the Arctic Garden

The Story of the Arctic Garden looks at the developments in the area surrounding the Arktikum building from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. After the exhibition at the Arktikum Science Centre, you can visit the Arctic Garden and see it with new eyes.

Arktikum has been reopened

Arktikum Science Centre and Museum has been reopened for the public on Tuesday 2.6. Special attention is paid to safety and hygiene and no public events are held for the time being.

Summer exhibition reveals the changing winter

The Changing Winter exhibition shows winter as we know it, reminding us of what we stand to lose, and it illustrates some of the changes that are already noticeable. The photos in the freezing summer exhibition are captured by three leading nature photographers in Finland.

Explore and learn: A new scientific tourism concept to be developed

An international consortium led by the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, has started the Scientific Tourism project (SCITOUR) aiming to create a new tourism concept that focuses on increasing scientific knowledge in tourism experiences. The project will work towards developing a general concept for incorporating science in tourism experiences. Project partners are from Iceland, Scotland and Greenland.

The cost saved by the carbon kept in the permafrost would cover the cost of doing geoengineering

The cost saved by the carbon kept in the permafrost alone would easily cover the cost of doing geoengineering by stratospheric aerosol injection, shows new research from Finnish and Chinese researchers, published in Nature Communications.

Updating of the ArcticFinland.fi website and the newsletter will be suspended

The active updating of the content on the ArcticFinland.fi website and the ArcticFinland newsletter will be suspended for the time being. Basic information and documents concerning Finland's Arctic activities are available on the website, and they will still be kept up to date.

Bruce Forbes to coordinate a major international project

Advancing adaptive capacity of Arctic communities. This is the aim for CHARTER, a new EU Horizon 2020 funded project, coordinated by Professor Bruce Forbes of Arctic Centre. The European Commission has just signed the papers and work can begin.

Arctic Centre's Annual Report 2019

Arctic Centre's annual report 2019 is now published.

Doctoral Dissertation: When we got reindeer, we moved to live to the tundra - The spoken and Silenced History of the Yamal Nenets

Roza Laptander´s dissertation is based on the stories of the Nenets reindeer herders from the Yamal peninsula, Western Siberia. It shows that spoken stories and interviews concerning big changes on the tundra reflect a general mechanism of making Nenets official historical narratives. Through analysing silence in the example of the Yamal Nenets people stories, Laptander studied the role of silence and silencing offering a new approach to understanding how small indigenous societies keep memories and stories about their past.

Not only temperature controls the nutrient cycle in the Arctic

Researchers from Umeå University, Germany and Finland discover novel mechanism clarifying the slow nutrient cycling in Arctic soils. Absence of earthworms can explain why Arctic plants are starving for nitrogen. The study was published 14.4.2020 in the prestigious Nature Communications.

Doctoral Dissertation: Back Stakeholder pressure strengthens mining companies’ corporate social responsibility in the Barents Region

The doctoral dissertation by FM Adrian Braun, entitled "Corporate Social Responsibility in the Barents region – A Situational Analysis of Metal Mining" will be publicly examined online at the University of Eastern Finland on 24.3.2020 at 12. Braun is the visiting researchers of the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland.

Arktikum turns green on St. Patrick’s Day

Arktikum in Rovaniemi turns green on St. Patrick’s Day on 17 March 2020. The glass tube of Arktikum illuminates green a whole day and night.

Finnish Nature Photographs of the Year in Arktikum

Finnish Nature Photographs of the Year 2019 are on display in spring exhibition in Arktikum Science Centre, Rovaniemi, Finland. The new exhibition presents the winners of The Nature Photographs of the Year Competition. The winner photograph is “Bear and Raven” by Ville Heikkinen.

Registration is open for the Arctic Migration Conference

The Future of the Arctic Human Population: Migration in the North Conference takes place in Rovaniemi, Finland on 28–29 May 2020. This will be the first ever conference on (im)migration in the cap of the north that is a part of series of activities of UArctic Thematic network on Arctic Migration.

Arctic Centre has a new Scientific Advisory Board

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland has a new Scientific Advisory Board. The Arctic Centre improves comprehensive understanding of the Arctic through research and science communication and the board members are experts in those fields.

Global science team on red alert as Arctic lands grow greener

New research techniques are being adopted by scientists tackling the most visible impact of climate change – the so-called greening of Arctic regions.

Volume 7 of the Current Developments in Arctic Law is out!

UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Law has published the seventh edition of the Current Developments in Arctic Law.

Two degrees of global warming could mean seven in the Arctic

The study, published today in the journal Science Advances, reports that the Arctic has warmed by 0.75 degrees Celsius in the last decade alone. By comparison, the Earth as a whole has warmed by nearly the same amount, 0.8 degrees Celsius, over the past 137 years.

Doctoral defense: Informal International Regimes. The Case Study of the Arctic Council

The scale and character of a multitude of changes observed in today’s world are nothing short of a fundamental transformation of the Earth’s systems and many of these changes are witnessed first-hand in the Arctic. In her dissertation, on the basis of the case study of the Arctic Council (AC), political scientist Malgorzata (Gosia) Smieszek puts forward a concept of informal international regimes that are concluded by states through the means of non-legally binding instruments. She argues that informal international regimes have a number of features that make them increasingly important in our toolbox of mechanisms to address demands and challenges of international collaboration and governance in the era of rapid change.

