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 presented 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.

The U.S. Coast Guard has given the green light to shipyards in Louisiana and Finland to start work on the first six new icebreaking Arctic Security Cutters. “Finalizing these contracts represents decisive action to guarantee American security in the Arctic,” said Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard.

A Japanese fisheries science research vessel from Hokkaido University was docked in the Port of Nome last week and welcomed local scientists and members of the press onboard on July 10 for a tour. The ship’s visit is supported by Arctic Challenge for Sustainability III, a program at Hokkaido University that works with researchers across all fields to contribute to sustainable development and conservation of the Arctic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.