Iceland's Centre for Arctic Issues

Central to the university’s 2024-2030 strategy is UNAK’s role as an Arctic university. Reflecting this focus, UNAK is one of the founding members of the University of the Arctic, and Iceland’s Arctic Policy (pdf) identifies Akureyri as the center for Icelandic knowledge and international expertise in circumpolar affairs. A framework of Arctic organisations has developed on the University campus creating a dynamic centre for Arctic monitoring, assessment, research, and policy initiatives.

Arctic studies

Arctic Issues

Arctic institutions in the university

Nansen professor

The Nansen professor is a guest professorship in Arctic studies at the University of Akureyri, jointly funded by Iceland and Norway.

Polar Law Programme

Polar law addresses the legal frameworks governing the Arctic and Antarctic, emphasizing international law, Indigenous rights, environmental law, governance, and economic aspects relevant to polar regions.

Stefansson Arctic Institute

International Arctic Research Institute at the University of Akureyri.

Icelandic Tourism Research Centre

The Icelandic Tourism Research Centre (ITRC) is a cooperative project between the University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri and Hólar University. The ITRC's aim is the improvement and promotion of tourism research in Iceland and strengthening the bonds of research and industry through domestic and international collaborative projects.

Arctic events

19.-20. May

Sjónaukinn 2025: Prosperity in Iceland

Annual Conference of the School of Health, Business, and Natural Sciences

14.-15. October

Arctic Workshop

UArctic Thematic Networks and UArctic Institute Leadership team meeting

22.-24. October

18th Polar Law Symposium

Indigenous Rights, Autonomy, Empowerment & Environment

View event calendar

Arctic organisations on the University campus

CAFF

Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) is the focal point for Arctic Council biodiversity and ecosystem activities. It addresses the conservation of Arctic biodiversity, and communicate its findings to the governments and residents of the Arctic, helping to promote practices which ensure the sustainability of the Arctic’s living resources.

IASC

The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) fosters international cooperation and interdisciplinary research to advance scientific understanding of the Arctic and its global impact.

PAME

Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) is the focal point of the Arctic Council’s activities related to the protection and sustainable use of the Arctic marine environment and provides a unique forum for collaboration on a wide range of activities in this regard.

IACN

The Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network was established to initiate, encourage, and facilitate Icelandic and international cooperation on Arctic issues.

Arctic Research

Fulbright Arctic Initiative IV

Fulbright Arctic IV (2024-2026) fosters international collaboration on Arctic security through research, policy development, and academic cooperation among Arctic nations.

Stronger Arctic Research in Iceland

The project strengthens collaboration among Icelandic universities, enhancing Arctic research capacity, addressing climate challenges, and fostering international scientific cooperation for sustainable solutions.

NACEMAP

Northern and Arctic Communities Emergency Management and Preparedness - strengthens resilience in Northern communities through self-assessment, planning, and collaboration to improve emergency response and post-disaster recovery.

WAGE

A case study in South Greenland investigates social and economic inequalities in Nanortalik, Narsaq, and Qaqortoq. The research focuses on internal structures, issues, and challenges in the Arctic region that perpetuate power imbalances and unequal economic outcomes.

More Arctic Research

Thomas Barry

Welcome to the Centre for Arctic Issues in Iceland! I’m thrilled to introduce you to our work and community. The University of Akureyri has long been committed to advancing Arctic research and collaboration.

460 8028 tom@unak.is