Science turns into stories on Northern Luminance web site

Northern Luminance is a new web portal of Northern science, art, and culture where research takes the forms of poetry, comics, photo essays, articles and videos. Stories are told in Finnish, Sámi, and English.

New book on Social and Cultural Sustainabilities in the Arctic

Arctic Centre’s Northern Political Economy Research Group established an overview focusing on social and cultural dimensions of sustainability in different Northern case studies in Finland, Russia and Greenland.

Climate service gives forecast on good snowmaking conditions to ski resorts

Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland and Ruka Ski Resort are co-designing a climate service that provides a seasonal forecast on conditions for snowmaking during the entire skiing season. The service tells what is the most climate-friendly and profitable time for snowmaking.

Academic of the Year – Researcher Nafisa Yeasmin

Nafisa Yeasmin, Doctor of Social Sciences, has received the Academic of the Year award granted by the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (FUURT). She works as a project manager at the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland. Yeasmin is an active academic and a social activist whose research has a high and direct impact on the society. Yeasmin received the award on Friday at FUURT’s International University seminar held at Aalto University in Espoo.

Northern Political Economy Symposium turns 10 years – The program is published!

The 10th Northern Political Economy Symposium takes place on 14–15 November 2019 in Rovaniemi, Finland. The theme of the symposium is What is left of development in the Arctic?

Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference program published

The theme of the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference this year is climate change and the future generations. Organizers invite young people, decision-makers and researchers to a common, solution-oriented dialogue. The Conference will take place November 12th-13th in Rovaniemi, Finland.

New book on Sámi Educational History

"Sámi Educational History in a Comparative International Perspective" establishes an overview of Sámi education in an historical and internationally comparative perspective and examines indigenous educational history around the world, ranging from Asia to Oceania to Sápmi and the Americas.

New project to initiate transboundary cooperation in the field of societal security

The Northern Institute of Environmental and Minority Law of the Arctic Centre joined in pilot project to institutionalize research-end user cooperation in societal security research. The primary aim of the project is to create a focus group in order to identify current needs, challenges and relevant themes for societal security research in transboundary cooperation.

The Final Workshop of Food (In)Security in the Arctic was held in Rovaniemi

‘‘Food (in)Security in the Arctic: Contribution of Traditional and Local Food to promote Food Security with Particular Reference to the European High North” project team gathered for the third time from the 26th to the 27th of August at the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland. This was the final workshop of the project in which participants presented each other's drafts of chapters' contribution to the upcoming book, and discussed the future possibilities of cooperation.

30 participants attended the Finnish-Japanese Arctic Studies Summer School

From 26 July to 7 of August, 2019 Hokkaido University in Japan hosted the Finnish-Japanese Arctic Studies Summer School on Arctic Studies in Sapporo.

Staging Sámi in the City exhibition in Arktikum

”Staging Sámi in the City” photography exhibition presents artistic interpretations of Sámihood in urban space. The exhibition of University Researcher Tanja Joona and Junior Researcher Joonas Vola of the University of Lapland is open in Arktikum Science Centre in Rovaniemi from 14 June to 1 September 2019.

Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference is the official side event of the Finland´s EU Presidency program

Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference has been admitted for the official side event of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Presidency will start on 1st July 2019 and it lasts to the end of the year.

Barents Studies: local governance have little impact on national strategies

There seems to be a “governance paradox” in the High North. Even through national strategic documents, which emphasizes the importance of local actors ability to influence the strategies and plans for sustainable regional development, local governance still have little impact on formulation and materialization of those strategies. In this sense, there is a tension between rhetoric and reality.

Registration for the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference is now open!

The Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference on 12–13 November 2019 in Rovaniemi, Finland focuses on climate change, especially from the viewpoint of young people and future generations living in the Arctic. One goal of the event is to enhance dialogue between youth, researchers and decision makers.

Face of the Month: We cannot escape our climate responsibility by blaming China

Sanna Kopra is researching China’s climate policy and Arctic policy. As a researcher, she is motivated by environmental concerns and the pursuit of social justice.

Call for Abstracts for the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference

The Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference takes place on 12–13 November 2019 in Rovaniemi, Finland. Theme of the conference is climate change especially from the viewpoint of young people and future generations living in the Arctic. One goal of the event is to enhance dialogue between youth, researchers and decision makers.

The new research project to predict changes in northern ecosystems

Academy of Finland’s Research Council for Biosciences, Health and the Environment has granted funding for the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland for research project that predicts long-term changes in boreal and subarctic ecosystems. The HISTECO project received funding of 536,230 euro and the project is led by university researcher Sari Stark. The four-year project starts in September 2019.

Face of the Month: We all eat, and that is why Dele Raheem became a researcher

All food-related processes must be sustainable, because the way we eat will affect the whole planet.

