How can Arctic research networks, infrastructure and international collaboration help shape the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY)? This was the focus of two events organised by INTERACT and its partners at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, Iceland in October 2026.
Arctic researchers, Indigeneous organisations and other stakeholders came together to share ideas, explore opportunities and discuss how to work together in the lead-up to the Fifth International Polar Year.
Co-designing an IPY Arctic Access Programme
On 9 October, around 40 participants joined INTERACT's workshop, Co-designing an IPY Arctic Access Programme, at the Harpa Conference Centre.
The workshop brought together Arctic stakeholders and rights-holders to help shape a programme that would make it easier for researchers to access Arctic research infrastructure and data. The aim is to support research that contributes to the priorities of IPY and the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV).
The day began with introductory remarks from Matthew Druckenmiller, President of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), who presented the results of ICARP IV and outlined the next steps for putting its recommendations into action. Harald Steen from the Norwegian Polar Institute and the IPY Coordination Office then shared plans for the Coordination Office, which is expected to start operating in 2027.
Participants continued the discussion in small breakout groups, exploring what the programme could look like in practice. Topics included research priorities, access to infrastructure, eligibility, ethical guidelines, funding, coordination and governance.
An important part of the discussions focused on how to ensure meaningful involvement of Indigenous Peoples and early-career researchers in the programme, as well as how to create lasting benefits for Arctic research and communities.
The input gathered during the workshop will help shape a concept paper for the IPY Arctic Access Programme. A first draft is planned for late January 2027, followed by an online seminar where interested stakeholders can share further ideas and feedback. The results will be presented at Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2027, and the initiative will seek endorsement as an IPY project.
Connecting Arctic networks for IPY
The conversations continued on 10 October, when INTERACT and the University of the Arctic (UArctic) co-organised the panel discussion Arctic Networks for IPY: Building Capacity & Collaboration.
The session explored how major Arctic organisations are preparing for IPY and how their networks can work more closely together to strengthen research, education and wider societal impact.
The panel brought together perspectives from across the Arctic community:
Elmer Topp-Jørgensen, INTERACT Coordinator
Gunnar Stefansson, UArctic Vice-President Research
Gareth Rees, IPY Task Group 4 Co-Lead, Polar Educators International and Scott Polar Research Institute
Gerlis Fugmann, IASC Secretary
Hannele Savela, POLARIN and INTERACT Access Coordinator
Sarah Strand, APECS Executive Director
The discussion highlighted the value of connecting research, infrastructure, education and international cooperation. By working across organisations and sectors, Arctic networks have an opportunity to make a greater contribution to IPY and build collaborations that continue beyond the Polar Year itself.
INTERACT and UArctic are also renewing their Memorandum of Understanding, with an explicit commitment to join forces for IPY.
Looking ahead
The two events in Reykjavík were an opportunity to bring people together, exchange ideas and take practical steps towards stronger Arctic research collaboration.
From improving access to research infrastructure and data to connecting international networks, the discussions highlighted how much can be achieved by working together.
There is plenty more to come. INTERACT will continue working with partners and the wider Arctic community to develop the IPY Arctic Access Programme and support collaboration in the lead-up to the Fifth International Polar Year.
Interested in contributing to the next steps? Get in touch with INTERACT and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming developments and opportunities.
The initiative received funding through the 2026 Call for IASC Cross-Cutting and Working Group Proposals.
