arctic-update.jpg

July 14, 2026

today.jpg

NEW THIS WEEK | July 14-17, 2026 | Aspen, Colorado USA

Aspen Security Forum

The Aspen Security Forum, presented by the Aspen Strategy Group, brings together government officials, military leaders, intelligence professionals, academics, journalists, and private-sector experts to discuss national security and foreign policy issues.

Those interested can register for the free livestream through the Aspen Security Forum website. If you are unable to watch live, recordings of the sessions will be available afterward on the Aspen Security Forum website and YouTube channel.


US Arctic Research Commission Chairman Thomas Dans will present on July 17 on the topic: "The Arctic: High North, Higher Stakes."


The 2026 agenda includes discussions on strategic competition, transatlantic security, Indo-Pacific affairs, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, energy security, defense innovation, intelligence, economic resilience, and the future of international alliances. The program is designed to provide participants with perspectives from government, industry, academia, and the media on issues shaping national and international security policy.

in-the-news.jpg

How a 200-Year-Old Whale Could Hold the Clues to Beating Cancer

The bowhead whale is, by every biological calculation, the perfect breeding ground for cancer. It weighs over 80,000 kilograms and lives for more than 200 years — more cells, more divisions, more time for genetic damage to accumulate than almost any other creature on Earth. Yet, it is one of the least cancer-prone animals alive.

Patterned Frozen Soils Get Their Shape From Gravity and Funky Physics

Hillslopes in Arctic regions with frozen soils can host a suite of geometric patterns, from circles and stripes to polygonal patterned ground. They can also have solifluction patterns, or markings left behind when partially thawed permafrost slips and flows down a slope. Solifluction patterns look like pairings of flat, terraced soil—like a big staircase—and rounded lobes of soil at the terrace's base.

events.jpg

August 24-25, 2026 | Luleå, Sweden

ARCTIC ENERGY SUMMIT 2026: Arctic Energy Futures in an Era of Volatility: The End of Business as Usual?

The Arctic Energy Summit is an international forum that brings together government officials, utilities, industry leaders, researchers, and economic development professionals to discuss energy security, infrastructure, emerging technologies, investment, and economic growth across Arctic and northern regions. The conference focuses on practical solutions for reliable, affordable, and resilient energy systems while fostering collaboration on topics such as critical minerals, transportation, innovation, workforce development, and regional competitiveness.

October 15, 2026 | Boulder, Colorado USA

Greenhouse Gases Up Close at INSTAAR: Public talk, expert panel, & lab tours

Learn about the INSTAAR measurement program & tour the radiocarbon & stable isotope labs. This is part of Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research’s (INSTAAR) 75th Anniversary seminars.

October 27-29, 2026 | Anchorage, Alaska USA

Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue

The Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue (ASDD), hosted by the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, brings together military leaders, government officials, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and international partners to discuss security issues affecting the Arctic. The dialogue focuses on topics such as defense capabilities, homeland security, military readiness, technology, infrastructure, and cooperation among Arctic nations and allies. Through presentations, panel discussions, and working sessions, participants share information, discuss emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for coordination on Arctic security and defense priorities.


Early registration for ASDD 2026 will open in June, and it is by invitation only. This event is not open to the media.  Due to the size constraints of the venue, early registration is encouraged. If you would like more information, please contact us at TSC-Engagements@groups.af.mil.

November 5-9, 2026 | Sitka, Alaska USA

Whalefest

Hosted by the Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka WhaleFest brings together scientists, educators, artists, conservation leaders, and community members to explore marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and coastal culture through public presentations, wildlife experiences, educational programming, and community events focused on the North Pacific environment.

March 8-12, 2027 | Leipzig, Germany

Drivers and Impacts of a Changing Arctic

SAVE THE DATE! The Joint (AC)3 - MOSAiC Conference 2027 (JAMC27) offers a forum for open, multi-disciplinary scientific exchange on the overarching theme of "Drivers and Impacts of a Changing Arctic." The international polar research community is invited to present and discuss scientific results achieved over the past decade, including findings from (AC)3, MOSAiC, and other Arctic research activities. Conference goals are to synthesize recent advances, inform future research actions, and enhance societal uptake of research outcomes. Abstract submission will open in October 2026.

March 16-18, 2027 | Nuuk, Greenland

Arctic Biodiversity Summit

Hosted by the Arctic Council as part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship program, the Arctic Biodiversity Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, youth leaders, and other Arctic stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation across the Arctic region. The summit is intended to serve as a strategic platform for advancing knowledge exchange, supporting sustainable development, and helping transform scientific and Indigenous knowledge into action-oriented policy and conservation efforts focused on protecting Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations.

USARC.jpg
Facebook      X

External links in this publication, and on the USARC's World Wide Web site (www.arctic.gov) do not constitute an endorsement by the US Arctic Research Commission of external Web sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities, the USARC does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. These links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this newsletter and the USARC website.