Reetta Toivanen as a keynote speaker for the Northern Political Economy Symposium

10th Northern Political Economy Symposium takes place on 14-15 November 2019 in Rovaniemi, Finland. The theme of the symposium is What is left of development in the Arctic?

Arctic Centre and Luxury Action announce a partnership

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland and Luxury Action have announced a partnership. The aim is to develop services where tourists can learn about the impacts of climate change on the Arctic environment, wildlife and local cultures.

Statue of the lead architect on display in Arktikum

Well-known Danish architect Claus Bonderup visits Arktikum in Rovaniemi where a bronze bust of him will be on display. The statue was gifted to Arktikum by the artist Kirsten Tofte Jensen.

Call for abstracts for the Northern Political Economy Symposium 2019

10th Northern Political Economy Symposium will be organized on 14-15 November 2019 in Rovaniemi, Finland. Call for abstracts for the symposium is now open!

Satu Uusiautti and Nafisa Yeasmin published a new book on top research on the past, present, and future of Arctic (im)migration

Professor Satu Uusiautti and project manager, Dr. Nafisa Yeasmin edited a scientific book titled “Human Migration in the Arctic. The Past, Present, and Future”. It was published by an international, high-grade publisher Palgrave Macmillanin (graded at level 3 on the Finnish Publication Forum).

Youth climate competition during the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference

The theme of the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference on 12–13 November 2019 is climate change and the future generations. We are happy to announce that the conference will be arranged in cooperation with ICCAY – International Climate Challenge for the Arctic Youth.

International Women’s Day lecture on #MeToo movement

On the International Women’s Day on Friday 8 of March 2019 Professor JoAnne Sweeny from the University of Louisville from the United States will give the public lecture in Arktikum library in Rovaniemi on #MeToo movement. The lecture is hosted by the Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law (NIEM), which is part of the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland.

New book tells the origins of Arctic cooperation and the ups and downs in Finland´s Arctic policy

A new book published by the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland opens the Finnish perspective to the developments in the Arctic from the 1980s to the present day.

Study: China seeks to become an Arctic partner and player

Over the past decade, China has undertaken an effort to demonstrate its growing knowledge of, and commitment to, the Arctic region. Some actors and experts are concerned about China’s aims and actions in the region, while others express hope for Chinese institutions, investors and companies to contribute to regional development and knowledge-building. The study commissioned by the Government of Finland presents a balanced and multifaceted, although necessarily not fully comprehensive, picture of China’s rise as an actor in the Arctic.

Arctic agriculture conference for the first time in Lapland

The 10th Circumpolar Agriculture Conference will take place in Rovaniemi 13 – 15 March 2019. The conference will address local agriculture and bioeconomy, northern local breeds, reindeer herding, and the effects of climate change on agriculture. The topics also include Arctic foods and natural products, food quality, food security, business opportunities and sustainability.

Climate Change and the Future Generations themes of Arctic Conference in Rovaniemi

The Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference, fourth in a series, focuses on climate change in the Arctic, especially from the point of view of young people. The conference, which will take place on 12-13 November 2019, wants the voices of the future generations to be heard.

Sustainable development research group is now Northern political economy

The name of the Sustainable development research group of the Arctic Centre is now Northern political economy (NPE) research group. This name has been in use by one the research teams in the research group since 2010.

New project studies structural inequality in reindeer herding Sámi communities

The new project of the University of Lapland will promote dialogue on gender-specific structural inequality, and will develop concrete recommendations to support gender equality in the reindeer herding Sámi communities. The project is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ (NCM) Gender Equality Fund (NIKK).

Call for applications: Summer School on Arctic Studies 2019

Summer School on Arctic Studies 2019 will be held at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. The summer school is dedicated to advanced level undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at the University of Lapland, the University of Oulu and the University of Helsinki. Application deadline is 28 February 2019.

Publication: Current Developments in Arctic Law

The UArctic Thematic Network on Law is pleased to announce release of the volume 6 of the Current Developments in Arctic Law. The latest publication highlight contemporary Arctic related developments in areas of law, social sciences and politics. The Issue also describes ongoing projects, and report on events which took place during the year 2018.

Same genes allow humans and domestic animals to survive in Arctic conditions

If a Yakutian cattle bull refuses to go out when the temperature has dropped down to -50°C, he will not be qualified as a breeding animal in Yakutia, Eastern Siberia. Both humans and domestic animals have adapted to the Arctic conditions, which can be identified in their genes. As a result of human-made and natural selection Arctic domestic animals have been adapted to these harsh conditions, which has been now investigated and described using approaches of genetics, anthropology and art.

Researchers: Policy-making related to the Arctic needs a new mindset

‘Solutions to common human security issues must be contextual at the local level, and address the unique concerns of diverse identities within communities,’ state researchers in the final report of the HuSArctic project. The main objective of the four-year project in 2015–2018 is to address human challenges of the Arctic population and to find tools to improve human security within Barents region. The project is funded by the Academy of Finland and hosted by the Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law, which is part of the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland.

