U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), have introduced the Promoting Operational Leadership in Arctic and Antarctic Research (POLAR) Act, legislation that will permanently authorize the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) and reinforce NSF’s leadership and Alaska’s role in advancing U.S. interests in polar research and development through education, workforce development, and critical research infrastructure. The bill will strengthen the United States’ ability to observe, understand, and predict the physical, biological, and geological processes in polar regions by supporting informed decision-making, navigational safety, national security, and the long-term resilience of Alaska’s communities.

Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska on Kodiak Island could see up to 18 government launches over the next two years. That's after the U.S. Air Force recently awarded Rocket Lab, a California-based company, a $266 million contract for at least a dozen suborbital launches at the Narrow Cape facility.

The United States Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy teamed up in the Arctic in May 2026 to test advanced maritime drones in what U.S. Navy Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson called a “landmark moment.” The NATO Allies conducted nearly three weeks of training in Norway that included explosive ordnance disposal and the evaluation of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS). The exercises launched from Ramsund Naval Base, located about 209 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle — an area known for extreme cold, rugged terrain and challenging underwater conditions, according to the Stars and Stripes newspaper. The U.S. Navy said the “first-of-its-kind maneuvers” with Norway focused on the rapid deployment of RAS.

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.