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October 6-8, 2026 | Reykjavík, Iceland
UArctic Thematic Network on Northern Tourism at the 34th Nordic Symposium for Tourism and Hospitality Research
| Hosted by the Icelandic Tourism Research Centre, the 34th Nordic Symposium for Tourism and Hospitality Research will feature sessions organized through UArctic’s Thematic Network on Northern Tourism. Topics include community-centered and place-based regenerative cultural tourism, employment conditions in the Arctic tourism sector, and new research on tourism work across northern destinations. | | Arctic Airborne Investigations and Research Project Takes Flight | | NOAA and partner scientists recently completed two successful field tests in the US Arctic merging new technologies and traditional ship surveys to assess real-time phytoplankton species distributions in response to surface warming. | | A New Launch Announcement, the Polar Observing Site Hub (POSH), is Now Available | | A new resource,the Polar Observing Site Hub (POSH), is now available. It compiles details from multiple observing inventories for over 50,000 research and monitoring sites, such as: stations, observatories, facilities, plots, moorings, platforms, community-based observations, and wherever repeat measurements have been made. | | Help shape the future of Arctic research, education and cooperation. UArctic invites its member institutions to nominate and host a UArctic Chair: a highly qualified academic who can serve as an international academic driver in their field of expertise. | | Commander of NATO's Arctic-focused Headquarters Sets Out Readiness Priorities as Security Landscape Changes | | "It is incredibly exciting. And what a privilege," British General Nick Perry emphasises to High North News as we speak with him about his new post as Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk. This is the NATO operational headquarters with regional responsibility for the Arctic, North Atlantic and the Nordic region. The British Army General assumed command of Joint Force Command (JFC) Norfolk in a change of command ceremony in late September aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. | | Shadow Fleet Traffic on Northern Sea Route Surges as Arctic Safety Concerns Grow | | The number of shadow-fleet vessels carrying Russian oil and LNG through the Northern Sea Route has surged this summer, according to a new analysis by Bellona’s Environmental Transparency Center, raising concerns about the ability to respond to accidents in one of the world’s most remote shipping environments. Bellona has identified more sanctioned oil tankers and LNG carriers on Russia’s Northern Sea Route in the first two months of the 2026 navigation season than during the whole of 2025, with many vessels lacking meaningful ice capability and information about accidents increasingly difficult to obtain. | | South Korea's Panstar Completes Arctic Container Trial Voyage At Impressive Speeds, But Business Case Remains Unclear | | A South Korean container ship has completed a roundtrip Northern Sea Route transit without an icebreaker escort, maintaining speeds comparable to those on the Pacific and European approaches. But the voyage sailed at only about 30% of capacity, lost eight hours to sea ice, and still faces questions over reliability and economics. | | |
October 8-10, 2026 | Reykjavík, Iceland
Arctic Circle Assembly
| The Arctic Circle Assembly, organized by Arctic Circle, brings together government officials, business leaders, researchers, policy experts, community representatives, and international organizations to discuss Arctic affairs. Topics include geopolitics, security, international cooperation, economic development, energy and natural resources, shipping and infrastructure, scientific research, environmental change, and issues affecting Arctic communities. | | |
NEW THIS WEEK | 4:30 pm AKT October 9, 2026 | Anchorage, Alaska USA
Perspectives on Food Affordability: Challenges and Policy Responses
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Food economists from the U.S. and Canada will discuss food affordability, food security, and policy responses. Audience questions and participation are encouraged.
This event is hosted by the University of Alaska Anchorage Rasmuson Chair of Economics, the University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research, and Commonwealth North.
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NEW THIS WEEK | October 11-16, 2026 | Banff, Canada
International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS)
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International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS) will bring together the international ice-core research community to explore the past, present, and future of the planet through ice-core science.
The conference will provide a forum for researchers and partners to share advances in ice-core research, strengthen international scientific collaboration, and discuss current and future priorities for understanding polar and global environmental systems.
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October 13-15, 2026 | Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Cold Seas, Critical Gaps
| Cold Seas, Critical Gaps will bring together Arctic communities, Indigenous Peoples, emergency-response professionals, industry, researchers and Arctic Council experts to examine preparedness for cruise and passenger vessel emergencies in Arctic and North Atlantic waters. Discussions will focus on current response capabilities, research gaps, prevention, preparedness and opportunities to strengthen international cooperation. | | |
NEW THIS WEEK | 9:00 CDT October 14, 2026 | Virtual
Understanding Solid Waste Management in the Arctic: Systems and Practices
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This webinar will examine how Arctic countries are addressing solid waste management challenges associated with remoteness, extreme conditions, and limited waste services. Experts from Canada, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland will discuss different management systems, structural and economic challenges, innovative approaches, and opportunities for international collaboration.
This event is hosted by the University of the Arctic (UArctic) Thematic Network on Solid Waste Management in the Arctic.