According to reindeer herders, winters with basal ice are experienced more often than before

In approximately half of the herding districts in Finland, basal ice events occurred more frequently in the period 1983–2016 than in the period 1948–1982. Researchers collected practitioners’ knowledge of herders from the period 1948–2016. During this period, seven winters with extensive basal ice formation were identified. Five out of seven of the most extensive basal ice formation events occurred between 1991 and 2016. Approximately one fourth of all reported mold formation events co-occurred with basal ice formation.

Face of the Month: Helsinki-born researcher is now studying everyday urban life in the Arctic region

When we refer to Rovaniemi as an Arctic city, we tend to forget two essential things: in Rovaniemi, the link between arcticity and the history and locality is weak, and the city does not take advantage of the Arctic urban nature as part of its identity in the best possible way.

Doctoral defense: The governance of immigration manifests itself in those who are being governed: Economic integration of immigrants in Arctic perspectives

LL.M Nafisa Yeasmin’s doctoral thesis point out that there are different factors that negatively influence immigration in the north. Immigrants feel that they are socially excluded from mainstream northern society: research results suggest that immigrants from particular region are more vulnerable to being excluded than other immigrants. Local people’s attitudes towards immigrants vary based on the situations in which they encounter immigrants, the immigrants’ country of origin and educational background, the views of the respective groups, and so forth.

Staging Sámi in the City exhibition in Gallery Kopio

”Staging Sámi in the City” is the exhibition of Tanja Joona and Joonas Vola and it is open in Gallery Kopio in the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi on 23.10.–29.11.2018.

Face of the Month: Melting ice sheets can raise sea levels, but we still have time to act!

Rupert Gladstone hopes that our generation have will to make right decisions in order to secure favorable living environment also for the future generations.

Rupert Gladstone appointed Adjunct Professor of Computer Modelling in Glaciology

Based on the decision of the Rector of the University of Lapland, PhD Rupert Gladstone has been appointed for the position of Adjunct Professor of Computer Modelling in Glaciology in the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland. Gladstone is part of the Global change research group of the Arctic Centre.

The new Barents Studies bring economic, social and political margins on focus

The new issue of the international peer-reviewed journal Barents Studies covers topics around marginal phenomena. The issue 1/2018 features three peer-reviewed scientific articles, two research communications, a book review of the Encyclopedia of the Barents Region, and introductions of young scholars of the region.

New plants on the block: Taller species are taking over in a warming Arctic

Until now, the Arctic tundra has been the domain of low-growing grasses and dwarf shrubs. Defying the harsh conditions, these plants huddle close to the ground and often grow only a few centimeters high. But new, taller plant species have been slowly taking over this chilly neighborhood, report an international group of nearly 130 biologists in Nature. This has led to an overall increase in the height of tundra plant communities over the past three decades.

Glacial engineering could limit sea-level rise, if we get our emissions under control

Targeted engineering projects to hold off glacier melting could slow down the collapse of ice sheets and limit sea-level rise, according to a new study published in the European Geosciences Union journal The Cryosphere.

Honorary Consulate of Italy opens in Arktikum

The Honorary Consulate of Italy in Finnish Lapland opens in Arktikum house in Rovaniemi in September 2018. Senior Researcher Nuccio Mazzullo from the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland has been working as Honorary Vice Consul of Italy since August 2016.

Face of the Month: A researcher from Sicily who lost his heart to Sámi shaman stories

Nuccio Mazzullo left Sicily for Lapland to meet the opposite of his own culture, but ended up meeting his mirror image. An anthropologist specialising in Lapland and in Sámi reindeer herding wants to remind people that humans are a part of nature, and nature is a part of us.

The new programme to support Arctic research cooperation between Finland and Japan

Finnish and Japanese universities will tighten the cooperation in Arctic research and education by establishing Finnish-Japanese Arctic Studies Program. The project is cooperation between the University of Lapland, the University of Oulu and the University of Helsinki from Finland and the Hokkaido University from Japan.

Face of the Month: Plant ecologist crawls in the bushes with a soil corer

Environmental problems were a topical subject in Finland already in the 1980’s. Sari Stark, going to secondary school in Keminmaa, was hooked straight away. Nature and its phenomena sparked her interest, and soon she decided what she would want to do in the future. This decision has held until today.

The new publication highlights the human security challenges in the Barents region

The book gives a comprehensive analysis of vulnerabilities, challenges and needs that the Barents population experiences today or may encounter in the future. In the book, researchers provide recommendations for new strategies to tackle insecurity and improve the wellbeing of both indigenous and local communities.

Face of the Month: Research in Arctic governance in an atmosphere of trust

Adam Stepien is following Arctic policy on the front line. Besides working on his dissertation, he has published reports and organized seminars to support Finland during the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council and the EU in the Arctic policy.

Päivi Soppela nominated as Chair of the Circumpolar Agriculture Association

New publication on Food Security Governance in the Arctic-Barents Region

There has been very little documented research conducted on food security in the Barents region when compared to other areas of the Arctic, such as Canada and Alaska. The authors specified that food security in the Arctic-Barents region is subject to a plurality of conditions attributable to the heterogeneity of the territory and national contexts that influence the governance of these territories.

