Forum for Arctic and Antarctic Research 2026 is a national meeting place for researchers, policymakers, funding bodies and other stakeholders engaged in polar issues. The forum provides an opportunity to discuss current challenges, emerging research priorities and future directions for Arctic and Antarctic research, while strengthening collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Through presentations, panel discussions and networking activities, participants can exchange knowledge, build new partnerships and contribute to shaping the future of Swedish polar research. The event welcomes both established and early-career researchers, as well as representatives from government agencies, industry and civil society. The overall aim is to foster dialogue between science and society and to strengthen the role of research in addressing pressing environmental, social and geopolitical challenges in the polar regions.
Side meeting
APECS Pre-Conference Event
A pre-conference event arranged by the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) Sweden, inviting ECR researchers to listen to input from different research fields and discuss ECR priorities for the upcoming IPY. The event will cover topics such as effects of climate change on polar natural resources, critical food supply chains, and communities that depend on them.
08:30 - 09:00 Registration for APECS participants
09:00 – 10:30 APECS Plenary session (in room Europa)
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee
11:00 – 12:15 APECS workshops (in Room Sydamerika and Antarktis)
11:30 - 12:00 Registration
12:00 - 13:15 Lunch
13:15 - 13:20 Opening Session
Welcome remarks and introduction to the Forum and its objectives.
13:20 – 13:30 Swedish Centre for Arctic and Antarctic (SCAA)
A presentation of SCAA, a new national platform bringing together researchers, universities, and stakeholders to advance Arctic and Antarctic research, education, and societal engagement. The centre aims to strengthen Sweden's leadership in polar science and foster collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
13:30 - 14:30 Inspiring Projects and Perspectives for IPY5
How do ambitious polar research ideas become successful international projects? The session opens with four short presentations on IPY-4 projects. What worked? What proved difficult? A moderated panel and audience Q&A will then explore what needs to happen now to build strong projects for IPY-5.
14:30 - 15:00 Coffee Break
15:00 - 15:45 Polar Research and Society
This session examines how polar research can strengthen engagement with Indigenous Peoples, national minorities, local communities, industry, and wider society.
15:45 – 16:15 Research Infrastructure, field operations and opportunities
An opportunity to learn more about Sweden's unique polar research infrastructure and the logistical capabilities that make world-leading research in the Arctic and Antarctic possible. The session will highlight current activities, future priorities, and opportunities for collaboration, while showcasing how the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat supports science from planning and field operations to international cooperation.
16:15-17:15 APECS Annual General Meeting
16:15 - 18:15 Poster Session and Networking Reception
Including a virtual reality exhibition highlighting the historical legacy of the Nordenskjöld Antarctic Expedition.
19:00 Conference Dinner at Kooperativet, Lindholmen Streetfood Market
Streetfood Market – Kooperativet
09:00 - 10:15 Emerging Polar Research Leaders
Early Career Researchers from Swedish universities present new research and emerging perspectives across disciplines relevant to Arctic and Antarctic science.
10:15 - 10:45 Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:30 National Polar Initiatives
An overview of major national initiatives shaping the future of Swedish polar research. Mats Björkman (BECC) shares lessons from 15 years of strategic research, while Johan Olofsson (SCIPolar) and Niklas Eklund (Totalförsvar i det nordliga rummet) present two new national research initiatives launching in 2027. Hans Linderholm introduces the vision for the new national polar research school, SEAL. The session offers insights into emerging opportunities for collaboration, training, and community building.
11:30 - 12:15 International Collaboration and Cooperation
An overview of opportunities for Swedish researchers to engage in international polar networks, research collaborations, and preparations for the 5th International Polar Year (IPY5).
12:15 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 14:30 Funding Opportunities for Future Polar Research
A strategic discussion on the evolving funding landscape for polar research in Sweden and internationally. Representatives from research funders, foundations, government agencies, and research policy organisations will discuss.
14:30 - 15:00 Coffee Break
15:00 - 15:45 The Arctic Council and Sweden's Arctic Engagement
Representatives from government agencies and Arctic Council activities discuss priorities during the upcoming Arctic Council Chairmanship and opportunities for engagement by the research community.
15:45 - 16:00 Closing reflections and next steps
For programme details, registration information and updates, please visit the conference website: https://www.gu.se/en/event/forum-for-arctic-and-antarctic-research-2026