Integrated Arctic Studies Network

Project leader

Olga Bogolepova

Project participants

Vladislava Vladimirova (IRES)

Other participants are from: Museum of Evolution, Uppsala University, The Arctic University of Norway (Tromso), University of Copenhagen, University of Oslo, Murmansk Arctic State University, St Petersburg University, Polar Marine Geosurvey Expedition (St Petersburg), State Research and Production Enterprise „Geologorazvedka“, Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of Russia (St Petersburg).

Project period

2016-2017

Project description

Today, the Arctic Region has become a strategic arena for northern countries. Russia has significant plans for exploration and development of Arctic oil and gas fields. It is also an important resource for rare metal production, and experts predict this will become a major region of investment for Europe in the future. However, there is a part of the Arctic environment, i.e. local communities that will feel the impact of industrialization as much as nature. If the development of Arctic energy resources becomes a reality, local people and their livelihoods will be changed forever.

Our aim is to promote interdisciplinary, cross-cultural and thus comparative research in the Arctic. The main focus is on study of 1) geological evolution, past changes in geo and bio-diversity of the Arctic Region, mineral resources and sustainability, and 2) processes at the interface of human practices and nature in Arctic environments.

The three Nordic (Sweden, Denmark and Norway) and five Russian teams are involved in the project. Two working groups are established to allow academic interaction: 1. Arctic Earth sciences (basin evolution, deep structure, dynamics, seismicity, past changes in Arctic geo- and biodiversity, natural resource potential) and 2. Arctic social science (Arctic residence and change, governance and law, natural resources, their sustainable use, exploitation and development, social impact of research extraction).

By working with the different universities and organizations in the Nordic countries and Russia, we have a strong base to carry out interdisciplinary research and provide important services to the research community.

The Network will be the first step in order to prepare the establishment of a research programme on Integrated Arctic Studies.

Events