Face of the Month: Digitalisation of the Arctic regions and cyber security under the magnifying glass

We should all understand the importance of cyber security for our everyday life, says researcher Mirva Salminen who looks at digitalisation and cyber security in the Arctic.

Volume 5 of the Current Developments in Arctic Law is out!

UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Law has published the fifth volume of the Current Developments in Arctic Law. The annual publication of the Network endeavours to present short updates on matters pertaining to the Arctic law, thereby disseminating information on topical Arctic issues and ongoing projects relevant in the field.

Nature Photographs of the Year in Arktikum

Nature Photographs of the Year 2017 are on display in spring exhibition in Arktikum Science Centre, Rovaniemi, Finland.

Geoengineer polar glaciers to slow sea-level rise

In a Comment published in the journal Nature on 15 March 2018 by John C. Moore and Rupert Gladstone of the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland with colleagues from CSC – the Finnish IT Center for Science and Princeton University, USA, argue that applying targeted geoengineering to preserve the ice sheets is a topic worthy of serious research and investment in Antarctic infrastructure.

Exhibition: Sámi Shamanism, Cosmology and Art as Systems of Embedded Knowledge

The exhibition in Gallery Kopio presents Doctoral student Francis Joy's academic dissertation on Saami Shamanism, Cosmology and Art as Systems of Embedded Knowledge, as well as artistic artifacts related to research work.

What could attract young to the Arctic industrial cities?

The new three-year research project will analyze the attractiveness of Arctic industrial cities in Finland and Russia as places to live and work. The project focuses especially on the determinants of youth wellbeing. The Finnish part of the project is hosted by the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland and funded by the Academy of Finland.

New publication on global politics and contemporary colonialism

New academic book challenges the idea that global politics is making progress on indigenous issues and argues that contemporary colonialism operates through inclusion and benevolent practices of recognition.

Open position in the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland

University Researcher starting 1 March 2018 Field: Multidisciplinary research related to global change.

Monica Tennberg is a member of the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP)

Research professor Monica Tennberg is elected as a member of the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP). Tennberg is a research professor at the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland. She has studied Arctic politics since early 1990s. Today she focuses in her research to politics of Arctic everyday life, political economy of extreme weather events; practices of neoliberal governance and their local implications; and social dimensions in Arctic politics.

The new project enhance labour opportunities for women in the Nordic countries

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland is taking part to the new two-year project (2017–2018) which object is to enhance better and suitable employment for immigrant women. The project will produce practical approaches that employers and companies can implement and identify possibilities for networking between immigrant women, local public and private actors and employers.

New exhibition in Arktikum presents Finnish Arctic expertise

In Arktikum Science Centre, a new exhibition called Arctic Expo 2017 will be opened to the public on November 15, 2017. The exhibition showcases the expertise and know-how of Finland in Arctic related technologies. In the exhibition, the visitor can learn how the Arctic is present in our daily lives and why Finland has world leading companies developing Arctic technologies and products.

Arctic Youth Forum discusses how to make the Arctic an interesting place to live for young people

Arctic Youth Forum discusses how to make the Arctic region, especially Finnish Lapland, a lively and interesting place to live and stay for the young generation. The Arctic Youth Forum is a side event of the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit conference. It is organized by young innovative students from the InnoBarentsLab of the Lapland University of Applied Sciences. The forum will be held on the 13th of November 2017 at 6 pm in Hostel Café Koti, and it is open for everyone.

The main Arctic event of Finland’s centenary will start in Rovaniemi

The international Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference takes place in Rovaniemi next week. This is the most important Arctic event of Finland’s centenary year, and it is closely linked to Finland’s chairmanship in the Arctic Council.

The 10t Polar Law Symposium in Rovaniemi focuses on global and local governance of the Polar Regions

The 10th Polar Law Symposium will be held in Rovaniemi, Finland on November 13-14, 2017. This year the symposium will focus on the issues of the global and local governance of the Poles and it will include panel sessions concerning the Arctic and Antarctic regions, the protection of the environment, the rights of indigenous peoples and the issue of cyber and digital security in the Polar Regions.

Exhibition by Anna Stammler-Gossmann presents life and change in the Arctic

This poster exhibition “People, Places and Change” of Dr. Anna Stammler-Gossman is open in Rovaniemi in the University of Lapland’s Kopio Gallery on October 3-19, 2017.

Barents Studies discuss mayoral strategies, Northern identity and global megaprojects

The new issue of the international peer-reviewed journal Barents Studies feature three very different articles that foreground three studies located in the Barents and Euro-Arctic regions. One of the overarching commonality among the articles is that they all use comparison in order to make cogent observations about historical and present-day communities in the Barents High North and Arctic. The journal features four young scholars of the Barents Region: Camilla Brattland, Morgan Ip, Maria Lvova, and Gerald Zojer.

Guest lecture on China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Implications in the Arctic

On Tuesday 26 September, the Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law (NIEM) of the Arctic Centre will be hosting a guest lecture by Nengye Liu, Senior Lecturer at the Adelaide Law School, University of Adelaide, Australia. The topic of the lecture is China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its implications on the Arctic.

