INTERACT at Arctic Circle Assembly 2026: Shaping the Future of Arctic Research Access and Collaboration

We are in full swing preparing for the Arctic Circle Assembly 2026 in Reykjavík, where INTERACT will join partners and colleagues from across the polar community to discuss the future of Arctic research, access and collaboration.

With preparations for the 5th International Polar Year (IPY 2032–2033) gaining momentum, this year’s Assembly comes at an important time. INTERACT will be contributing to conversations on how research infrastructures, networks and access programmes can support the next generation of Arctic research and strengthen international collaboration. Here are the key activities INTERACT will be involved in:

Workshop: Co-designing an IPY Arctic Access Programme

On 9 October, INTERACT will host the workshop “Co-Designing an IPY Arctic Access Programme” at Harpa Conference Centre.

The workshop will bring together Arctic stakeholders and rights-holders to help shape a new International Polar Year Arctic Access Programme (IPY-AAP). The initiative aims to facilitate access to Arctic research infrastructures and their data, supporting research aligned with IPY and ICARP IV priorities.

Participants will explore key elements of a future access programme, including research priorities, eligibility and access, research ethics, governance, Indigenous Peoples and Early Career Researcher engagement, and public and private funding.

The initiative has received funding through the Call for IASC Cross-Cutting and Working Group Proposals 2026.

You can register your interest through this link.

Panel Discussion: “Arctic Networks for IPY: Building Capacity & Collaboration”

On 10 October, INTERACT and UArctic will co-organise the session “Arctic Networks for IPY: Building Capacity & Collaboration.”

Taking place from 18:05–19:00, the session will explore how Arctic networks can work together to maximise the impact of the 5th International Polar Year.

The discussion will bring together perspectives from across the Arctic community, examining opportunities for coordinated action, cross-sector collaboration and joint initiatives that can advance research, education and societal impact.

The speakers and panellists are:

• Elmer Topp-Jørgensen (INTERACT Coordinator)

• Gunnar Stefansson (UArctic Vice-President Research)

• Gareth Rees (IPY Task Group 4 Co-Lead, Polar Educators International & Scott Polar Research Institute)

• Gerlis Fugmann (IASC Secretary)

• Hannele Savela (POLARIN & INTERACT Access Coordinator)

• Sarah Strand (APECS Executive Director)

Meet INTERACT & POLARIN at the EU Polar Cluster Booth

Throughout the Arctic Circle Assembly, INTERACT will also be represented at the EU Polar Cluster booth, alongside other European polar research initiatives.

The booth will provide an opportunity to meet the INTERACT and POLARIN teams, learn more about research infrastructure and access opportunities, and connect with colleagues from across the polar community.

We look forward to seeing colleagues and partners in Reykjavík on 9–10 October 2026.

Photo: Catherine Moody