Issue 7, Spring 2018
POLAR UPdate
(PDF version)
POLAR and Nordic Partners Launch Research Exchanges
POLAR has launched exchanges for early-career researchers with its partners in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, to enhance research opportunities in Canada's Arctic and to increase collaboration with the international research community. The Canada-Sweden and Canada-Denmark Arctic Research Station Early Career Scientist Exchange Programs will enable scientists to do research at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) campus and either the Abisko station in northern Sweden or Arctic Station in Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland. Through the Canada-Finland Bioenergy Researcher Exchange, bioenergy scientists will have the opportunity to do research at Yukon College, in Whitehorse, Yukon, and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) in Joensuu, Finland.
in Sweden
Joensuu, Finland
Arctic Policy Framework
POLAR is actively involved in the co-development process of Canada’s new Arctic Policy Framework, which will replace Canada’s Northern Strategy and the Statement on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy. Along with the National Research Council, POLAR is co-chairing the Arctic science and Indigenous knowledge section of the Arctic Policy Framework and has been participating in regional roundtable sessions across the North to hear from northerners about their needs and priorities for the future of Canada’s Arctic.
POLAR at the Kitikmeot Trade Show
POLAR participated actively in the 19th annual Kitikmeot Trade Show, held in Cambridge Bay from February 12 to 14, 2018, which brought together businesses and other organizations operating in the region. POLAR President and CEO, David Scott, gave a presentation at the Trade Show, and staff engaged with participants at the POLAR booth and at the Trade Show’s various events - making new connections and reinforcing existing ones.
Northern Scientific Training Program
POLAR’s Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) management committee held their annual meeting in February to consider applications for research support from graduate students in northern studies from across the country, north and south. For the 2018-2019 field season the NSTP, which has been helping introduce students in the natural and social sciences to northern field research for over five decades, received 375 applications for a total of $916,000 in funding.
New publication will share POLAR knowledge
A new online periodical will share observations and knowledge generated by POLAR-supported scientific and technological research. Polar Knowledge: Aqhaliat will include articles written by POLAR-supported researchers and will also describe projects that mobilize research results to inform decision-making, as well as projects on research-related outreach, engagement and capacity building. Stay tuned for the first edition this summer!
Kitikmeot community-based monitoring meeting
From February 27 to March 1, 2018 POLAR and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) held a workshop on monitoring priorities and programming in the Kitikmeot Region, with representatives from Taloyoak, Gjoa Haven, Kugluktuk, and Cambridge Bay. This joint initiative, held at the CHARS campus, was a key first step for POLAR to understand local monitoring needs and priorities, and will provide guidance to INAC’s Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program. Among the topics discussed were developing Kitikmeot-wide monitoring priorities from local priorities, and building mutual understanding and respect into the research process. Participants agreed that similar meetings should be held regularly.
Arctic-Antarctic poster maps available
POLAR’s poster-maps of the circumpolar Arctic and Antarctic have been much in demand at the conferences, workshops, and other events. Copies can be obtained free of charge, while supplies last, by contacting POLAR at info@polar.gc.ca.
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