New network will foster the international research cooperation related to migration in the Arctic

New Arctic Migration thematic network of the University of the Arctic (UArctic) focuses on newfound problems and challenges in the field of migration along the side of the already existing ones. The overall objective is to establish and build an international network of scholars, experts, influencers and policy makers to solve out the challenges and problems related to migration in the Arctic.

New publication about human security threats in the Barents Region

New academic book introduces episodic and empirical evidence addressing the multifaceted aspects of human security in the Barents Region and looks at the prevalent challenges to the maintenance of societal cohesion.

New project to support the integration of children with immigrant background in school education

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland is taking part to project which aim is to explore the measures aimed at improving participation and learning outcomes of children from a migrant background. The project outcome is to foresee an output such as a national charter, policy recommendations and annual reports to EU.

Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit: Early Bird registration and Call for presentations closing soon

The Early Bird registration to the Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit Conference closes in three weeks’ time, 3rd of September.

Arctic 100 Expedition on multipurpose icebreaker Nordica through the Northwest Passage in July 2017

What is it like to spend a month on a multipurpose icebreaker sailing through the Northwest Passage? How does global warming affect the sea and ice conditions near the North Pole? How does it feel to spend a month on an icebreaker cruising through uninhabited regions?

Call for Participants: UArctic Thematic Network “Arctic Extractive Industries” Phd and Masters course

Security, Geopolitics, and Governance Challenges in relation to Arctic Extractive Industries

Historical legacies in the northern tundra ecosystem

The approach represents a scientific field called historical ecology, which is relatively new discipline and combines ecological research methods with humanities in order to gain deeper understanding on ecological processes and the human role in them

Tuõddri Peeʹrel - Pearls from the Tundra exhibition in Arktikum

The exhibition at the Arktikum Science Centre in Rovaniemi introduces the audience to Skolt Sámi culture, handicrafts and traditions. The fascinating photographs convey the beauty of the surroundings of the Skolt Sámi and the richness of their culture. They show us details of the Skolt Sámi clothing tradition, skilfully crafted objects, and a living Skolt Sámi culture.

Open Calls for researchers in Polar Law Symposium and Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit

A new window now open to Finland´s Arctic activities

The ArcticFinland.fi website is now presenting Finland as an Arctic country also in English. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland have signed an agreement to develop the site maintained and updated by the Arctic Centre as an Arctic gateway for international audience.

Call for Papers: Northern Political Economy Symposium 2017

Political Arctic/Arctic Political

Arctic Centre studies food security in the Arctic

The new project of the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland will explore the concept of human security as it applies to food security in the Arctic. The central aim in the project is to develop a network of scholars in order to promote new knowledge concerning the effect of climate change in the circumpolar Arctic on its vulnerable groups of population in regard to promoting overall food security.

Hot Stuff in Arktikum

The hottest exhibition of the year reveals the secrets of Arctic dating and mating with a dash of hay barn romance and summer meadow. The Hot Stuff exhibition is open in the Arktikum Science Centre from the 2nd of June 2017 to the 22nd of April 2018.

Arctic Centre's Annual Report 2016

Arctic Centre's Annual Report 2016 is now published.

Rovaniemi conference connects the UN Sustainable Development Goals with the Arctic

The Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit conference on November 14-16th, 2017 in Rovaniemi, Finland offers an opportunity to reflect on Arctic cooperation and its future. The main theme of the conference is how to bring the UN Sustainable Development Goals to Arctic science, policy and economy. Thus the Conference takes further one of the key guiding lines in the Finnish Chairmanship program for the Arctic Council.

Report on the adaptation actions for a changing Arctic in the Barents Area

Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) has released the Barents Area assessment report, a result of four years of research towards understanding the adaptive capacity of the Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Russian Arctic.

Nature Photographs of the Year in Arktikum

Nature Photographs of the Year are on display in spring exhibition in Arktikum Science Centre, Rovaniemi, Finland.

Adaptation to changes in the Arctic facilitated also by consideration of non-climate factors

Government Communications Department, 28.2.2017

Science Centre wants Arctic erotic stories

Arktikum Science Centre is currently diving into the flaming love and carnal delights in the freezing Arctic and now wants the public to share their stories of passion. The exhibition will open in the beginning of June in Arktikum, Rovaniemi, Finland.

Report: Arctic Europe: Bringing together the EU Arctic Policy and Nordic cooperation

The European Union’s “integrated policy for the Arctic”, stemming from the Joint Communication of 27 April 2016, can productively interact with Nordic cooperation frameworks in order to support developments in Arctic Europe. The study Arctic Europe: Bringing together the EU Arctic Policy and Nordic cooperation, carried out by researchers from the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland, concludes that the 2016 Joint Communication creates opportunities for formulating a common trans-national strategy for Arctic Europe.

Video reportage on the living Sami cultural heritage.

The Arctic Centre’s project Sami traditional knowledge and environmental decision making identified Sami traditional knowledge related to land use so that it can be better taken into account when making decisions about biodiversity and sustainable development, as well as the rights of the Sami people.

