The Northern Research Forum at UNAK

University of Akureyri (photo: Auðunn Níelsson)

The Northern Research Forum at the University of Akureyri (NRF at UNAK) coordinates various Arctic activities in Iceland and internationally, both within and outside of the University. Based at UNAK, the NRF is a part of the University and operated from there, in line with the University’s agenda.

The NRF at UNAK strives to increase interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration in the Arctic and to improve the livelihoods of Arctic communities. The forum serves as an international platform for an effective dialogue between members of the research community and a wide range of stakeholders from civil society, politics, business, and local communities.

Main activities

Main activities of the NRF include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Overseeing and implementing the NRF Fellows Program
  • Administering UNAK’s bilateral or multilateral Arctic cooperation activities, including the Nansen professorship;
  • Aiding NRF Fellows in supporting the work of the Arctic Council working groups;
  • Supporting the presence of UNAK participants at the Arctic Circle Assemblies;
  • Convening regular consultation meetings between researchers and specialists in Arctic matters affiliated with UNAK, as well as receiving visitors, organising visits, and being UNAK’s contact in Arctic matters;
  • Facilitating and promoting UNAK’s participation in the UArctic network.

NRF Fellows Program

The NRF at UNAK coordinates a fellows program, which supports Arctic research and other Arctic-related activities that are carried out at the University. The Fellows are committed to the NRF and give visibility to the NRF and its activities, at the University of Akureyri and in the international science community.

The NRF Fellows Program consists of three categories:

  • Honorary Fellows are experienced and respected state and local government practitioners, as well as distinguished international civil society, business, academic, and indigenous leaders, both from Iceland and abroad.
  • Senior Fellows are senior researchers and scholars, both from Iceland and abroad, whose publications have made a significant contribution to Arctic-related research and methodology.
  • Research Fellows are master’s and doctoral students, predoctoral researchers, and postdoctoral researchers (generally those who have received their degree within the past five years). Priority may be given to students of UNAK, or UNAK affiliates.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, as they are received. The NRF Fellows Program recognizes outstanding academic achievements as well as other achievements and activities valued by the wider society. Qualified candidates may be eligible for Fellowship status based on selection criteria.

Please contact the NRF Secretariat for more information.