Scotland’s Research & Higher Education Role and Contribution in a Changing Arctic Environment: Final Report

Over the years, strong educational and research links have been established between Scotland and the Arctic. The scope of Arctic research in Scotland extends beyond natural and physical sciences to the humanities and social sciences, with politics, law, environment, energy development and economics gaining increasing prominence in recent years. Yet, despite the many research strengths of Scotland-based institutions, much of the Scottish research community remains fragmented. This report is a consolidation of findings from discussions between Scotland-based researchers during a series of network events titled “Scotland’s Role and Contribution in a Changing Arctic Environment”. The network series aimed to lay the foundation for consolidating Scottish expertise in Arctic matters and building a network for more consistent involvement of Scottish institutions in international research with Arctic nations.

To galvanise the strengths that Scottish-based institutions have to offer to the Arctic and vice-versa, Glasgow Caledonian University, in partnership with the University of the Highlands Islands and the University of Aberdeen (the three Scottish members of the University of the Arctic, or UArctic at the time), held a series of 9 themed network events and 2 consolidation events in February and March 2021. The Scottish Government’s Nordic and Arctic Unit provided financial support for the series.