New project to initiate cross-border co-operation in the field of societal security

The project entitled “The Discipline of Societal Security in the Making: Let’s Make It Together!” is one of the successful applications, which has received funding from Nordic Council of Ministers to build a network amongst the participating institutions within the discipline of societal security. The Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law (NIEM) at the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland participates as a consortium partner.

Arctic Centre leading project supporting the implementation of the EU’s Arctic policy

The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland is a leader of a project supporting the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in assessing the on-going implementation of the European Union’s Arctic policy. The “EU Arctic Policy Assessment” project is carried out by a consortium composed of the University of Lapland, the Arctic Portal from Iceland, the Alfred Wegener Institute from Germany and a number of subcontractors, one of which is the Regional Council of Lapland.

Arctic Centre exhibition in Korea National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum in Busan, Republic of Korea, currently holds the “Further into the Arctic” exhibition in cooperation with the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland and the Embassy of Finland in Seoul. The exhibition runs until March 5th, 2017.

Towards the new UArctic research network on Arctic migration

In 2017 a new research team for the Arctic Centre and a new UArctic Thematic Network in the field of Arctic migration might be established. Nafisa Yeasmin, researcher of the Arctic Centre and initiator of the network, explains why there is a need to create a cross-national group of scientists researching the topic of migration to the North.

Coastal sea level rises if warming goes above 2 degree celsius

Warming of 2 °C will lead to an average global ocean rise of 20 cm, but more than 90% of coastal areas will experience greater rises. If warming continues above 2 °C, then, by 2100, sea level will be rising faster than at any time during human civilization, and 80% of the global coastline is expected to exceed the upper limit of 1.8 m for mean global ocean sea level rise.

Indigenous Knowledge, IPRs and Human Rights seminar 5 December

The Faculty of Law and the Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law at the Arctic Centre organize an open seminar about indigenous peoples’ knowledge, intellectual property rights and human rights. The seminar takes place on Monday 5 December at 12–16 in the Arctic Centre in the Arktikum house.

Arctic Variety opens up Finland as an Arctic country

Finland will chair the Arctic Council in 2017 – 2019 but what makes Finland an Arctic country? Answers to that can be found in a new book “Arctic Variety” published by the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland and Europeinformation of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Five minutes of reindeer's life in a round-up

Corral from a reindeer’s point of view.

Funding for research on digitalisation and cyber security in the European High North

NordForsk, a research facilitation and funding organisation under the Nordic Council of Ministers, awarded the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland approx. 864 000 euros for research on digitalisation and cyber security in the European High North. The three-year research project is led by Associate Professor Kamrul Hossain, who is also the director of the Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law at the Arctic Centre.

Arctic fairy tales in the Arctic Fury Film Festival 1–4 November in Rovaniemi

Arctic fairy tales and mysticism are the theme of this year's edition of the Arctic Fury Film Festival. From the 1st to the 4th of November magical stories will be presented in Arktikum, Rovaniemi (Pohjoisranta 4).

Working for the new UArctic thematic network on migration

Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland, Nordregio, University of Akureyri and The Chiba University organized the Migration in the Arctic workshop on the 19th of September 2016 in Stockholm. The goal was to share the knowledge and expertise in migration and to establish a research group on Arctic Migration under the thematic network status of UArctic.

What if? Photo exhibition visualizes the imagined impacts of climate change

In the Arctic, average temperatures are rising due to climate change almost twice as fast as in the rest of the world, but what does it mean for Arctic communities and nature? The photo exhibition Nanoq – Imag(in)ing Climate Change by Ilona Mettiäinen in Rovaniemi, Arktikum Science Centre visualizes some imaginary, possible and even impossible worlds that may result from climate change. Through displaying a polar bear figure in different natural environments, the exhibition challenges to think about the consequences of climate change and asks: what if?

First ever UArctic Congress in St. Petersburg

From September 12 to 16, St. Petersburg State University hosts the first ever UArctic Congress, the University of the Arctic’s largest meeting to date – with over five hundred participants. The UArctic Congress 2016 includes a science section with over 250 oral and poster presentations and world-renowned keynote speakers from across the circumpolar world. In addition, UArctic’s various governance and organizational bodies will convene together to expand cooperation in higher education and science in northern regions.

The new book addresses the human security challenges of indigenous peoples

The new book addresses different aspects of human security challenges facing the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and sub-Arctic region, including Ainu, Inuit, Nenets, Sámi and the Mongolian indigenous peoples. The book highlights the increased changes of natural and social environment and their effects on the indigenous peoples of the region, in particular on the effects concerning their unique and nature-based livelihood practices.

Seminar on food security in the Barents region

Open seminar on “Globalization and Food Security in the Barents region” will be arranged in Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland (Arktikum, Pohjoisranta 4, Rovaniemi) on Tuesday, 16th August2016 at 9.30–12.40. In the afternoon there will be meeting for invited stakeholders.