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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. | | |
NEW THIS WEEK | October 20-22, 2026 | Virtual
Understanding Solid Waste Management in the Arctic: Systems and Practices
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Atlantic Plastics 2026 will examine marine plastic pollution, including its sources and transport pathways, impacts on marine ecosystems and human health, and economic and social dimensions. The symposium will also address mitigation strategies, governance, and international efforts to reduce plastic pollution and protect the marine environment.
The event is hosted by the Government of Iceland.
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October 27-29, 2026 | Anchorage, Alaska USA
Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue
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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.
This event 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.
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October 28-29, 2026 | Baltimore, Maryland USA
Arctic & Antarctic Operations Symposium 2026
| Hosted by the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE), this professional symposium will bring together leaders and experts from government, the military, industry and academia to examine the engineering, technological and operational challenges associated with sustained operations in the Arctic and Antarctic. Discussions will focus on ice-capable vessels and icebreakers, communications, aircraft and underwater systems, emerging technologies, and the infrastructure needed to operate effectively in remote and demanding polar environments. The program will also address growing U.S. and international investment in polar capabilities and the role of collaboration in supporting national security, maritime safety, commerce, environmental stewardship, scientific research and resource management. | | |
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. | | |
NEW THIS WEEK | November 30- December 1, 2026 | Gothenburg, Sweden
Forum for the Arctic and Antarctic 2026
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The Forum for the Arctic and Antarctic 2026 will bring together researchers, early-career scientists, stakeholders, and government agencies to discuss Sweden’s preparations for the 5th International Polar Year and the future of Swedish polar research.
The event is hosted by the University of Gothenburg and organized in collaboration with the Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic at Luleå University of Technology, Arctic Centre at Umeå University, Bolin Centre for Climate Research at Stockholm University, Chalmers University of Technology, Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, and the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) Sweden.
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December 7-10, 2026 | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
ArcticNet's Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2026
| ArcticNet’s Annual Scientific Meeting brings together researchers, students, knowledge holders, policymakers, and other Arctic stakeholders to share current research and discuss issues affecting the North. Programming includes scientific sessions, networking opportunities, cultural activities, and interdisciplinary discussions designed to strengthen connections between research, communities, and decision-makers. | | |
December 7-11, 2026 | San Francisco, California USA
AGU: Annual Meeting
| Hosted by the American Geophysical Union, the 2026 AGU Annual Meeting covers research across the Earth and space sciences. Its Arctic-focused sessions will feature research on sea ice, permafrost, glaciers, oceans, atmospheric conditions, ecosystems, and freshwater systems, as well as the broader effects of Arctic change. | | |
January 25-29, 2027 | Anchorage, Alaska USA
2027 Alaska Marine Science Symposium
| The Alaska Marine Science Symposium brings together scientists, educators, resource managers, students, and members of the public to discuss current marine research in Alaskan waters. More than 700 participants typically attend, with programming that includes keynote presentations, scientific sessions, workshops, and poster presentations covering marine ecosystems, fisheries, ocean conditions, and other research relevant to Alaska and the Arctic. | | |
February 1-4, 2027 | Tromsø, Norway
2027 Arctic Frontiers
| The program connects science, policy, business, and Arctic communities, with an emphasis on knowledge-based dialogue, collaboration, and informed decision-making. Discussions will explore the growing global attention on the Arctic, the influence of information and disinformation, trust in science, and the importance of ensuring Arctic perspectives are represented as governments, researchers, industries, and communities make decisions affecting the region’s future. | | |
February 1-5, 2027 | Anchorage, Alaska USA
Alaska Forum 2027
| The Alaska Forum, formerly Alaska Forum on the Environment, brings together community leaders and operators — from industry, business, federal, state, and tribal governments across Alaska and the Arctic — for technical training, professional development, and collaboration on issues facing the region. Topics span energy, infrastructure and community resilience, emergency preparedness, fish and wildlife, subsistence, resource development, public health, water and wastewater, workforce capacity, and Arctic and coastal change. Sessions draw on technical expertise, Indigenous Knowledge, and direct experience from communities across Alaska and the Arctic. AF2027 takes place February 1–5, 2027, at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage. Join the conversations shaping Alaska and the Arctic. | | |
March 3-5, 2027 | Anchorage, Alaska USA
SAME Anchorage Post - Arctic Industry Forum 2027
| Hosted by the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Anchorage Post, the Arctic Industry Forum brings together senior leaders and practitioners to discuss national security priorities and infrastructure issues affecting the Arctic’s built and natural environments. | | |
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. | | |
June 3-4, 2027 | Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzebue), Alaska USA
Qikiqtaġruk ICCH19 Pre-Congress
| A pre-Congress session will be held above the Arctic Circle in Kotzebue, Alaska, with a focused agenda on syndemic infectious disease issues and research governance. | | |
June 6-8, 2027 | Anchorage, Alaska USA
International Congress on Circumpolar Health – (ICCH19)
| With 60 years of history, ICCH offers a forum for health professionals and students to exchange knowledge and strengthen partnerships. We welcome researchers, clinicians, policymakers, community stakeholders, indigenous leaders to participate in discussions about health topics affecting northern communities. | | 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. | | | | |