INTERACT at Arctic Science Summit Week 2026

Planning is well underway for Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2026, taking place in Aarhus, Denmark from 25 March to 1 April. The annual summit brings together the international Arctic research community to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and shape future research priorities.

This year, INTERACT will be actively contributing to a range of sessions and events throughout the week, highlighting its role in supporting access to research infrastructures and fostering international cooperation in polar science.

INTERACT at ASSW 2026

Members of the INTERACT team attending this year’s summit include:

• Vanessa Spadetto – INTERACT Project Manager

• Hannele Savela – INTERACT Access Coordinator

• Elmer Topp-Jørgensen – INTERACT Coordinator

• Terry Callaghan – Founder of INTERACT (attending on 29 March)

Throughout the week, the team will take part in sessions covering research coordination, access to infrastructure, collaboration opportunities, and the long-term impact of polar research.

Sessions and events

• INTERACT & POLARIN Booth
  25–31 March 2026
  Meet the team and learn more about research infrastructures, monitoring activities, and collaboration opportunities across the Arctic, Boreal and Alpine regions.

• Welcome & Plenary Session
  29 March 2026 | 08:30–09:30 (CEST) | Hybrid
  Plenary keynote by Terry Callaghan on the importance of sustained Arctic observations.

• Forum of Arctic Research Operators (FARO) Annual Meeting
  26 March 2026 | Hybrid
  INTERACT presentation by Elmer Topp-Jørgensen on collaborative research and infrastructure coordination.

• POLARIN Community Networking and New Research Opportunities
  28 March 2026 | 10:00–12:00 (CET) | Onsite
  Co-organised by Vanessa Spadetto and Hannele Savela, focusing on collaboration and access opportunities.

• Workshop: Science under pressure?
  28 March 2026 | 13:30–18:00 (CET) | Hybrid
  Vanessa Spadetto contributing to discussions on research conditions and planning towards the 5th International Polar Year.

• Workshop: Polar Science Beyond Projects - Legacy, Policy and Impact
  29 March 2026 | 08:00–12:00 (CEST) | Hybrid
  Hannele Savela contributing to discussions on project legacy and impact, sharing insights from INTERACT and POLARIN access programmes.

Strengthening collaboration in Arctic research

ASSW provides an important platform for bringing together researchers, policymakers and infrastructure operators. Sessions such as the Forum of Arctic Research Operators (FARO) meeting, POLARIN networking events, and workshops on the future of polar research contribute to improving coordination, sharing knowledge, and addressing key challenges facing the Arctic research community.

By participating in these discussions, INTERACT continues to support open, coordinated and accessible research across the Arctic, helping to maximise the impact of scientific efforts in a rapidly changing region.

Connect with us

If you are attending ASSW 2026, we warmly invite you to connect with the INTERACT team. Whether you are interested in developing project ideas, creating access programmes, or exploring partnership opportunities, we would be delighted to start a conversation.