Public lectures on climate intervention to be held in Rovaniemi and Sodankylä

Climate intervention (also climate engineering, geoengineering) means deliberate, man-made strategies for reducing global temperatures by utilizing different technologies; for instance by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it, or by increasing the amount of sunlight being reflected back into space. Climate intervention does not, however, replace the need to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Universities from Bangladesh and Finland address a refugee's security issues in a seminar

Hundreds of thousands Rohingya refugees are fully outside from all the aid schemes and are fallen on a continuous threat of food insecurity in the Bangladesh border. There is an emergency needs of protracted displacement of Rohingyas in Asia and create sustainable strategy for rethinking Rohingya issues. The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland, Finland and the Faculty of Law at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh will organize common human rights seminar September 2016 in cooperation with several human rights institutions and Universities in Bangladesh to disseminate knowledge and best practices among a wider audience.

Arctic herbivore diversity is mostly determined by plants and predators

Diversity patterns of Arctic herbivores are only partly determined by temperature; interactions with plants and predators are more important. The diversity of herbivores varies across the Arctic, and until now, no one knew whether this was shaped by physical environmental factors, like temperature, or biotic factors, such as plant productivity.

Programme for the Everyday life in the Arctic Symposium published

The University of Lapland will organize the sixth Northern Political Economy symposium in September 8th-9th 2016 in Rovaniemi, Finland. The symposium will discuss Arctic everyday life and various tactics of tackling changes in it.

Diving into the Arctic diet of meat

Get inspired by Inuit ice cream, be surprised of fat percentage of caribou meat and be startled by the smell of dried fish. Welcome to enjoy some Arctic aromas in Nam nam, the new temporary exhibition of the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland.

Call for papers: Everyday life in the Arctic Symposium

The University of Lapland will organize the sixth Northern Political Economy symposium in September 8th-9th 2016 in Rovaniemi, Finland. The symposium will discuss Arctic everyday life and various tactics of tackling changes in it.

Northern Impressions photo show opens the new exhibition in Arktikum

Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland organizes Barents Café on Thursday 12th May at 5 PM about impressionistic nature photography. Northern Impressions is the nature photo cooperation project by Irma Varrio and Ari-Matti Nikula, presenting the Nordic nature with an impressionistic twist.

Antarctic Ice Sheet will play important role in sea level rise

Research Professor John Moore from the Arctic Centre is leading a new project, where a computer model of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is used to simulate its behaviour in response to changing climate.

Open lecture: China's policy development towards the Arctic governance

Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law (NIEM) at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, is organizing Study Circle lecture on China's policy development towards the Arctic governance in April 14th. The guest lecturer of the Study Circle is Dr. Baozhi Cheng from Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), China.

Information on human and fundamental rights related research will be collected from researchers

The Human Rights Centre (HRC) is creating a report on human and fundamental rights related research in Finland for the first time. The information will be collected using an online survey, which will target all researchers in Finland.

A major China-Nordic Arctic Cooperation Symposium in Rovaniemi

The fourth China-Nordic Arctic Cooperation Symposium will be organized in Rovaniemi June 6th-9th 2016 with the theme "The Sustainable Arctic – Opportunities and Challenges of Globalization". The Symposium is expected to gather a large number of Chinese and Nordic scholars, policymakers and other stakeholders. Also an official delegation from China will attend the event and the business roundtable to be organized during the Symposium.

Indigeneity in Waiting: Elusive Rights and the Power of Hope

The research project Indigeneity in Waiting: Elusive Rights and the Power of Hope views legal and institutional advances concerning indigenous peoples, and the promise of such advances, as an integral part of the ways in which political power is exercised today.

What is happening with permafrost greenhouse gas releases?

Arctic Centre research professor Bruce Forbes has taken part in an expert assessment, published in Environmental Research Letters on 7 March 2016. The results go to the core of Arctic related climate discussion: what is actually happening with permafrost greenhouse gas releases? Are we talking about a tipping point, a time bomb or what?

Arctic Voices explore the realities of living close to extractive industries

Professor Florian Stammler from the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, has co-edited the Arctic Voices issue of an international journal The Extractive Industries and Society. The issue explore the expectations, narratives and the realities of living with extractive industries in the far north.

Nature Photos of the Year exhibition in Arktikum

The Nature Photos of the Year exhibition arrived in Arktikum Science Centre. The exhibition will be open from 15th March to 17th April 2016 from Tuesday to Sunday at 10 AM – 6 PM.

Grant for the EU’s Arctic policy research

Adam Stepien from the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland has received a grant of EUR 16.000 from the Finnish Cultural Foundation for the final stage of work on his doctoral dissertation titled “The European Union’s Arctic policy as a region-focused coherence-making practice”. The grant covers in particular work towards developing policy instruments and policy ideas enhancing the EU’s procedural coherence in the Arctic.

Arktikum Science Centre’s new exhibition stands short

Do you know what is a ‘spruce’s ass’? Or why the mountain ash has been considered as a sacred tree? The story of the trees in the Arctic is told in Standing short, the new exhibition of the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland. Welcome to learn wooden facts, see delightful illustrations, hug a tree and laugh at some silly jokes.

Map exhibition: Glory with a death on your heels

What did the Great North look like from the southern point of view hundreds of years ago? From whose point of view history is written? Is the land really found only when a white man discovers it? These big questions are aroused in the new exhibition of Arktikum Science Centre, Rovaniemi.